onszelf

Onszelf is a Dutch reflexive pronoun used with the subject wij/we to refer back to the group. It is formed from ons (the object form of we) and zelf (self) and is employed when the action of the verb directly concerns the group itself. In practice it marks that the group acts on itself, either as the object of the verb or to emphasize the reflexive relation.

Etymology and form: The word is a compound of ons and zelf and appears exclusively in plural first-person constructions. It is related to the other reflexive pronouns in Dutch, such as mezelf (myself), jezelf (yourself), zichzelf (himself/herself/itself), and onszelf is the plural counterpart used for we. In many sentences the ordinary object pronoun ons can sometimes substitute for onszelf, but onszelf carries a more explicit reflexive sense.

Usage and examples: Onszelf is used when the action of the verb is directed at the group itself. Examples include: Wij gaven onszelf extra tijd. We protected ourselves: We beschermden onszelf. We underestimated ourselves: We hebben onszelf onderschat. In these cases onszelf functions as the direct object of the verb. For third-person reference, the corresponding form is zichzelf; onszelf is not appropriate for he, she, or they.

Relation to other pronouns: Onszelf is distinct from ons as a simple reflexive object, and from zichzelf, which is used for third-person subjects. In everyday speech, both onszelf and ons can occur depending on the desired emphasis; however, onszelf explicitly signals that the action concerns the group itself.

See also: Dutch pronouns, reflexive pronouns, zelf.