Reflexive Verbs in Danish

Overview

Reflexive Verbs (Refleksive Verber) is an important grammar concept at the A2 level in Danish. Verbs with reflexive pronouns (sig, mig, dig): vaske sig (wash oneself), føle sig (feel), sætte sig (sit down).

At the elementary level, understanding this concept allows you to express yourself with greater accuracy and nuance. This grammar point builds on foundations you have established at earlier levels and connects to several related areas of Danish grammar.

As you work through this topic, pay attention to how it functions in authentic Danish texts and conversations. The patterns you learn here will become more natural with regular practice and exposure to the language.

How It Works

Core rules

Verbs with reflexive pronouns (sig, mig, dig): vaske sig (wash oneself), føle sig (feel), sætte sig (sit down).

Key patterns

Danish	English
Jeg vasker mig.	I wash myself.
Hun føler sig træt.	She feels tired.
Sæt dig ned!	Sit down!
De gifter sig.	They're getting married.

Reflexive pronoun forms

Subject	Reflexive pronoun	Example	Translation
jeg	mig	Jeg vasker mig.	I wash myself.
du	dig	Du skynd dig!	You hurry (yourself)!
han/hun/den/det	sig	Hun foler sig traet.	She feels tired.
vi	os	Vi glaeder os.	We are looking forward.
I	jer	Saet jer ned!	Sit (yourselves) down!
de	sig	De gifter sig.	They're getting married.

Inherently reflexive verbs

Danish	Translation	Note
glaede sig til	look forward to	Always reflexive
skynde sig	hurry	Always reflexive
gifte sig	get married	Always reflexive
sette sig	sit down	Always reflexive
bestemme sig	decide	Always reflexive
fore sig	behave	Always reflexive

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
Jeg vasker mig.	I wash myself.
Hun føler sig træt.	She feels tired.
Sæt dig ned!	Sit down!
De gifter sig.	They're getting married.

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

• Wrong: Using English word order or structure when expressing reflexive verbs in Danish.
• Right: Follow Danish-specific rules for this grammar point.
• Why: Danish and English handle reflexive verbs differently. Learning the Danish pattern as its own system prevents interference from English.

Neglecting subordinate clause word order

• Wrong: Keeping main clause word order when reflexive verbs appears in a subordinate clause.
• Right: Remember that adverbs like ikke move before the verb in subordinate clauses.
• Why: The main clause/subordinate clause word order distinction is fundamental in Danish and affects how all grammar structures are used.

Overgeneralizing rules

• Wrong: Applying one pattern to all cases of reflexive verbs without considering exceptions.
• Right: Learn both the regular patterns and the common exceptions.
• Why: Danish grammar has regular patterns but also important exceptions, particularly with frequently used words.

Practice Tips

• Write short paragraphs. Practice using reflexive verbs in connected text rather than isolated sentences. This builds fluency and helps you internalize the patterns.
• Practice transformations. Take simple sentences and transform them to practice reflexive verbs: change tenses, switch between positive and negative, or rephrase using different structures.
• Find a language partner. Practice reflexive verbs in conversation with a Danish speaker or fellow learner. Speaking practice is essential for making grammar automatic.

Related Concepts

• Present Tense - Parent concept