Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| brauchen | /ˈbʁaʊ̯xən/ /ˈbʁaʊ̯xn̩/ |
| benötigen | /bəˈnøːtɪɡən/ /b̥eˈnøːtɪɡ̊ɛn/ |
Both brauchen and benötigen are used to express having an absolute requirement for something. In more formal or professional settings, you might encounter the phrase Bedarf haben to refer to one's requirements or the verb erfordern when discussing something that is necessary or required.
Which one should you use?
benötigen is a more formal version of brauchen and is often used in professional, administrative or technical contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using brauchen with another verb to mean 'need to do something', you must use the particle 'zu' (for example, Ich brauche nicht zu gehen).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʁaʊ̯xən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using brauchen in a way that implies 'to use' (which is gebrauchen). In German, brauchen specifically denotes a necessity.
When do people say it?
If you want to say that something is completely unnecessary, you can use the idiom Das braucht man wie ein Loch im Kopf (One needs it like a hole in the head). To express that you urgently need someone's help or presence, use the phrase Jemanden dringend brauchen.
Did you know?
- In casual spoken German, the word zu is frequently dropped from the phrase brauchen nicht zu, even though grammar rules strictly require it.
- The verb brauchen shares a common ancestor with the English word 'brook', which survives today primarily in the phrase 'to brook no interference'.
- Using benötigen in a casual conversation with friends can make a speaker sound like a government official or a technical manual.
Examples in context
- Wir brauchen es bald.We need it soon.This sentence shows the use of brauchen to express a future need.Tatoeba #10117747 by wolfgangth, translation #3374153 by CK
- Brauchen Sie es noch?Do you need it yet?This sentence uses brauchen to ask if something is still needed.Tatoeba #10175381 by wolfgangth, translation #8243559 by maaster
- Wir brauchen das Geld.We need the money.This sentence demonstrates using brauchen with a noun like money.Tatoeba #551624 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #262716 by CK
- Ich habe einen dringenden Bedarf an zusätzlichen Informationen.I have an urgent need for additional information.
- Ich benötige Unterstützung bei der Projektplanung.I need assistance with project planning.
- Das Projekt erfordert eine genaue Analyse der Daten.The project requires a thorough analysis of the data.
- Ich brauche heute Abend jemanden, der mir beim Umzug hilft.I need someone to help me with the move tonight.
- Ich muss unbedingt neue Kleidung kaufen.I really need to buy new clothes.
- Einen Regenschirm braucht man heute wie ein Loch im Kopf!One doesn't need an umbrella today at all!
- Ich brauche dich dringend. Kannst du vorbeikommen?I need you urgently. Can you come over?
- 1264 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “need” translations and entries brauchen, benötigen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries benötigen, brauchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
