Reflexive Verbs for Emotions and Interests
In German, many verbs that describe emotions, mental states, and personal reactions are reflexive. They require an accusative reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich).
These verbs are frequently paired with specific prepositions. In the combinations below, the following noun is always in the accusative case.
sich freuen
The meaning of sich freuen changes depending on the preposition:
- sich freuen auf = to look forward to (future events)
- sich freuen über = to be happy about (present or past events)
Negative Emotions
To express annoyance or frustration, use sich ärgern (to be annoyed) and sich aufregen (to get upset). Both pair with the preposition über (about).
Note that aufregen is a separable verb. Its prefix (auf) jumps to the end of the clause.
Memory and Interests
- sich erinnern pairs with an (to remember something).
- sich interessieren pairs with für (to be interested in something).
Daily Responsibilities
sich kümmern means "to take care of" or "to look after". It is always paired with the preposition um.
Finally, sich umziehen means "to change clothes". Like aufregen, it is a separable verb.
When used with a modal verb (like müssen), the separable verb stays together as an infinitive at the end of the sentence.
