Position of reflexive pronouns
B2 · Upper-Intermediate · Style & Precision
The rule
Usually after the verb or subject.
How it works
The reflexive pronoun sich usually stands close to the subject or directly after the verb in a main clause. In subordinate clauses, it moves before the subject if the subject is a noun or after it if the subject is a pronoun. Mistakes often occur in longer sentences with several objects.
When to use it
Place reflexive pronouns after the verb or near the subject, depending on the clause.
Use cases
- Describing a daily routine: Ich ziehe mich jeden Morgen an
- Describing a subordinate clause: Weil sich das Wetter ändert, bleiben wir drinnen
- Describing a request: Setz dich bitte hin
Examples
- Heute freue ich mich – Today I am happy
- Er hat sich gestern verletzt. – He hurt himself yesterday.
- Obwohl sie sich beeilt, kommt sie zu spät. – Although she hurries, she is late.
- Wir freuen uns sehr auf den Besuch. – We are really looking forward to the visit.
Common mistake
Placing sich at the start of a clause where it does not belong.
Memory tip
In main clauses sich usually sits right after the verb or the subject.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.