Beziehungen: reflexive and non-reflexive verbs, reciprocal verbs
I can differentiate between reflexive and non-reflexive uses of verbs and use reflexive and reciprocal verbs to talk about relationships.
- Year 10
- AQA
Beziehungen: reflexive and non-reflexive verbs, reciprocal verbs
I can differentiate between reflexive and non-reflexive uses of verbs and use reflexive and reciprocal verbs to talk about relationships.
Lesson details
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- Some verbs are reflexive in German but their English translation does not have a reflexive meaning.
- The meaning of a verb can change depending on its reflexive or non-reflexive use.
- Reflexive use means the subject (doer) and object (receiver) of the action are the same.
- With plural verbs, reflexive pronouns can also mean 'each other', if the action is reciprocal.
Keywords
Reflexive - describes an action where the subject and object of the verb are the same
Reciprocal - describes an action that is two-way or mutual
Common misconception
Verbs have the same meaning whether they are used reflexively or non-reflexively.
Some verbs have the same or similar meanings when used reflexively and non-reflexively, e.g. nennen, to call, sich nennen, to call oneself. However, some verbs completely change their meaning e.g. anziehen, to attract, sich anziehen, to get dressed.
Equipment
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Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the German and English.
Q2.Match the German and English.
Q3.Which phrases include a reflexive verb?
Q4.Match the subject pronouns to their reflexive pronouns.
Q5.Fill in the gap to complete the following translation: 'He is .' ('Er interessiert sich für Fußball.')
Q6.Fill in the gap to complete the following translation: 'Er zieht .' ('He gets (himself) dressed'.)
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the German and English.
Q2.Which sentences contain reflexive verbs?
Q3.Match the German and English.
