When using a reflexive verb (like zich focussen or zich concentreren) in an infinitive clause, you must include its reflexive pronoun (me, je, zich, ons, etc.).
| to focus oneself | zich focussen |
Infinitive clauses with "om ... te"
To say "in order to" or express purpose, Dutch uses the om ... te structure. When the verb is reflexive, the reflexive pronoun must match the main subject of the sentence (the person performing the action). The pronoun is placed right after om.
om + reflexive pronoun + te + infinitive
| He meditates to focus. | Hij mediteert om zich te focussen. |
| We meditate to focus and empty the mind. | Wij mediteren om ons te focussen en de geest leeg te maken. |
Adding details
If you want to add extra details to the infinitive clause, such as an adverb or a prepositional phrase, these are placed directly between the reflexive pronoun and the te block.
| Keep your attention on the breathing to focus consciously. | Houd je aandacht bij de ademhaling om je bewust te focussen. |
| I need time to focus on my breathing. | Ik heb tijd nodig om me op mijn ademhaling te focussen. |
Clauses without "om"
Certain verbs, like proberen (to try), trigger an infinitive clause that uses te but drops the om. The rules for the reflexive pronoun stay the same: it must match the logical subject and comes before any extra details and the te block.
| Try to concentrate consciously. | Probeer je bewust te concentreren. |
