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Understanding German Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns in German are special words that we use when the subject of the sentence is doing something to itself. Think of it like looking in a mirror, where the action is coming back to the person who is doing it.
Important Points
Reflexive pronouns match the subject in person and number.
They are mostly used with reflexive verbs.
In German, reflexive pronouns can be in the accusative or dative case.
Reflexive Pronouns in German
Important Points
ich - mich (myself)
du - dich (yourself)
er/sie/es - sich (himself/herself/itself)
wir - uns (ourselves)
ihr - euch (yourselves)
sie/Sie - sich (themselves/yourself formal)
These pronouns are used when the subject and the object of the verb are the same. For example, if you wash yourself, you are both the one washing and the one being washed.
Examples
Ich wasche mich.
Du siehst dich im Spiegel.
Er freut sich über das Geschenk.
When to Use Reflexive Pronouns
Important Points
With reflexive verbs like 'sich freuen' (to be happy) or 'sich waschen' (to wash oneself).
To emphasize that the action is being done by the subject to themselves.
In some expressions and idiomatic phrases.
Sometimes, reflexive pronouns are used just to make the sentence sound more natural, even if the action isn't truly reflexive.
Examples
Wir treffen uns um acht Uhr.
Ihr müsst euch beeilen!
Sie erinnert sich an die Ferien.
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