Reflexive Verbs

Level 2

Reflexive verbs are verbs paired with a reflexive pronoun (mig, dig, sig, etc.) to indicate the action returns to the subject. For example, 'Jeg skynder mig' (I hurry myself).

How It Works

Reflexive verbs (refleksive verber) are essential for daily Danish. They function by following the conjugated verb with a pronoun that matches the subject.

1. The Pronouns
You must match the pronoun to the person:

  • Jeg ... mig (I ... myself)
  • Du ... dig (You ... yourself)
  • Han/Hun/Den/Det ... sig (He/She/It ... himself/herself/itself)
  • Vi ... os (We ... ourselves)
  • I ... jer (You ... yourselves)
  • De ... sig (They ... themselves)

2. Types of Reflexive Verbs

  • Inherently Reflexive: These verbs only exist with a pronoun. Example: glæde sig (to look forward to). You cannot just say 'Jeg glæder'.
  • Optional/Transitive: These can take a normal object or a reflexive one. Example: vaske. 'Jeg vasker bilen' (I wash the car) vs. 'Jeg vasker mig' (I wash myself).
  • Meaning Shifters: Some verbs change meaning when reflexive. rejse means 'to travel', but rejse sig means 'to stand up'.

3. Reflexive vs. Reciprocal
Be careful not to confuse sig with hinanden (each other). 'De vasker sig' means they are each washing themselves, while 'De vasker hinanden' means they are washing one another.

4. Word Order
The pronoun usually follows the finite verb: 'Jeg skynder mig'. However, there are two important rules for placement:

  • Negation: Reflexive pronouns are "light pronouns" and usually come before ikke. Example: 'Jeg skynder mig ikke'.
  • Inversion: In questions or sentences with inversion, the pronoun follows the subject. Example: 'Skynder du dig?' or 'Nu skynder jeg mig'.
  • Modals: If there is a modal verb, the reflexive pronoun follows the infinitive: 'Jeg skal skynde mig'.

Examples (5)

  1. Jeg glæder mig til ferien.

    I am looking forward to the vacation.

    Word by Word: I gladden myself to the-vacation.

    'Glæde sig' is an inherently reflexive verb; it always requires a pronoun.

  2. Han sætter sig på stolen.

    He sits down on the chair.

    Word by Word: He sets himself on the-chair.

    'Sætte sig' describes the action of sitting down, whereas 'sidde' describes the state of being seated.

  3. Vi skal skynde os!

    We have to hurry!

    Word by Word: We shall hurry ourselves!

    In Danish, 'skynde sig' (to hurry) must always have a reflexive pronoun.

  4. De vasker sig hver morgen.

    They wash (themselves) every morning.

    Word by Word: They wash themselves every morning.

    Using 'sig' shows they are washing their own bodies, not someone else.

  5. Forestil dig en rød bil.

    Imagine a red car.

    Word by Word: Imagine yourself a red car.

    The imperative (command) form also requires the reflexive pronoun.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the reflexive pronoun because it's not used in English.

    Jeg skynder til bussen.
    Jeg skynder mig til bussen.

    Verbs like 'skynde sig' are incomplete without the pronoun 'mig/dig/sig/os/jer'.

  • Using 'ham' or 'hende' instead of 'sig' for the 3rd person.

    Han vasker ham.
    Han vasker sig.

    'Han vasker ham' means he is washing another male person. 'Han vasker sig' means he is washing himself.

  • Confusing the action (reflexive) with the state (non-reflexive).

    Jeg sætter på stolen i to timer.
    Jeg sidder på stolen i to timer.

    'Sætte sig' is the movement of sitting down. 'Sidde' is the act of being seated.

How It Connects

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Reflexive VerbsLevel 2

Learn This First

To understand reflexive verbs, you need to know how to use object pronouns, as these serve as the reflexive markers for most persons. You also need to be familiar with the specific third-person reflexive pronoun 'sig' and basic present tense verb conjugation.

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sigmigdigosjer