ich benutze
The English phrase "I use" is translated into German as ich benutze.
ich benutze generally applies to physical objects, tools or equipment.
Which one should you use?
While ich benutze is common for physical tools or objects, ich verwende is often preferred in more formal or professional contexts, such as when using ingredients in a recipe or resources in a process. For abstract concepts or intangible things, Ich mache Gebrauch von is often more suitable. Additionally, the verb gebrauchen is a more formal synonym for benutzen and is often used when referring to the utility or the proper application of something.
Did you know?
- If you say ich benutze regarding a person, it can sound dehumanizing, as if you are treating them like a tool or an object.
- While benutzen means 'to use', adding the prefix miss- creates missbrauchen, which means 'to abuse'. This highlights a common German pattern where a neutral action becomes a moral or physical violation by changing the prefix.
- While a learner might say ich benutze for a computer, a native speaker would often use the verb arbeiten mit (to work with) to sound more natural.
Examples in context
- Ich benutze die Gabel.I use the fork.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase ich benutze when referring to a fork.Tatoeba #8230433 by Luiaard, translation #3926042 by gleki
- Ich benutze es jeden Tag.I use it every day.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase ich benutze regarding a daily habit.Tatoeba #750973 by Manfredo, translation #261829 by CK
- Ich benutze den Computer.I use that computer.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase ich benutze when talking about a computer.Tatoeba #1257303 by Espi, translation #1257296 by CK
- Ich benutze täglich meinen Computer für die Arbeit.I use my computer for work every day.
- Ich mache Gebrauch von verschiedenen Technologien, um effizienter zu sein.I make use of various technologies to be more efficient.
- Ich verwende diese Software regelmäßig für meine Projekte.I regularly use this software for my projects.
- Ich nutze mein Handy, um mit meinen Freunden zu kommunizieren.I use my phone to communicate with my friends.
- Ich arbeite mit einer bestimmten Software für meine Fotobearbeitung.I work with a specific software for my photo editing.
- Ich benutze täglich meinen Laptop für meine berufliche Arbeit.I use my laptop for my professional work every day.
- Ich mache Gebrauch von meiner Erfahrung in diesem Bereich, um die besten Ergebnisse zu erzielen.I make use of my experience in this field to achieve the best results.
- Ich verwende verschiedene Analysetools, um detaillierte Berichte für meine Kunden zu erstellen.I use various analytics tools to create detailed reports for my clients.
- Ich nutze mein Fahrrad jeden Tag, um zur Arbeit zu fahren.I use my bike every day to commute to work.
- Ich nutze diese App, um meine täglichen Aufgaben zu organisieren.I use this app to organize my daily tasks.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are in a kitchen sharing kitchen supplies.
- JulianDarf ich dein Messer haben?May I have your knife?
- SarahJa, ich benutze es gerade nicht.Yes, I am not using it right now.
- JulianDanke, Sarah!Thanks, Sarah!
- SarahGerne, Julian.You're welcome, Julian.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
