-s (reciprok)

Reciprocal S-Verbs

Level 4

Reciprocal s-verbs use the suffix -s to mean 'each other.' Instead of saying vi ser hinanden, Danes often say vi ses (see you/we see each other).

How It Works

Reciprocal s-verbs are a high-frequency group of verbs where the -s functions as a built-in reciprocal pronoun.

1. Formation:

  • Present Tense: The -s is added to the verb stem. Crucially, the standard -r ending is dropped. For example: møde (to meet) becomes vi mødes (we meet), NOT vi møders.
  • Past Tense: Weak verbs add -tes or -edes (e.g., mødtes, skændtes). Strong verbs use their irregular past stem plus -s or -es (e.g., sås, sloges).
  • Perfect Tense: Formed with har + the -s participle (e.g., vi har mødtes før).

2. The Subject Constraint:
A core grammatical rule for reciprocal verbs is that they usually require a plural or coordinated subject because the action must be mutual (e.g., Vi mødes klokken fem). However, you can use a singular subject if you add the preposition med. For example: Jeg mødes med ham (I am meeting with him).

3. Usage and Nuance:
While you can often use hinanden (each other), the s-form is an established choice with particular verbs. Vi ses is a common farewell. Vi ser hinanden can describe seeing or spending time with each other, so it is not limited to literally looking.

4. Distinctions:
Do not confuse these with the s-passive. In a reciprocal verb, the subject is active (we are meeting each other). In a passive verb, the subject is acted upon (the book is being sold). Also, distinguish them from deponent verbs like synes, whose active meaning cannot be predicted by simply removing -s.

Learn the established verbs: Reciprocal -s belongs to a limited, lexicalized set; it is not a freely productive substitute for hinanden. Vi elsker hinanden means we love each other; vi elskes normally means we are loved. Some verbs use ad: Vi følges ad (we go together), Vi hjælpes ad (we help one another/work together). Keep the particle as part of the expression.

Examples (5)

  1. Vi ses i morgen!

    See you tomorrow!

    Word by Word: We see-each-other in tomorrow!

    This is the most common way to say goodbye in Danish, using the reciprocal form of 'at se' (to see).

  2. Skal vi mødes foran biografen?

    Shall we meet in front of the cinema?

    Word by Word: Shall we meet-each-other in-front-of cinema-the?

    The verb 'mødes' indicates a mutual meeting between two or more people.

  3. De to drenge sloges hele tiden.

    The two boys were fighting all the time.

    Word by Word: The two boys fought-each-other all time-the.

    This uses the past tense of the strong verb 'at slå' (to hit/strike) with the reciprocal -s.

  4. Vi har mødtes en gang før.

    We have met once before.

    Word by Word: We have met-each-other one time before.

    The perfect tense uses 'har' followed by the s-participle.

  5. De skændtes om pengene.

    They were arguing about the money.

    Word by Word: They scolded-each-other about money-the.

    The verb 'at skændes' (to argue/scold each other) is a common reciprocal verb.

Common Mistakes

  • Adding 'hinanden' to an s-verb.

    Vi ses hinanden i morgen.
    Vi ses i morgen.

    In Vi ses, reciprocity is already expressed, so do not add a direct-object hinanden. Some reciprocal constructions can contain med hinanden, for example vi mødes med hinanden; that is not the same as vi ses hinanden.

  • Keeping the -r in the present tense.

    Vi møders klokken otte.
    Vi mødes klokken otte.

    When adding the reciprocal -s, the present tense -r is dropped from the verb.

  • Adding an agent (af ...) as if 'mødes' were a passive.

    Vi mødes af hinanden klokken otte.
    Vi mødes klokken otte.

    Not every s-verb is a passive. In 'Vi mødes' the subject takes part in the meeting itself ('we meet'), so there is no outside agent to add.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

-s (reciprok)Level 4Reciprocal S-Verbs

Learn This First

To understand reciprocal s-verbs, you need to be comfortable with plural subjects (since reciprocity involves multiple people) and the concept of 'each other'. Additionally, you should be familiar with the s-ending used in passive constructions, as these verbs use the same morphological form to express a mutual action.