What case are reflexive pronouns?
A reflexive pronoun is a specific type of pronoun that is used for the object of a verb when it refers to the same noun as the subject of that verb. In English, these are the pronouns that end with “self” or “selves”: e.g., “himself,” “myself,” “ourselves,” etc.
What is the default case of a reflexive pronoun?
In the English language specifically, a reflexive pronoun will end in -self or -selves, and refer to a previously named noun or pronoun (myself, yourself, ourselves, themselves, etc.). English intensive pronouns, used for emphasis, take the same form.
How are reflexive pronouns used in German?
Reflexive pronouns are used to refer back to the subject of the sentence, so when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same thing. Ich wasche mein Auto. (I wash myself) – REFLEXIVE because the subject ich (I) and the object mich (myself) are the same person.
Why are reflexive pronouns called reflexive?
Grammatical terms might seem complicated and a bit arbitrary when you first hear them, but they really aren’t, once you get to know them. The term reflexive is a good example. Through Latin, reflexive is related to reflect; this is useful to remember because a reflexive pronoun reflects back upon a sentence’s subject.
When do you use reflexive pronouns in German?
You need these pronouns whenever you run into reflexive verbs like “proud” and “prepare.” German also uses reflexive pronouns and verbs. But there are a lot more of them than in the English language. Also, the German language uses these verbs in a way that may take some getting used to.
When to use the accusative or dative pronoun in German?
When you use the singular 1st and 2nd person, you’ll need to determine if you need the accusative or dative form of the reflexive pronoun. If your reflexive German sentence has a direct object in addition to your pronoun, your reflexive pronoun will be in the dative case.
When to use the reflexive pronoun in the dative?
Reflexive verbs use the reflexive pronouns with the meaning “oneself”. We use the reflexive pronoun in the dative if there is also an accusative object. (see also Reflexive Verbs) Example: Ich dusche mich.I’m showering.
Why are reflexive verbs important in German grammar?
Nevertheless, you will see that German reflexive verbs are an essential part of German grammar. Apart from their importance in the context of dative and accusative, they are the only way you can talk about yourself. Furthermore, German reflexive verbs are used much more frequently in German than they are in English.