What is a Reflexive Pronoun?
The reflexive pronouns are: mich, mir, dich, dir, sich, uns, euch and sich. They are used with reflexive and reciprocal verbs.
They always correspond to the subject. They can only be in the dative and accusative case.
Example:
- „Ich wasche mir die Hände.“
Formation:
Reflexive pronouns are determined by the subject and the case:
| Subject | ich | du | er / sie / es | wir | ihr | sie / Sie |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accusative | mich | dich | sich | uns | euch | sich |
| Dative | mir | dir | sich | uns | euch | sich |
There is a difference between accusative and dative in the first and second person singular only. No other case is possible.
Usage:
Reflexive Verbs:
(Verbs that act upon the subject itself)
- „Ich wasche mich.“ – Accusative
- „Ich wasche mir die Hände.“ – Dative
In general the reflexive pronoun is used in accusative case. It is only used in dative case if the verb is using a dative complement or an accusative and a dative complement. (For more information go to: Verbs with Complements, Verbs with Dative Complements and Verbs with Dative and Accusative Complement)
Explained simply: if there are 2 objects the reflexive one gets dative case. It also gets the dative case if the verb requires it, like „helfen“:
- „Ich helfe dir.“ – Dative
- „Ich kaufe mir ein Auto.“ – Dative
Reciprocal Verbs:
Reciprocal verbs are verbs with a plural subject. Both persons of the subject act with each other. (The English meaning is „each other“ or „one another“ ⇒ only in plural)
- „Die 2 Frauen sehen sich.“ „Sie sehen einander.“ (The two woman see each other.)
- „Sie streiten sich.“ „Sie streiten miteinander.“ (The fight with each other.)
These verbs also include: „sich kennen“, „sich lieben“, „sich einigen“
Summary
- Reflexive pronouns always correspond to the subject.
- They can only be in the dative and accusative cases.
- If there is no 2nd object and the verb doesn´t use a dative complement the reflexive pronoun will be used in accusative case.
Further Information
- Reflexive pronouns have to be declined. They can be used in: Accusative and Dative Case.
- Reflexive pronouns are used with Reflexive Verbs.
- There are other types of pronouns: Possessive Pronouns, Reflexive Pronouns, Relative Pronouns, Demonstrative Pronouns and Indefinite Pronouns.
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