German Phrase
Ja, ich kämme mir die Haare.
Meaning
This sentence confirms that the speaker is currently engaged in the act of combing their hair. It utilizes a reflexive construction common in German where the dative pronoun 'mir' indicates that the action is being performed on one's own body part.
When to use
This phrase is typically used during a morning or evening routine. It is a common response if someone asks what you are doing in the bathroom or why you aren't ready to leave yet.
✦Grammar Breakdown
JaichkämmemirdieHaare
Reflexive Dative
When an action is performed on a part of the body, German uses a dative reflexive pronoun (mir) and a definite article (die) instead of a possessive pronoun.
Verb Conjugation
'Kämme' is the first-person singular present tense of 'kämmen'. It follows the standard pattern for weak verbs.
🗨In Conversation
Bist du fast fertig im Badezimmer?
Are you almost finished in the bathroom?
Ja, ich kämme mir die Haare.
Yes, I am combing my hair.
✕Common Mistakes
Ich kämme meine Haare.
While grammatically possible, Germans prefer using the dative reflexive pronoun 'mir' plus the definite article 'die' when referring to body parts.
Ich kämme mich die Haare.
The accusative 'mich' is incorrect here because 'die Haare' is already the direct object; you need the dative 'mir' to show for whom the action is done.
↔Alternatives
Ich bürste mir die Haare.
I am brushing my hair.
Ich mache mir die Haare.
I am doing my hair.
Cultural Tip
Germans value punctuality, so explaining your grooming progress ('Morgenroutine') is a polite way to signal you will be ready soon. Note that 'kämmen' specifically refers to using a comb, whereas 'bürsten' refers to using a brush.