benutzen
to use
To use or employ something for a specific purpose.
EXAMPLE
Darf ich kurz deinen Computer benutzen, um eine E-Mail zu schreiben?
May I use your computer briefly to write an email?
benutzen
to use
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Meanings
benutzen
to use
To exploit a person for one's own goals, often in a selfish or unfair way.
EXAMPLE
Sie hatte das Gefühl, dass er sie nur benutzt, um an die Informationen zu kommen.
She had the feeling that he was only using her to get the information.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'benutzen' (to use) depends strongly on the object. When you use a thing (e.g. a tool), the meaning is neutral. When you 'benutzen' (use) a person, the word has the strongly negative meaning of 'ausnutzen' (to exploit).
EXAMPLE
Kann ich bitte deinen Stift benutzen?
Can I please use your pen?
Always with accusative
The verb 'benutzen' (to use) always requires a direct object in the accusative. You always use 'etwas' (something) or 'jemanden' (someone).
EXAMPLE
Welches Shampoo benutzt du für deine Haare?
Which shampoo do you use for your hair?
Inseparable verb
'Benutzen' (to use) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'nutzen' in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe gestern zum ersten Mal die neue App benutzt.
I used the new app for the first time yesterday.
Typical collocations
In its neutral meaning, 'benutzen' (to use) is often combined with everyday objects, tools, or public facilities. Typical examples are: 'ein Werkzeug benutzen' (to use a tool), 'ein Wörterbuch benutzen' (to use a dictionary), or 'die Toilette benutzen' (to use the toilet).
EXAMPLE
In der Bibliothek darf man die Computer kostenlos benutzen.
In the library, you can use the computers for free.
Compare with
benutzen vs nehmen
to take
With means of transportation, nehmen often refers to choosing a particular mode or connection. Benutzen more generally emphasizes that the means of transportation is used for the journey. Both can work, but nehmen sounds especially natural when choosing between connections or means of transportation.
benutzen
Für die Fahrt zum Bahnhof benutze ich den Bus, weil mein Fahrrad kaputt ist.
I’m using the bus to get to the train station because my bicycle is broken.
nehmen
Für die Fahrt zum Bahnhof nehme ich den Bus um acht Uhr.
I’m taking the eight o’clock bus to the train station.
In real life
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