A2 · Grundkenntnisse Kapitel 31

Reflexive Verbs: Se and Si

2 Gesamtregeln
1 Min.

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the magic of Czech reflexives and learn when to use 'se' versus 'si'.

  • Distinguish between direct and indirect reflexive actions.
  • Apply 'se' for actions directed at the subject.
  • Use 'si' for actions performed for one's own benefit.
Small words, big impact on meaning.

Was du lernen wirst

Understanding the difference between 'se' and 'si'. Learn how these small words change the meaning of a verb.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Correctly identify when to use the reflexive pronoun 'se' in basic daily routines.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Distinguish between 'se' and 'si' when describing personal habits and preferences.

Tipps & Tricks (2)

💡

Second Position

Always try to put 'se' in the second position of the sentence.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reflexive 'Se' (Direct)
💡

The 'For Me' Test

If you can add 'for myself' to the English sentence, you need 'si' in Czech.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reflexive 'Si' (Indirect)

Wichtige Vokabeln (5)

mýt se to wash oneself koupit si to buy for oneself česat se to brush one's hair dát si to have/take for oneself oblékat se to get dressed

Real-World Preview

sun

Morning Routine

Review Summary

  • Subject + se + Verb
  • Subject + si + Verb

Häufige Fehler

Buying is an action for your benefit, so 'si' is required, not 'se'.

Wrong: Já kupuju se jablko.
Richtig: Já si kupuju jablko.

Washing oneself is a direct action on the subject's body, requiring 'se'.

Wrong: On myje si.
Richtig: On se myje.

You are having the coffee for yourself, 'si' is the correct dative reflexive pronoun.

Wrong: Dám se kávu.
Richtig: Dám si kávu.

Next Steps

You are making fantastic progress! Keep practicing these small words; they make a huge difference in your fluency.

Write a diary entry for your morning routine

Schnelle Übung (6)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Čistím si zuby.
Body parts require 'si'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reflexive 'Si' (Indirect)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Já myju.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Já se myju.
Missing 'se'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reflexive 'Se' (Direct)

Correct the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

Myslím, že je to hezké.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Myslím si, že je to hezké.
The verb 'myslet' requires 'si'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reflexive 'Si' (Indirect)

Fill in the blank.

Já ___ myju.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: se
Reflexive pronoun is 'se'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reflexive 'Se' (Direct)

Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun.

Dávám ___ kávu.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: si
It's for my benefit.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reflexive 'Si' (Indirect)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Já se myju.
Correct word order.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reflexive 'Se' (Direct)

Score: /6

Häufige Fragen (4)

It is a reflexive pronoun used for actions done to oneself.
Usually in the second position of the sentence.
No, 'si' is invariant. It is always 'si' regardless of the subject.
It's the standard Czech way to show possession and personal involvement.