Verbs with an object which is conceptually the same as the subject are reflexive verbs. In reflexive verbs, the idea of a subject actually doing something to itself is often suspended.
 

With plural subjects and certain verbs, the idea of reciprocity may predominate.
 

We have seen these refelexive verbs: sich treffen (to have a meeting with), sich melden (to answer the phone), sich fühlen (to feel), sich entscheiden (to decide).

The Reflexive Pronoun "sich"

Use sich as the reflexive pronoun for Sie (singular and plural), er, sie (she and they), es, and man. Otherwise, use the object forms of the personal pronouns.
 

Dative Reflexives and Accusative Reflexives

Some reflexive verbs take dative objects; some take accusative. The difference is evident only in the cases where sich is not used.

Dative
 

Accusative
 

Making Verbs Reflexive, Intensive Pronoun selbst

Any verb that takes an object can be reflexive if the action is something one can do to oneself.

Dative
 

Accusative
 

Reflexives often add the intensive pronoun selbst to stress the idea of doing something to oneself. Selbst does not change form.
 

Examples of Reflexive Verbs

• Es ist schneller. Bis gleich. Ich freue mich schon.
• Seit wann fühlen Sie sich so?