Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive pronouns show that the subject is also the object of the action, and they must agree with the subject in person and number. In German, the reflexive pronoun usually appears right after the verb or in the second position in the sentence.

Reflexive verbs are listed with the particle sich and they require a reflexive pronoun when used in a sentence. The infinitive form will include sich to signal that the verb is reflexive.

Whether you use the accusative or dative reflexive pronoun depends on the verb and whether there is a second object; some verbs take a dative pronoun for the person and an accusative for a thing. Learn each verb's typical pattern to know which reflexive pronoun to use.

Common reflexive verbs include everyday actions like getting up, washing, and dressing, and they all require the appropriate reflexive pronoun to sound natural. Practice sentences with these verbs to internalize their use in context.

Reflexive verbs describe actions done to oneself and always use a matching reflexive pronoun like mich, dich, or sich. Pay attention to whether the verb requires the pronoun in the accusative or dative case, and learn common reflexive verbs to make your speech sound natural.