to consult / approach / raise
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to consult / use
To consult someone or something for a specific task, or to use someone or something as the basis for a decision or comparison.
Für die Studie wurden Daten aus dem Vorjahr herangezogen.
Data from the previous year was used for the study.
'Heranziehen' (to consult / approach / raise) is a separable verb. The prefix 'heran-' comes at the end in a main clause, while it remains attached to the verb in a subordinate clause.
Der Anwalt zog für den Fall einen Spezialisten heran.
The lawyer consulted a specialist for the case.
The perfect tense is usually formed with 'haben' (to have). An important exception is the meaning 'sich nähern' (to approach), e.g. with weather; here 'sein' (to be) is used.
Sie hat ihre Kinder mit viel Liebe herangezogen.
She raised her children with a lot of love.
In the meaning 'zurate ziehen' (to consult) or 'verwenden' (to use), the word belongs more to formal written language and technical language, for example in academic or legal texts.
Zur Bewertung werden die Ergebnisse des letzten Quartals herangezogen.
The results from the last quarter are used for the evaluation.
Abstract things such as 'Daten' (data), 'Informationen' (information), 'Beispiele' (examples), or 'Kriterien' (criteria) are often 'herangezogen' (used/consulted). A person is also often consulted as an 'Experte' (expert) or 'Zeuge' (witness).
Können Sie ein anderes Beispiel zur Erklärung heranziehen?
Can you use another example for the explanation?
This meaning describes an impersonal, often slow approach. It is typically used for weather phenomena (thunderstorm, storm) or abstract dangers (disaster/misfortune).
Die Kinder spielten draußen, obwohl dunkle Wolken heranzogen.
The children were playing outside even though dark clouds were approaching.
When it comes to plants, 'heranziehen' (to grow/cultivate) is often combined with 'Gemüse' (vegetables), 'Kräuter' (herbs), or 'Setzlinge' (seedlings). It describes the whole process of planting and caring for them.
Er zieht auf seinem Fensterbrett Tomaten heran.
He grows tomatoes on his windowsill.
to use
'verwenden' and 'heranziehen' can both mean that you use something for a particular purpose. 'verwenden' is more general and fits with many things: materials, devices, words, or methods. 'heranziehen' is more specific. It is often used when you consult or use a source, a piece of information, a person, or an example as help, a basis, or a comparison. It sounds somewhat more formal and fits especially well with decisions, explanations, or investigations. If you are simply saying what you use to do something, 'verwenden' is more natural. If something serves as a justification or for advice, 'heranziehen' fits better.
Für die Entscheidung zieht die Ärztin die Ergebnisse der letzten Untersuchung heran.
For the decision, the doctor consults the results of the last examination.
Die Gruppe verwendet im Büro eine gemeinsame Liste für ihre Aufgaben.
The group uses a shared list for their tasks in the office.