Dutch grammar: wederkerende voornaamwoorden

What this grammar point covers

Reflexive pronouns in Dutch are words like 'me', 'je', 'zich' that refer back to the subject of the sentence. They are used with reflexive verbs, where the action is done to oneself.

When to use it

Use reflexive pronouns in Dutch when the subject does something to itself, for example when washing, dressing, or introducing oneself. Many daily activities use these pronouns.

Key forms

• me (ik was me)
• je (jij wast je)
• zich (hij/zij/het wast zich)
• ons (wij wassen ons)
• jullie (jullie wassen jullie)
• zich (zij wassen zich)

Examples

Tips

• Remember to use the correct reflexive pronoun for each subject.
• Some verbs are always reflexive in Dutch, even if they are not in your language.
• Do not confuse 'zich' (reflexive) with 'elkaar' (each other).

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs can be reflexive or not, depending on the meaning (e.g. 'veranderen' vs 'zich veranderen').
• For the formal 'u', use 'zich' (U wast zich).