used
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used
Describes an object that has already been used by someone and is no longer new. It is often used in connection with buying and selling goods.
Ich habe mir ein gebrauchtes Auto gekauft, um Geld zu sparen.
I bought a used car to save money.
needed
In the meaning 'needed' or 'useful.' Expresses that someone or something is needed for a purpose or by a person, often in the phrase 'sich gebraucht fühlen' (to feel needed).
Seit er im Altersheim ehrenamtlich mithilft, fühlt er sich wieder gebraucht.
Since he started volunteering at the nursing home, he feels needed again.
'Gebraucht' (used/needed) is the past participle of the verb 'gebrauchen' (to use), which means 'benutzen' (to use). The main meaning 'schon einmal benutzt' (already used once) or 'second-hand' is derived from this.
Diese Anleitung erklärt, wie man das Gerät richtig gebraucht.
These instructions explain how to use the device correctly.
The position in the sentence helps you recognize the meaning. If 'gebraucht' (used/needed) comes before a noun, it usually means 'second-hand.' If it comes after a verb (predicatively), it often means 'benötigt' (needed).
Er verkauft sein gebrauchtes Fahrrad.
He is selling his used bicycle.
In the meaning 'second-hand,' the word is typically combined with things that can be bought or sold, such as 'gebrauchte Bücher' (used books), 'gebrauchte Möbel' (used furniture), or 'gebrauchte Kleidung' (used clothing).
Auf dem Flohmarkt finde ich oft gut erhaltene, gebrauchte Bücher.
At the flea market, I often find well-preserved used books.
The phrase 'sich gebraucht fühlen' (to feel needed) is very common. It describes the positive feeling of being useful and important to other people.
Durch ihre ehrenamtliche Arbeit fühlt sich die Rentnerin wieder gebraucht.
Through her volunteer work, the retired woman feels needed again.
useful
Both words can express that someone or something is helpful for a purpose. Nützlich describes practical usefulness, whereas gebraucht emphasizes that other people need someone or something. Use nützlich for a helpful function, and gebraucht for the feeling of being needed by others.
Bei der Planung des Projekts fühle ich mich wegen meiner Erfahrung gebraucht.
My experience makes me feel needed when planning the project.
Meine Erfahrung ist bei der Planung des Projekts nützlich.
My experience is useful when planning the project.
