Everyday actions and routines: using singular verbs reflexively
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use verbs reflexively to talk about daily routines and personal actions.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
A mini whiteboard and pen, together with pen and paper for making notes, would be useful, if available.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the German and English.
son
daughter
father
sister
aunt
mother
Q2.Match the German and English.
to ask, asking
to laugh, laughing
to sleep, sleeping
to carry, to wear
to try, to test
to find, finding
Q3.Match the German and English.
I am
I have
I was
I can
I know
Q4.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.')
Q6.How do you say 10:45pm in German?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the German and English.
to put on, putting on
to feel, feeling
to hold, to stop
to name, naming
to wash, washing
Q2.Which sentence uses a reflexive verb correctly?
Q3.Order the words to make a correct reflexive sentence.
Q4.Translate into English: 'Sie setzt sich auf den Stuhl.'
Q5.Order the words to make a correct reflexive sentence with a modal verb.
To help you plan your 9 German lesson on: Everyday actions and routines: using singular verbs reflexively, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 German lesson on: Everyday actions and routines: using singular verbs reflexively, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 German lessons from the Ordinary routines and special events: reflexive verbs unit, dive into the full secondary German curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.