Grammar
Reflexive Verbs
Reflexive verbs describe actions you do to or for yourself. Dutch uses reflexive pronouns (me, je, zich, ons) that change based on the subject.
A reflexive verb pairs with a reflexive pronoun that refers back to the subject.
Ik was me. → I wash (myself).
Hij schaamt zich. → He is ashamed (of himself).
In Dutch, reflexive pronouns are usually not translated into English — they are simply part of the verb's meaning.
Ik was me. → I wash (myself).
Hij schaamt zich. → He is ashamed (of himself).
In Dutch, reflexive pronouns are usually not translated into English — they are simply part of the verb's meaning.
1. Reflexive pronouns
The pronoun depends on the grammatical subject — not on the meaning of the sentence.
Key rule: zich is used for u, hij, zij (singular), het, zij (plural), ze — everyone except ik, jij/je, wij/we, and jullie.
2. Common reflexive verbs
These verbs are always or usually reflexive in Dutch. Some are reflexive in Dutch but not in English.
3. Position of the reflexive pronoun
The reflexive pronoun comes immediately after the conjugated verb in a main clause.
Ik voel me ziek.
I feel sick. — main clause: pronoun right after verb
I feel sick. — main clause: pronoun right after verb
Hij schaamt zich voor zijn fouten.
He is ashamed of his mistakes. — pronoun before object
He is ashamed of his mistakes. — pronoun before object
We haasten ons om op tijd te zijn.
We hurry to be on time. — pronoun before infinitive clause
We hurry to be on time. — pronoun before infinitive clause
Omdat ze zich verveelt, leest ze een boek.
Because she is bored, she reads a book. — sub-clause: pronoun after verb
Because she is bored, she reads a book. — sub-clause: pronoun after verb
In a subordinate clause (after omdat, dat, als, toen…) the verb moves to the end — the reflexive pronoun stays close to its verb: omdat hij zich schaamt.
4. zichzelf — for emphasis
Use zichzelf (or mezelf, jezelf, onszelf) when you want to emphasise that the action really does reflect back on the subject.
Hij wast zich.
He washes. — ordinary reflexive
He washes. — ordinary reflexive
Hij wast zichzelf.
He washes himself. (not someone else) — emphatic — contrast with others
He washes himself. (not someone else) — emphatic — contrast with others
Ze heeft zichzelf overtroffen.
She surpassed herself. — emphasises the self-directed achievement
She surpassed herself. — emphasises the self-directed achievement
Doe het jezelf.
Do it yourself. — emphatic directive
Do it yourself. — emphatic directive
