A2 Danish GrammarReflexive Verbs
Learn Danish reflexive verbs that use the reflexive pronoun 'sig' (oneself). Understand how to conjugate reflexive verbs for different persons, distinguish between true reflexive verbs and verbs used reflexively, and master common daily routine expressions.
1Reflexive Pronouns
Danish reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence. For 1st and 2nd person, Danish uses the regular object pronouns (mig, dig, os, jer). Only 3rd person has a special reflexive pronoun: 'sig' (himself/herself/itself/themselves). This 'sig' is used for both singular and plural.
Reflexive Pronouns by Person
| Person | Subject | Reflexive Pronoun |
|---|---|---|
| 1st singular | jeg | mig (myself) |
| 2nd singular | du | dig (yourself) |
| 3rd singular | han/hun/den/det | sig (himself/herself/itself) |
| 1st plural | vi | os (ourselves) |
| 2nd plural | I | jer (yourselves) |
| 3rd plural | de | sig (themselves) |
Examples
Jeg vasker mig.
I wash myself.
'mig' for 1st person singular
Du klæder dig på.
You get dressed.
'dig' for 2nd person singular
Hun barberer sig.
She shaves herself.
'sig' for 3rd person singular
De sætter sig ned.
They sit down.
'sig' for 3rd person plural
2Common Reflexive Verbs
Many common Danish verbs are reflexive, especially those describing daily routines, body care, and changes of state. Some verbs are always reflexive (true reflexive verbs), while others can be used both reflexively and non-reflexively with different meanings.
Essential Reflexive Verbs
| Danish | English | Category |
|---|---|---|
| at vaske sig | to wash oneself | hygiene |
| at klæde sig på | to get dressed | clothing |
| at sætte sig | to sit down | movement |
| at skynde sig | to hurry | true reflexive |
Examples
Jeg skynder mig til arbejde.
I hurry to work.
'skynde sig' - always reflexive
Børnene klæder sig på.
The children are getting dressed.
Daily routine verb
Han barberer sig hver morgen.
He shaves every morning.
Hygiene routine
Vi hygger os derhjemme.
We are having a cozy time at home.
'hygge sig' - enjoy oneself (Danish concept)
3Word Order with Reflexive Pronouns
In main clauses, the reflexive pronoun comes directly after the verb. In subordinate clauses, the pronoun comes after the subject. In questions, the pronoun typically follows the subject. The reflexive pronoun stays close to its verb.
Word Order Patterns
| Clause Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main clause | S + V + refl | Jeg vasker mig |
| Question | V + S + refl | Vasker du dig? |
| Subordinate | ... S + refl + V | ... at han vasker sig |
| With adverb | S + V + refl + adv | Jeg skynder mig altid |
Examples
Hvorfor skynder du dig?
Why are you hurrying?
Question: V + S + reflexive
Jeg ved, at hun klæder sig på.
I know that she is getting dressed.
Subordinate clause order
Sæt dig ned!
Sit down!
Imperative with reflexive
Han har vasket sig.
He has washed himself.
Perfect tense: har + V + reflexive
4Reflexive vs Non-Reflexive Meaning
Some verbs change meaning when used reflexively. Compare 'vaske' (to wash something) vs 'vaske sig' (to wash oneself). Other verbs like 'føle sig' (feel) and 'glæde sig til' (look forward to) are only used reflexively. Understanding these differences is essential for proper usage.
Meaning Differences
| Non-Reflexive | Reflexive | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| vaske (wash sth) | vaske sig (wash oneself) | object vs self |
| sætte (put) | sætte sig (sit down) | action vs movement |
| klæde (suit) | klæde sig (get dressed) | different meanings |
| føle (feel sth) | føle sig (feel - state) | transitive vs intransitive |
Examples
Jeg føler mig træt.
I feel tired.
'føle sig' for describing a state
Vi glæder os til ferien.
We are looking forward to the holiday.
'glæde sig til' - always reflexive
Hun tager sig af børnene.
She takes care of the children.
'tage sig af' - take care of
De interesserer sig for kunst.
They are interested in art.
'interessere sig for' - be interested in