Ik was me elke ochtend.
English: I wash myself every morning.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Voornaamwoorden
- Practice types
- 0
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
Zij schaamt zich voor haar fout.
English: She is ashamed of her mistake.
Wij vergissen ons soms.
English: We are sometimes mistaken.
Jullie haasten jullie naar school.
English: You (plural) hurry to school.
Hij herinnert zich de afspraak niet.
English: He does not remember the appointment.
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).