ich brauche
The German phrase for "I need" is ich brauche.
ich brauche is used to express that something is necessary or required.
Which one should you use?
While ich brauche expresses a requirement or necessity, the phrase ich möchte is used to express a wish or desire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb brauchen requires the accusative case for the object being needed. For example, if you are talking about someone else, the third person singular forms are er/sie/es braucht (he/she/it needs).
Did you know?
- In colloquial German, brauchen is frequently used as a substitute for müssen when combined with nicht, as in das brauche ich nicht machen to mean 'I don't have to do that'.
- While ich brauche is common, using it to say you need a person, such as 'ich brauche dich', can sound like you view them as a tool or a commodity rather than a human being.
- In some German dialects, the word brauchen is used to describe the duration of time something takes, which is a usage not found in standard English.
Examples in context
- Ich brauche nur Sie.You're the only one I need.This sentence shows how to express that someone is the only person required.Tatoeba #13309955 by Waldelfe, translation #10781894 by CK
- Ich brauche das Geld.I need the money.This sentence shows how to express a need for money.Tatoeba #1820327 by Tamy, translation #1820318 by Spamster
- Ich brauche es heute.I need it today.This sentence shows how to express the need for something at a specific time.Tatoeba #2189721 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2160865 by Hybrid
- Ich benötige Ihre Hilfe.I need your help.
- Ich benötige weitere Informationen.I need more information.
- Ich brauche Ihren Rat.I need your advice.
- Ich brauche Unterstützung.I need support.
- Ich brauch 'ne Pause.I need a break.
- Ich muss unbedingt telefonieren.I really need to make a phone call.
- Ich muss dringend tanken.I urgently need to refuel.
- Ich benötige einen Stift zum Schreiben.I need a pen to write.
- Ich brauche deine Hilfe bei den Hausaufgaben.I need your help with the homework.
- Ich muss heute Abend früh ins Bett gehen.I need to go to bed early tonight.
- Ich benötige sehr viel Zeit, um das Projekt abzuschließen.I need a lot of time to finish the project.
- Ich brauche dringend deine Unterschrift.I urgently need your signature.
- Ich benötige eine Tasse Kaffee.I need a cup of coffee.
- Ich brauche zwei Tickets für das Konzert.I need two tickets for the concert.
- 719 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a grocery store, Felix is looking for a specific item.
- FelixIch brauche Milch für den Kaffee.I need milk for the coffee.
- SarahHier ist eine Flasche Milch, Felix.Here is a bottle of milk, Felix.
- FelixDanke, Sarah. Brauchst du auch etwas?Thanks, Sarah. Do you need something too?
- SarahNein, ich habe alles.No, I have everything.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
