Use of Reflexive Pronouns in Swedish

In Swedish, reflexive pronouns are used to indicate that the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. They are used to express actions or states that someone does to or for themselves. Reflexive pronouns create a connection and emphasize the relationship between the sentence elements.

Formation of Reflexive Pronouns

In Swedish, reflexive pronouns are formed by adding the suffix "-sig" to the regular personal pronouns. Here is the formation of reflexive pronouns based on the personal pronouns:

• jag (I) + -sig = mig själv (myself)
• du (you) + -sig = dig själv (yourself)
• han (he) + -sig = sig själv (himself)
• hon (she) + -sig = sig själv (herself)
• den (it) + -sig = sig självt (itself)
• vi (we) + -sig = oss själva (ourselves)
• ni (you) + -sig = er själva (yourselves)
• de (they) + -sig = sig själva (themselves)

Examples of Reflexive Pronouns in Use

1. Jag tvättar mig själv. (I wash myself.)
2. Hon skriver en bok om sig själv. (She is writing a book about herself.)
3. Vi förbereder oss själva inför provet. (We are preparing ourselves for the exam.)
4. De klär på sig själva. (They are dressing themselves.)

Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive pronouns are often used in conjunction with reflexive verbs. Reflexive verbs are verbs that indicate an action performed by the subject on itself. When using reflexive verbs, the reflexive pronoun is placed before the verb.

For example:

1. Jag tvättar mig varje dag. (I wash myself every day.)
2. Hon klär på sig innan hon går ut. (She gets dressed before going out.)
3. Vi förbereder oss inför resan. (We are preparing ourselves for the trip.)
4. De sätter sig framför TV:n. (They sit down in front of the TV.)

Reflexive Possessive Pronouns

In Swedish, reflexive possessive pronouns are used to indicate possession or ownership in relation to the subject. These pronouns are formed by combining the reflexive pronoun with a possessive pronoun. Here is the formation of reflexive possessive pronouns:

• min (my) + -s = min egen (my own)
• din (your) + -s = din egen (your own)
• hans (his) + -s = hans egen (his own)
• hennes (her) + -s = hennes egen (her own)
• dess (its) + -s = dess egen (its own)
• vår (our) + -s = vår egen (our own)
• er (your) + -s = er egen (your own)
• deras (their) + -s = deras egen (their own)

For example:

1. Detta är min egen bil. (This is my own car.)
2. Hon älskar sitt eget rum. (She loves her own room.)
3. Vi är nöjda med vår egen prestation. (We are satisfied with our own achievement.)
4. De är stolta över deras egen trädgård. (They are proud of their own garden.)

Wrapping Up

Understanding the use of reflexive pronouns is essential for expressing actions or states related to oneself in Swedish. By adding the "-sig" suffix to the regular personal pronouns, you can create reflexive pronouns. Remember to place reflexive pronouns before reflexive verbs and use reflexive possessive pronouns to indicate ownership. With this knowledge, you'll be able to communicate effectively and express personal actions in Swedish. Happy learning!