Reflexive Pronouns and Reflexive Verbs in Norwegian

Reflexive verbs are parts of Norwegian grammar that describe actions that the sentence’s subject does to itself. In other words, the subject is both the agent and the recipient of the verb-described activity.

Reflexive pronouns, which are attached to verbs to show that the subject is acting on itself, show this relationship in language.

Adding the reflexive pronoun “seg” to the end of the verb stem to make it a reflexive verb

In Norwegian, you add the reflexive pronoun “seg” to the end of the verb stem to make it a reflexive verb. The reflexive pronoun can take different forms depending on the subject’s person, number, and gender, but the basic form remains “seg.”

When the verb “å vaske” (to wash) becomes reflexive, it becomes “å vaske seg” (to wash oneself).

Self-caring actions and actions referring to the subject’s internal state

Reflexive verbs can refer to self-care actions such as washing and dressing, and grooming, as well as activities that refer to the subject’s internal state, such as feeling or thinking.

Examples

Hun kler seg.
She dresses herself.

Han barberer seg.
He shaves himself.

De gleder seg til å reise til Kina.
They look forward to travel to China.

Using reflexive verbs to describe actions where the subject is the only one involved

It is common to use reflexive verbs to describe actions where the subject is the only one involved or where the focus is on the subject’s experience of the action. For example:

Han legger seg.
He goes to bed.

Hun reiser seg.
She stands up.

The role of reflexive verbs in the Norwegian language

Reflexive verbs are an important part of the Norwegian language because they show how the subject and the action described by the verb relate to each other.

By using reflexive verbs and pronouns, people who speak Norwegian can make their sentences more straightforward and give more information about the actions being done and the experiences of the people involved.

Do you want to learn more Norwegian, online or in a classroom? Sign up for one of our Norwegian courses here!