German reflexive verbs list: 20 must‑know verbs
A German reflexive verb is a verb that requires a reflexive pronoun (sich, mir, dich, etc.) to complete its meaning, and it often describes actions that affect the subject itself. Below you’ll find a concise list, clear rules, and a practice routine so you can use reflexive verbs confidently.
What are German reflexive verbs?
Reflexive verbs pair a verb with a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject. The pronoun can appear before the verb in simple tenses or after the verb in infinitive and perfect constructions.
Examples:
- Ich wasche mich – I wash myself
- Du erinnerst dich – You remember yourself
- Er freut sich – He is happy (lit. He pleases himself)
- Wir setzen uns – We sit down (lit. We set ourselves)
These sentences illustrate how the reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, uns) mirrors the subject.
Which verbs belong to the german reflexive verbs list? 20 essential examples
Not every verb can be reflexive, but many everyday actions are. Below is a curated list of twenty verbs that learners most often need.
- sich freuen – to be glad
- sich erinnern – to remember
- sich setzen – to sit down
- sich waschen – to wash oneself
- sich anziehen – to get dressed
- sich ausruhen – to rest
- sich interessieren für – to be interested in
- sich treffen – to meet
- sich entscheiden – to decide
- sich fühlen – to feel
- sich bedanken – to thank
- sich entschuldigen – to apologise
- sich konzentrieren auf – to concentrate on
- sich verlaufen – to get lost
- sich ärgern über – to be annoyed about
- sich kümmern um – to take care of
- sich vorstellen – to imagine / to introduce oneself
- sich langweilen – to be bored
- sich beeilen – to hurry
- sich freuen auf – to look forward to
Each verb can be combined with a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject. For more everyday contexts, explore our everyday phrases tool.
How do I conjugate reflexive verbs in the present tense?
The conjugation follows the regular verb pattern; the only addition is the reflexive pronoun placed directly after the subject.
Pattern: Subject + reflexive pronoun + verb
Example with sich freuen:
- Ich freue mich – I am glad
- Du freust dich – You are glad
- Er/Sie/Es freut sich – He/She/It is glad
- Wir freuen uns – We are glad
- Ihr freut euch – You (plural) are glad
- Sie freuen sich – They are glad / formal you are glad
In the perfect tense, the auxiliary verb (haben) is conjugated, and the reflexive pronoun stays before the past participle:
Ich habe mich gefreut – I was glad.
Remember to adjust the pronoun for dative objects when a verb also takes an accusative object (e.g., Ich wasche mir die Hände – I wash my hands).
When do I need a reflexive pronoun? Common pitfalls
Some verbs can be both reflexive and non‑reflexive, changing the meaning:
- Er erinnert den Mann – He reminds the man (non‑reflexive)
- Er erinnert sich – He remembers (reflexive)
Another frequent mistake is forgetting the pronoun in infinitive constructions:
Correct: Ich habe vor, mich zu melden – I intend to get in touch.
Incorrect: Ich habe vor, zu melden.
Use our writing prompts to generate sentences that force you to insert the correct reflexive pronoun.
Practical routine: 5‑step practice to master reflexive verbs
- Pick five verbs from the list above.
- Write one present‑tense sentence for each subject pronoun (ich, du, er/sie/es, wir, ihr, Sie).
- Record yourself saying each sentence; listen for correct pronoun placement.
- Swap the sentences into the perfect tense and repeat the recording.
- Use the Word of the Day tool to add a new reflexive verb each day and integrate it into your routine.
This short routine takes about 10 minutes a day and builds muscle memory for both written and spoken reflexive structures.
How to practice reflexive verbs with German Buddy
German Buddy’s free phrase library already contains many reflexive examples you can copy, rewrite, and record. In the Conversation mode, choose a role‑play scene (e.g., “meeting a new neighbour”) and deliberately use reflexive verbs like sich vorstellen or sich freuen. The app gives you a gentle correction and a short tip, helping you internalise the correct pronoun order. You get 7 days of unlimited practice, then a free daily allowance that never runs out. start practising free.
FAQ
Are all German verbs reflexive?
No. Only a subset of verbs naturally take a reflexive pronoun. Some verbs can be used both reflexively and non‑reflexively, which changes the meaning.
Can I use reflexive verbs with modal verbs?
Yes. The reflexive pronoun stays before the modal verb, and the main verb appears at the end: Ich muss mich beeilen – I have to hurry.
Do reflexive verbs always use “sich”?
In the third person singular and plural the pronoun is “sich”. For first and second persons the pronouns are “mich”, “dich”, “uns”, “euch”.
How often should I review reflexive verbs?
Spaced repetition works best. Review the list weekly, then add new verbs from the Word of the Day tool to keep the vocabulary fresh.