Reflexive Verben
Reflexive Verben — for English Speakers
Introduction
German has many more reflexive verbs than English. While English says 'I wash' (myself is optional), German requires 'Ich wasche mich.' Many verbs that are reflexive in German aren't in English: 'sich freuen' (to be happy), 'sich erinnern' (to remember), 'sich treffen' (to meet). The reflexive pronoun must match the subject and be in the right case.
German vs English
In German
Ich wasche mich. (I wash myself)
In English
I wash (myself). — 'myself' is usually dropped in English
Key Difference
German always requires the reflexive pronoun; English often drops it.
In German
sich freuen = to be happy/glad (reflexive in German)
In English
'to be happy' — not reflexive at all in English
Key Difference
Many German reflexive verbs have non-reflexive English equivalents.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
Ich erinnere das.
Dropping the reflexive pronoun because English 'I remember' has no reflexive element.
Er freut.
Omitting 'sich' because English 'he is happy' doesn't use a reflexive structure.
Practice Examples
Ich freue mich auf das Wochenende.
I'm looking forward to the weekend.
Wir treffen uns morgen.
We're meeting (each other) tomorrow.
Er fühlt sich gut.
He feels good.
Memory Tip
When you see 'sich' in the dictionary, it's non-negotiable — you MUST include the reflexive pronoun every time.
View Grammar Rule
Reflexive Verben
Reflexive Verben — A2
Practice Exercises
Reflexive Verben Übungen
8 exercises
Other Languages
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