Reflexive Verben grammar in German

Language: German
Level: B1
Unit: Verbformen und Gebrauch
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

Reflexive verbs in German are verbs that use a reflexive pronoun (like 'myself', 'yourself' in English). The action comes back to the subject. In German, these verbs are used with 'sich' and its forms.

When to use it

Use reflexive verbs in German when the subject does something to itself, for daily routines, feelings, or when the verb always needs a reflexive pronoun.

Key forms

ich wasche mich
du erinnerst dich
er/sie/es freut sich
wir setzen uns
ihr beeilt euch
sie interessieren sich

Examples

Ich dusche mich jeden Morgen.

English: I shower (myself) every morning.

Er freut sich auf den Urlaub.

English: He is looking forward to the vacation.

Wir treffen uns um acht Uhr.

English: We meet (each other) at eight o'clock.

Setzt euch bitte!

English: Please sit down!

Sie interessiert sich für Musik.

English: She is interested in music.

Tips

Remember to use the correct reflexive pronoun that matches the subject (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich).
Some verbs are always reflexive in German, even if they aren't in English.
The reflexive pronoun usually comes right after the verb.

Exceptions and edge cases

Some verbs can be reflexive or not, depending on the meaning (e.g., 'sich setzen' vs. 'setzen').
With some body parts, use the definite article, not a possessive (e.g., 'Ich wasche mir die Hände.').