A2 Norwegian GrammarReflexive Verbs
Learn how to use Norwegian reflexive verbs with the pronoun 'seg' (oneself). Reflexive verbs describe actions where the subject acts upon themselves, such as washing, dressing, or feeling. Master the reflexive pronouns for all persons and common reflexive verb patterns.
1Reflexive Pronouns
Norwegian reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence. For first and second person, the regular object pronouns are used (meg, deg, oss, dere). For third person singular and plural, the special reflexive pronoun 'seg' is used. This is a key difference from English.
Reflexive Pronouns by Person
| Person | Subject | Reflexive | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st sing. | jeg | meg | Jeg vasker meg. |
| 2nd sing. | du | deg | Du kler på deg. |
| 3rd sing. | han/hun/det | seg | Hun ser seg i speilet. |
| 1st plur. | vi | oss | Vi koser oss. |
| 2nd plur. | dere | dere | Dere setter dere ned. |
| 3rd plur. | de | seg | De forbereder seg. |
Examples
Jeg barberer meg hver morgen.
I shave (myself) every morning.
meg = myself (1st person)
Du må skynde deg!
You must hurry (yourself)!
deg = yourself (2nd person)
Han kler på seg.
He gets dressed.
seg = himself (3rd person)
De koser seg på festen.
They are enjoying themselves at the party.
seg = themselves (3rd plural)
2Common Reflexive Verbs
Many Norwegian verbs are inherently reflexive and always require a reflexive pronoun. Some verbs can be used both reflexively and non-reflexively with different meanings. Common reflexive verbs include daily routines, feelings, and movement verbs.
Essential Reflexive Verbs
| Infinitive | Meaning | Category |
|---|---|---|
| å vaske seg | to wash (oneself) | Daily routine |
| å kle på seg | to get dressed | Daily routine |
| å føle seg | to feel | Feelings |
| å glede seg | to look forward to | Feelings |
| å sette seg | to sit down | Movement |
| å legge seg | to lie down / go to bed | Movement |
Examples
Barna vasker seg før middag.
The children wash (themselves) before dinner.
Daily routine verb
Jeg føler meg trøtt i dag.
I feel tired today.
føle seg = to feel (emotion/state)
Vi gleder oss til ferien.
We are looking forward to the vacation.
glede seg til = look forward to
Hun legger seg klokka ti.
She goes to bed at ten o'clock.
legge seg = go to bed
3Reflexive vs Non-Reflexive Usage
Some verbs change meaning depending on whether they are used reflexively or not. 'Vaske' means 'to wash something' but 'vaske seg' means 'to wash oneself'. Understanding this distinction is crucial for clear communication in Norwegian.
Meaning Changes with Reflexive
| Non-Reflexive | Meaning | Reflexive | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| vaske | wash (sth) | vaske seg | wash oneself |
| kle | dress (sb) | kle seg | get dressed |
| sette | put/place | sette seg | sit down |
| legge | lay/put | legge seg | go to bed |
Examples
Mor vasker barnet.
Mother washes the child.
Non-reflexive: washing someone else
Barnet vasker seg selv.
The child washes himself/herself.
Reflexive: washing oneself
Jeg setter koppen på bordet.
I put the cup on the table.
Non-reflexive: placing something
Jeg setter meg på stolen.
I sit down on the chair.
Reflexive: sitting oneself down
4Word Order with Reflexive Pronouns
In main clauses, the reflexive pronoun comes directly after the verb. In subordinate clauses, it comes after the subject. With modal verbs, the reflexive pronoun comes after the modal verb. In questions, the pronoun follows the subject.
Reflexive Pronoun Position
| Clause Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main clause | Verb + seg | Han barberer seg. |
| Subordinate | ...at + subj + seg | ...at han barberer seg |
| With modal | Modal + seg + inf | Han må barbere seg. |
| Question | Verb + subj + seg | Barberer han seg? |
Examples
Hun kler på seg fort.
She gets dressed quickly.
Main clause: verb + seg
Jeg vet at hun kler på seg.
I know that she is getting dressed.
Subordinate: subject + seg
Du må skynde deg!
You must hurry!
Modal + reflexive + infinitive
Koser dere dere her?
Are you (all) enjoying yourselves here?
Question: verb + subject + reflexive