Reflexive Verbs

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Reflexive verbs describe an action that the subject performs on itself. The action 'reflects back' to the subject. In Dutch, these verbs are always used with a reflexive pronoun (like 'me', 'je', 'zich') that matches the subject.

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For singular subjects (ik, jij/u, hij/zij/het), Dutch uses specific reflexive pronouns. These pronouns are usually unstressed. ik -> me* jij -> je* (or 'jou' for emphasis, but 'je' is common) u -> u* (formal) hij/zij/het -> zich*

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For plural subjects (wij, jullie, zij), Dutch also uses specific reflexive pronouns. wij -> ons* jullie -> jullie* zij (plural) -> zich*

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Many reflexive verbs are used for daily actions where you perform something on yourself. zich wassen* (to wash oneself) zich aankleden* (to dress oneself) zich uitkleden* (to undress oneself)

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Some reflexive verbs describe feelings or states of being. zich voelen* (to feel) zich vervelen* (to be bored) zich schamen* (to be ashamed)

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Here are more common reflexive verbs for various actions. zich scheren* (to shave oneself) zich douchen* (to shower oneself) zich vergissen* (to make a mistake)

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Some verbs can be used reflexively or non-reflexively, changing their meaning slightly. wassen: Ik was me. (I wash myself.) vs. Ik was de auto.* (I wash the car.) aankleden: Zij kleedt zich aan. (She dresses herself.) vs. Zij kleedt het kind aan.* (She dresses the child.)

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In a main clause (hoofdzin), the reflexive pronoun usually comes immediately after the conjugated verb. If there is a subject pronoun (like 'ik', 'jij'), the reflexive pronoun comes after the subject pronoun and the verb. Subject + Verb + Reflexive Pronoun + ...*

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Some reflexive verbs require a specific preposition to complete their meaning. These combinations must be learned together. zich interesseren voor* (to be interested in) zich ergeren aan* (to be annoyed by) zich voorbereiden op* (to prepare for)

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Most reflexive verbs form their perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'hebben' (to have) and the past participle. The reflexive pronoun remains in its usual position. Subject + hebben (conjugated) + Reflexive Pronoun + Past Participle*

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In subordinate clauses (bijzinnen), the conjugated verb moves to the end of the clause. The reflexive pronoun still comes after the subject, but before the verb at the end. ... dat + Subject + Reflexive Pronoun + ... + Verb (conjugated)*

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Some reflexive verbs are part of common idiomatic expressions. These should be learned as fixed phrases. zich haasten* (to hurry) zich bedenken* (to change one's mind) zich voorstellen* (to introduce oneself)