Reflexive verbs sneak into German conversations more often than you’d expect. One minute you’re saying ich wasche (I wash), the next you’re wondering why it’s ich wasche mich (I wash myself). That little extra word changes the whole game.
We’ve rounded up around 80 of the most common German reflexive verbs – the ones you’ll actually use when you talk about your morning routine, your feelings, or just getting ready. No dusty textbook relics, just practical vocabulary that makes your German sound more natural. Each entry packs a plain‑English meaning and a realistic example sentence, so you can spot how the verb behaves in the wild. Because your ears need practice too, we’ve added audio – hearing a word once beats reading it ten times.
When life pulls you offline or you want a study sheet to scribble on, hit the free PDF download button below the table. It’s the easiest way to keep these verbs handy and drill them whenever you have a spare moment.
Want more than one list? Browse our German section for more Yak Yacker study pages, printable lists, and quiz-friendly review material.
Quick Quiz
Think you can tell a reflexive verb from a regular one? The quiz below is a friendly way to see where you stand – no pressure, just a quick check.
Browse the Full List
| Word | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| schonen | Verb | take good care of, look after, treat |
| schwamm | Other | sponge |
| Stecker | Other | plug |
| Steig | Other | narrow path |
| trauen | Verb | marry, wed |
| treten | Verb | kick |
| übel | Adjective | bad, nasty |
| überrascht | Adjective | surprised |
| übersetzt | Adjective | excessive |
| üblich | Adjective | usual, customary, normal |
| Van | Other | MPV, people carrier |
| veranstalten | Verb | organize -s- |
| verbrechen | Verb | to be up to... |
| Verdienst | Other | earnings |
| verpacken | Verb | pack up, package |
| verpasst | Adjective | lost, missed, wasted |
| verschlafen | Verb | sleep in, oversleep |
| vierzehn | Other | fourteen |
| Volk | Other | people, nation |
| voraussichtlich | Adjective | prospective, expected |
| vorlegen | Verb | put across |
| wegziehen | Verb | pull off |
| weihnachten | Verb | Christmas is coming |
| weißen | Verb | whitewash |
| Wirt | Other | innkeeper, landlord, host |
