A2 Dutch GrammarReflexive Verbs
Learn to use reflexive verbs in Dutch with reflexive pronouns (zich, me, je). Reflexive verbs describe actions where the subject acts upon itself, such as washing yourself or feeling happy. Master the correct pronoun forms and word order for natural Dutch speech.
1Reflexive Pronouns
Dutch reflexive pronouns change based on the subject. The pronoun 'zich' is used for third person singular and plural, while other persons have their own forms. These pronouns come after the conjugated verb in main clauses. In Dutch, reflexive pronouns have both stressed and unstressed forms.
Reflexive Pronouns
| Subject | Unstressed | Stressed | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| ik | me | mezelf | myself |
| jij/je | je | jezelf | yourself |
| u | zich | uzelf | yourself (formal) |
| hij/zij/het | zich | zichzelf | himself/herself/itself |
| wij/we | ons | onszelf | ourselves |
| jullie | je | jezelf | yourselves |
| zij | zich | zichzelf | themselves |
Examples
Ik was me elke ochtend.
I wash myself every morning.
me = unstressed reflexive pronoun
Hij scheert zich voor het ontbijt.
He shaves (himself) before breakfast.
zich = third person reflexive
Wij vermaken ons op het feest.
We enjoy ourselves at the party.
ons = first person plural reflexive
Je moet jezelf niet vergelijken.
You shouldn't compare yourself.
jezelf = stressed form for emphasis
2Common Reflexive Verbs
Many Dutch verbs are reflexive that aren't in English. Some verbs are always reflexive, while others become reflexive to express doing something to oneself. Daily routines and emotions often use reflexive constructions. The verb conjugates normally while the pronoun stays constant for each subject.
Common Reflexive Verbs
| Dutch | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| zich wassen | to wash oneself | Ik was me |
| zich aankleden | to get dressed | Zij kleedt zich aan |
| zich voelen | to feel | Hij voelt zich goed |
| zich herinneren | to remember | Ik herinner me |
| zich vergissen | to be mistaken | Je vergist je |
Examples
Ik kleed me snel aan.
I get dressed quickly.
zich aankleden = separable + reflexive
Zij voelt zich vandaag niet lekker.
She doesn't feel well today.
zich voelen = to feel (emotional/physical)
Herinner je je die film?
Do you remember that movie?
zich herinneren = always reflexive
Ik vergis me nooit.
I never make mistakes.
zich vergissen = to be wrong/mistaken
3Word Order with Reflexive Verbs
In main clauses, the reflexive pronoun comes directly after the conjugated verb. In questions, it follows the subject. In subordinate clauses, the pronoun comes after the subject. With separable verbs, the pronoun stays with the conjugated part while the prefix goes to the end.
Word Order Patterns
| Sentence Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Statement | Subject + Verb + Pronoun | Ik was me |
| Question | Verb + Subject + Pronoun | Was je je? |
| Subordinate | ... dat + Subject + Pronoun + Verb | ... dat ik me was |
| Separable | Subject + Verb + Pronoun + Prefix | Ik kleed me aan |
Examples
Zij herinnert zich de vakantie.
She remembers the vacation.
pronoun after verb in statement
Voelt u zich goed?
Do you feel well? (formal)
pronoun after subject in question
Ik weet dat hij zich vergist.
I know that he is mistaken.
pronoun after subject in subordinate clause
De kinderen gedragen zich goed.
The children behave well.
zich gedragen = to behave
4Reflexive vs Non-Reflexive Use
Some verbs can be used both reflexively and non-reflexively with different meanings. When reflexive, the action is directed at oneself. When non-reflexive, there's a separate object. Understanding this distinction helps choose the correct construction and convey the intended meaning.
Reflexive vs Non-Reflexive
| Reflexive | Meaning | Non-Reflexive | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ik was me | I wash myself | Ik was de auto | I wash the car |
| Hij kleedt zich aan | He dresses himself | Hij kleedt het kind aan | He dresses the child |
| Zij droogt zich af | She dries herself | Zij droogt de borden af | She dries the dishes |
| Ik vermaak me | I enjoy myself | Ik vermaak de gasten | I entertain the guests |
Examples
Ik scheer me elke dag.
I shave (myself) every day.
reflexive: action on oneself
De kapper scheert de klant.
The barber shaves the customer.
non-reflexive: action on someone else
Het kind verstopt zich achter de bank.
The child hides behind the couch.
reflexive: hiding oneself
Zij verstopt de cadeaus.
She hides the presents.
non-reflexive: hiding objects