This is the 58th most frequent Dutch word.
zelf
"Zelf" means "self" or "oneself" in English.
Here, 'zelf' is used to emphasize that the subject performed the action without assistance.
Ik heb deze taart zelf gebakken.
I baked this cake myself.
In this sentence, 'zelf' indicates the personal opinion or perspective of the speaker.
Zelf vind ik dit boek erg interessant.
I personally find this book very interesting.
Here, 'zelf' forms part of a compound word 'zelfgemaakt' meaning 'homemade,' attributing the making to the person themselves.