pronoun
self
B1
Archaic/literary demonstrative meaning 'self' (use modern 'selbst'). Historically had forms selb, selbe, selbem. Used like 'selb' in older texts or legal language; equivalent to 'self', 'oneself' or 'the same'. Not used in everyday contemporary German; prefer 'selbst' or 'selber' instead.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Der Professor benutzte in der Vorlesung das Wort 'selb', obwohl viele Studierende es nicht verstanden.
The professor used the word 'selb' in the lecture, although many students did not understand it.
Der Ritter sprach von selbst.
The knight spoke of himself.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
a small mirror reflecting the speaker to cue 'self'
sounds like 'self' — same root and idea
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
An older or literary demonstrative/pronominal form related to 'selbst'/'selbe'. Not common in everyday modern speech.