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Everyday actions and routines: using singular verbs reflexively
I can use verbs reflexively to talk about daily routines and personal actions.
Lesson 1 of 4
New
New
- Year 9
Everyday actions and routines: using singular verbs reflexively
I can use verbs reflexively to talk about daily routines and personal actions.
Lesson details
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- 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'.
Keywords
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 misconception
'Mich' and 'dich' are only direct object pronouns meaning me and you.
'Mich' and 'dich' can also be reflexive pronouns and then mean myself and yourself. Reflexive pronouns are required when using a verb reflexively.
The story in Learning Cycle 3 has a poetic rhythm which teachers may wish to exploit further by encouraging students to read aloud with emphasis on intonation.
Teacher tip
Equipment
A mini whiteboard and pen, together with pen and paper for making notes, would be useful, if available.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the German and English.
Match the German and English.
Q2.Match the German and English.
Match the German and English.
Q3.Match the German and English.
Match the German and English.
Q4.Fill in the gap in the following sentence: 'Sie müde.' ('She is becoming tired.')
Fill in the gap in the following sentence: 'Sie müde.' ('She is becoming tired.')
Q5.Fill in the gap in the following sentence: 'Meine Schwester hat Hunger.' ('My little sister is hungry.')
Fill in the gap in the following sentence: 'Meine Schwester hat Hunger.' ('My little sister is hungry.')
Q6.How do you say 10:45pm in German?
How do you say 10:45pm in German?
zweiundzwanzig Uhr vierundfünfzig
zehn Uhr fünfundvierzig
Viertel vor zehn
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the German and English.
Match the German and English.
Q2.Which sentence uses a reflexive verb correctly?
Which sentence uses a reflexive verb correctly?
Ich halte den Stuhl.
Ich wasche das Auto.
Ich fühle das Kissen.
Q3.Order the words to make a correct reflexive sentence.
Order the words to make a correct reflexive sentence.
Q4.Translate into English: 'Sie setzt sich auf den Stuhl.'
Translate into English: 'Sie setzt sich auf den Stuhl.'
Q5.Order the words to make a correct reflexive sentence with a modal verb.
Order the words to make a correct reflexive sentence with a modal verb.
