Reflexive verbs (cont)
The true reflexive verbs
It is necessary to distinguish between the authentic reflexive verbs and those that have a reflexive variant.
Authentic reflexive verbs can only be used when accompanied by its corresponding reflexive pronoun:
sich verlieben / sich beeilen / sich erholen / sich verlaufen / sich ereignen ...
Verbs with a reflexive variant
These verbs have a normal form and a reflexive form. Both forms have a different meaning.
sich ärgern / ser molestado
ärgern / fastidiar
sich verlassen auf / fiarse de, contar con
verlassen / dejar
Ich verlasse mich auf euch. |
I'm counting on you. |
Sie hat ihren Mann verlassen. |
She has left her husband. |
Normal verbs that can be used with a reflexive meaning
Many verbs can be used in a reflexive way. The meaning of these verbs changes. In these sentences, the reflexive pronoun is usually the object:
waschen / vorstellen / widersprechen / kaufen / waschen ...
Ich wasche mich. |
I wash myself. |
- |
Ich wasche meine Kleider. |
I wash the clothes. |
- |
Ich kaufe mir ein Auto. |
I buy myself a car |
- |
Ich kaufe das Haus. |
I buy the house |
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Exercises
Translate the following sentences
(Click on the box to see the answers; double click to return to the original position)