What are Reflexive Verbs?
Reflexive verbs are verbs that reflect back to the subject. In Dutch, we often use the word ‘zich’ (to reflect ‘oneself’). This means the action is done by the subject to themselves.
Example of a Reflexive Verb
- zich wassen (to wash oneself)
How to Use Reflexive Verbs
When you use a reflexive verb, you need to match the reflexive pronoun (‘zich’) with the subject. Here is how it looks:
- Ik was me (I wash myself)
- Jij wast je (You wash yourself)
- Hij/zij wast zich (He/she washes himself/herself)
Conjugation of ‘zich wassen’
| Subject | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Ik | Ik was me. |
| Jij | Jij wast je. |
| Hij/Zij | Hij/Zij wast zich. |
| Wij | Wij wassen ons. |
Remember!
In Dutch, when you are washing (or doing other actions) to yourself, always use the reflexive pronoun correctly!