Reciprocal Pronouns For Intermediate learners
What is a Reciprocal Pronoun?
A reciprocal pronoun is a pronoun that shows a two-way action. In other words, reciprocal pronouns show that animate beings are doing something to "each other". It is only used for people and other animate beings.
The German Reciprocal Pronouns
In the German language, "einander" is often translated as "each other". It can be either accusative or dative, depending on the case, and it usually follows the verb.
Wir verstehen einander.
We understand each other.
Accusative
Wir schreiben einander Briefe.
We write letters to each other.
Dative
Note!
It is possible for "einander" to be combined with different prepositions. In this case, the words usually merge.
von + einander → voneinander
Sie lernen voneinander.
They learn from each other.
für + einander → füreinander
Sie sorgen füreinander.
They care for each other.
Sich Vs. Einander
In spoken German, it is very common to use the reflexive pronoun "sich" instead of the reciprocal pronoun "einader". This is usually the case for reflexive verbs that have plural subjects.
Anna und Ben sehen einander.
Anna and Ben see each other.
Anna und Ben sehen sich.
Anna and Ben see each other.
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