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.
'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.
new
'neu' and 'gebraucht' both describe the condition of an object, especially when you buy or sell something. 'neu' means that something has just been made or bought and has not been used, or has hardly been used. 'gebraucht' is the opposite: the object has already had an owner or has already been used. The words can be confused if you only think about the purchase. A car can be new to you because you have just bought it, but it can still be 'gebraucht' (used). To describe its condition, you would then say 'gebraucht' more precisely.
Meine Mutter sucht ein gebrauchtes Fahrrad, weil ein neues zu teuer ist.
My mother is looking for a used bicycle because a new one is too expensive.
Für den Sport kauft mein Freund neue Schuhe, weil seine alten kaputt sind.
My friend buys new shoes for sports because his old ones are broken.