Dutch reflexive verbs

Lesson outline

1.Definition and usage of reflexive verbs
2.Reflexive verbs in combination with 'zich'
3.Part-time reflexive verbs
4.List of Dutch reflexive verbs
5.Exercises
5.1.Exercise Dutch reflexive verbs 1
5.2.Exercise Dutch reflexive verbs 2

Definition and usage of reflexive verbs

Reflexive verbs in Dutch are used to indicate that the action is performed by the subject and undergone by the same person. These reflexive verbs are used with a reflexive pronoun.

Situation	Example	Translation
Action is performed by the subject and undergone by the same person	Hij wast zich. Ik voel me goed.	He washes himself. I feel good.

Note that a few reflexive verbs in Dutch are not reflexive in English.

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María Mercedes D.

Bilal A.

Elvira V.

Job D.

Pelin C.

Rignald I.

Els S.

Rose F.

Tsarina T.

Marijke G.

Reflexive verbs in combination with 'zich'

A reflexive verb is always used in combination with 'zich', which changes per subject. This is explained on the reflexive pronoun page.

Below you will find some examples of reflexive verbs.

Reflexive verb	Example	Translation
Zich amuseren	Zij amuseerde zich.	She was amused.
Zich bemoeien	Hij bemoeide zich met haar.	He interfered with her.
Zich gedragen	Hij gedraagde zich goed.	He behaved well.
Zich haasten.	Wij haasten ons snel naar de bus.	We rush to the bus quickly.
Zich vergissen	Jullie vergisten je in haar.	You made a mistake with her.
Zich vervelen	Ik verveelde me.	I was bored.

Part-time reflexive verbs

Some reflexive verbs in Dutch are not always reflexive.

Part-time reflexive verbs	Reflexive	Translation	Non-reflexive	Translation
Zich wassen	Ik was me.	I wash myself.	Ik was mijn hond.	I wash my dog.
Zich verbazen	Ik verbaas me.	I am suprised.	Ik verbaas mijn collega's.	I amaze by my colleagues.
Zich herinneren	Ik herinner me.	I remember.	Ik herinner mijn oma dat ze een cadeau moet kopen.	I remind my grandmother that she has to buy a gift.

List of Dutch reflexive verbs

Reflexive verb used with 'zich'	Translation
aankleden	To dress
aanstellen	To attitudinize
adresseren	To address
afkeren	Turn away
afvragen	To wonder
afzonderen	To divorce
amuseren	To kick up one's heels
bedenken	To think about
begeven	To break down
bekeren	To reform
beroepen	To call
beteren	To reform
bevinden	To be situated
bewegen	To stir
concentreren	To focus
draaien	To turn
drukken	To shirk
gedragen	To behave
haasten	To hurry
hechten aan	To attach yourself to
herstellen	To recover
inhouden	Keep the lid on something
inlaten	Have dealings with somebody
inspannen	Make the effort
inzetten	To commit
keren	To turn
omkeren	To turn
onderhouden	Disport oneself
ophouden	To stop
oplossen	To (re)solve
overgeven	To capitulate
realiseren	To realize
specialiseren	To specialize in something
uitsloven	To showboat
vastklampen	To cling to
vergissen	To be mistaken
verkleden	To dress up as something (in costume)
verlustigen	To revel (in)
verschuilen	To hide away
verslikken	To choke (on food)
vervelen	To feel bored
verweren	To counter
voornemen	To resolve, to intent
voorstellen	To envisage, feature, imagine
wassen	To bathe