A2 Swedish GrammarReflexive Verbs
Master Swedish reflexive verbs using the reflexive pronoun 'sig' and its forms. Learn everyday reflexive verbs like tvätta sig (wash oneself), känna sig (feel), and sätta sig (sit down). Understand when Swedish requires reflexive forms that English doesn't.
1Reflexive Pronouns in Swedish
Swedish reflexive verbs use reflexive pronouns that match the subject. First and second person use the object pronouns (mig, dig, oss, er), while third person uses 'sig' for all forms. The reflexive pronoun typically comes right after the verb in main clauses.
Reflexive Pronouns
| Subject | Reflexive | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| jag | mig | Jag tvättar mig. | I wash myself. |
| du | dig | Du tvättar dig. | You wash yourself. |
| han/hon/den/det | sig | Hon tvättar sig. | She washes herself. |
| vi | oss | Vi tvättar oss. | We wash ourselves. |
| ni | er | Ni tvättar er. | You wash yourselves. |
| de | sig | De tvättar sig. | They wash themselves. |
Examples
Jag klär på mig.
I get dressed.
klä på sig = get dressed (lit. dress on oneself)
Barnet kammar sig.
The child combs their hair.
Third person singular uses sig
Vi skyndar oss.
We hurry.
skynda sig = hurry (reflexive in Swedish)
Sätt dig ner!
Sit down!
Imperative with reflexive pronoun
2Common Reflexive Verbs for Daily Routines
Many Swedish verbs describing daily routines are reflexive. These include grooming, dressing, and movement verbs. Note that some verbs that are reflexive in Swedish are not reflexive in English, and vice versa.
Daily Routine Reflexives
| Infinitive | Meaning | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| tvätta sig | wash (oneself) | Jag tvättar mig. | I wash. |
| raka sig | shave | Han rakar sig. | He shaves. |
| klä sig | dress | Hon klär sig. | She gets dressed. |
| lägga sig | go to bed | Vi lägger oss. | We go to bed. |
| vakna | wake up | Jag vaknar. | I wake up. |
vakna is NOT reflexive in Swedish (unlike some other languages)
Examples
Jag duschar mig varje morgon.
I shower every morning.
duscha sig = shower
Barnen borstar tänderna.
The children brush their teeth.
Not reflexive; uses 'tänderna' (the teeth)
Han lägger sig tidigt.
He goes to bed early.
lägga sig = go to bed
Vi rakar oss inte på helgen.
We don't shave on the weekend.
Negation: inte after reflexive pronoun
3Reflexive Verbs with Different Meanings
Some Swedish verbs change meaning when used reflexively. The non-reflexive form has one meaning, while the reflexive form has another. Compare: känna (know someone) vs. känna sig (feel). Understanding these differences is key to intermediate fluency.
Meaning Changes with Reflexive
| Non-reflexive | Meaning | Reflexive | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| känna | know (a person) | känna sig | feel (emotion) |
| sätta | put, place | sätta sig | sit down |
| bry | care about | bry sig om | care about, mind |
| gifta | marry (perform) | gifta sig | get married |
Examples
Jag känner honom.
I know him.
känna without sig = know a person
Jag känner mig trött.
I feel tired.
känna sig = feel (an emotion/state)
Hon sätter vasen på bordet.
She puts the vase on the table.
sätta = put/place
Hon sätter sig i soffan.
She sits down on the sofa.
sätta sig = sit down
4Word Order with Reflexive Verbs
In main clauses, the reflexive pronoun comes directly after the verb. In subordinate clauses (with att, som, när, etc.), the reflexive pronoun comes after the subject. In questions, it follows the verb as in statements.
Reflexive Pronoun Position
| Clause Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main clause | Verb + sig/mig | Han tvättar sig. |
| Question | Verb + subject + sig | Tvättar han sig? |
| Subordinate | Subject + sig + verb | ...att han sig tvättar |
| With adverb | Verb + sig + adverb | Hon klär sig snabbt. |
Examples
De gifter sig i juni.
They are getting married in June.
Main clause: sig after verb
Skyndar du dig?
Are you hurrying?
Question: dig after subject
Jag vet att hon känner sig glad.
I know that she feels happy.
Subordinate clause with att
När de lägger sig, sover de genast.
When they go to bed, they sleep immediately.
Subordinate clause: sig after subject de