Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| benutzen | [bəˈnʊtsn̩] (narrow) [bəˈnʊtsən] (narrow) |
| verwenden | /fɛɐ̯ˈvɛndn̩/ /fɛɐ̯ˈvɛndən/ |
| gebrauchen | [ɡəˈbʁaʊ̯xn̩] (narrow) [ɡəˈbʁaʊ̯xən] (narrow) |
| nutzen | /ˈnʊtsən/ |
These verbs are all used to express the concept of employing, applying or making use of something.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb depends on what is being used. benutzen is typically used for the physical use of a tool, object or instrument. verwenden is used for more abstract or formal contexts, such as using a method, a resource or a specific ingredient. nutzen implies making use of an opportunity, a benefit or an existing resource to one's advantage. gebrauchen is a more formal or literary term often used in the context of employing a certain manner or making use of something in a specific way.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Benutzung is derived from benutzen and refers to the act of using something. The noun Verwendung is the noun form of verwenden and refers to the application or intended use of something. Other related nouns include Anwendung (application), Gebrauch (utilization) and Einsatz (deployment).
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using benutzen in relation to people. The phrase jemanden benutzen can imply that you are using a person manipulatively or exploiting them.
Did you know?
- The verb verwenden shares a root with wenden, meaning 'to turn'. It originally meant 'to turn away' or 'to avert' before it evolved to mean 'to use' or 'to employ'.
- In many parts of Germany, the verb brauchen is the historically preferred way to say 'to use' for transitive actions, whereas in other regions nutzen is the standard.
Examples in context
- Darf ich das benutzen?May I use this?This is useful for asking permission to use an object with benutzen.Tatoeba #6645654 by Felixjp, translation #54956 by CK
- Darf ich das verwenden?It is OK for me to use that?This is useful for asking permission to use something with verwenden.Tatoeba #783833 by Hans_Adler, translation #4358357 by corbinjurgens
- Ich werde es verwenden.I'll use it.This is useful for stating an intention to use something with verwenden.Tatoeba #6643594 by Felixjp, translation #3330412 by CK
- Bitte verwenden Sie den Laptop.Please use the laptop.
- Können Sie bitte das Telefon nutzen?Could you please use the phone?
- Bitte wenden Sie diese Technik an.Please use this technique.
- Kannst du bitte das Fahrrad benutzen?Can you please use the bike?
- Verwende deine Fantasie!Use your imagination!
- Nutze diese Gelegenheit!Use this opportunity!
- 631 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are in the kitchen preparing a meal.
- LauraMaximilian, kannst du diesen Mixer benutzen?Maximilian, can you use this mixer?
- MaximilianJa, ich kann ihn benutzen.Yes, I can use it.
- LauraSuper, dann bereite bitte die Sauce vor.Great, then please prepare the sauce.
- MaximilianAlles klar, mache ich sofort.All right, I'll do it immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “use” translations and entries benutzen, verwenden, gebrauchen, nutzen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries benutzen, gebrauchen, nutzen, verwenden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
