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Year 9 - German

Everyday actions and routines: using singular verbs reflexively

Ordinary routines and special events: reflexive verbs

Unit Summary

This unit introduces reflexive verbs in the present tense and teaches pupils to recognise reflexive vs non-reflexive use of common verbs. The 12 and 24- hour clock are revisited so that pupils can describe their actions and routines on a daily basis and for special occasions and festivals.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use verbs reflexively to talk about daily routines and personal actions.

Key Notes

  • Using exclamations to give conversational reactions can make our German sound more natural.
  • Many verbs can be used reflexively to show the action is being done to oneself, e.g., 'sich waschen' - 'to have a wash'.
  • The meaning of a verb may change slightly when used reflexively, e.g., 'Sie setzt sie/sich hin': She puts her/sits down.
  • Reflexive pronouns are 'mich' myself, 'dich' yourself and 'sich' him/her/itself. 'Mich/dich' also mean 'me/you'.
  • Context is important when understanding the intended meaning of pronouns like 'mich' and 'dich'.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • reflexive: describes an action where the subject and object of the verb are the same
  • reflexive pronoun: used to indicate doing something to yourself, words like 'myself' and 'yourself'

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • 'Mich' and 'dich' are only direct object pronouns meaning me and you.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain what you can now say or understand in this lesson.

Using exclamations to give conversational reactions can make our German sound more natural. Many verbs can be used reflexively to show the action is being done to oneself, e.g., 'sich waschen' - 'to have a wash'.

2. Define this key language word and use it in context. 'reflexive'

describes an action where the subject and object of the verb are the same. Say or write it in a short sentence so you use the word actively.

3. Correct this common language-learning mistake.

Mistake: 'Mich' and 'dich' are only direct object pronouns meaning me and you. Correction: 'Mich' and 'dich' can also be reflexive pronouns and then mean myself and yourself. Reflexive pronouns are required when using a verb reflexively.

More Lessons In This Unit

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