dich selbst
/dɪç zɛlpst/word by wordinformal
The English phrase "yourself" is translated into German as dich selbst. Wiktionary also lists dich and sich.
Meaning: (reflexive) your own self (pron)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dich selbst | /dɪç zɛlpst/ (word by word) | informal |
| dich | /dɪç/ | informal |
| sich | /zɪç/ | formal |
| sich selbst | /zɪç zɛlpst/ (word by word) | formal |
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase dich selbst, dich is the reflexive pronoun and selbst is an optional intensive particle meaning "self".
Which one should you use?
The forms dich and dich selbst are used for the reflexive pronoun, while sich and sich selbst are used for the formal version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use dich and dich selbst in informal situations. Use sich and sich selbst in formal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form dich is in the accusative case, which is used when the reflexive pronoun acts as the direct object of a verb. The word selbst is an optional particle used to emphasize the pronoun.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɪç zɛlpst/
Did you know?
- The English word 'self' and the German word selbst share the same ancient root, tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'separate' or 'apart'.
Examples in context
- Pass auf dich auf.Take care of yourself.This sentence is useful for showing the use of dich in a common expression of care.Tatoeba #531349 by Espi, translation #64257 by CK
- Pass auf dich auf!Look after yourself.Tatoeba #1239683 by Esperantostern, translation #2815048 by Hybrid
- Sei stolz auf dich!Be proud of yourself.This sentence is useful for showing how to use dich when expressing pride.Tatoeba #1918594 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1915916 by Spamster
- Können Sie sich bitte vorstellen?Could you please introduce yourself?
- Wie geht es dir?How are you?
- Erzähl mal etwas über dich.Tell me something about yourself.
- Kannst du dir vorstellen, wie beeindruckt ich von deinem Talent bin?Can you imagine how impressed I am with your talent?
- 713 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are talking about a new hobby.
- MaximilianDu musst dich selbst motivieren.You have to motivate yourself.
- SarahDas ist oft sehr schwer.That is often very difficult.
- MaximilianAber du schaffst das, Sarah.But you can do it, Sarah.
- SarahDanke, Maximilian, das ist lieb.Thanks, Maximilian, that is kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yourself” translations and entries dich, sich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (dich, selbst, sich) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dich, selbst, sich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
