Core pattern

Reflexive pronoun agrees with subject:

• Ich wasche mich.
• Du erinnerst dich.
• Wir treffen uns.

Position

Pronoun usually near the finite verb in main clauses:

• Heute wasche ich mich früh.

Typical verbs

sich freuen auf, sich interessieren für, sich erinnern an, sich treffen mit.

Case note

Some reflexive verbs use accusative pronoun, some dative in fixed patterns. Learn each with an example chunk.

Practical Examples

1. Ich wasche mich jeden Morgen.

I wash myself every morning. Usage Note: "Sich waschen" means to wash oneself. The reflexive pronoun "mich" is in the accusative case.

1. Zieht ihr euch jetzt an?

Are you getting dressed now? Usage Note: "Sich anziehen" means to get dressed. "Euch" is the accusative reflexive pronoun for "ihr".

1. Er kämmt sich die Haare.

He combs his hair. Usage Note: When an object (like "die Haare") is present, the reflexive pronoun ("sich") is often in the dative case, indicating "for himself".

1. Wir freuen uns auf das Wochenende.

We are looking forward to the weekend. Usage Note: "Sich freuen auf" is a common reflexive verb + preposition combination, meaning "to look forward to".

1. Treffen wir uns morgen um sieben?

Shall we meet tomorrow at seven? Usage Note: "Sich treffen" means "to meet (each other)". The reflexive pronoun "uns" is in the accusative.

1. Interessierst du dich für Kunst?

Are you interested in art? Usage Note: "Sich interessieren für" is a fixed expression meaning "to be interested in". "Dich" is accusative.

1. Nach der Arbeit entspanne ich mich.

After work, I relax. Usage Note: "Sich entspannen" means "to relax oneself". The reflexive pronoun "mich" is in the accusative.

1. Beeilt euch, sonst kommen wir zu spät!

Hurry up, otherwise we'll be too late! Usage Note: "Sich beeilen" means "to hurry". This is an imperative form.

1. Sie ärgert sich über das schlechte Wetter.

She is annoyed about the bad weather. Usage Note: "Sich ärgern über" means "to be annoyed about something". "Sich" is accusative.

1. Wie fühlen Sie sich heute?

How do you feel today? Usage Note: "Sich fühlen" means "to feel". "Sich" is the formal accusative reflexive pronoun.

1. Legt euch bitte hin!

Please lie down! (plural informal) Usage Note: "Sich hinlegen" means "to lie down". This is an imperative form, with "euch" as the accusative reflexive pronoun.

1. Erinnerst du dich an unseren Urlaub?

Do you remember our holiday? Usage Note: "Sich erinnern an" means "to remember something". "Dich" is accusative.

1. Darf ich mich vorstellen?

May I introduce myself? Usage Note: "Sich vorstellen" means "to introduce oneself". "Mich" is accusative.

1. Ich habe mich erkältet.

I caught a cold. Usage Note: "Sich erkälten" means "to catch a cold". It's often used in the perfect tense. "Mich" is accusative.

1. Wir bereiten uns auf die Prüfung vor.

We are preparing for the exam. Usage Note: "Sich vorbereiten auf" means "to prepare for something". "Uns" is accusative.