to use
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to use
To use or apply something for a particular purpose. It is often interchangeable with 'benutzen' (to use), but sometimes sounds a bit more formal.
Für dieses Rezept sollten Sie frische Kräuter verwenden.
For this recipe, you should use fresh herbs.
to advocate for
To advocate for someone or something; to use one's support or influence in order to help.
Der Abgeordnete hat sich bei der Ministerin für unser Anliegen verwendet.
The member of parliament advocated for our concern with the minister.
'Verwenden' (to use) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'ver-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb 'wenden' in all sentence forms and is not stressed.
Ich habe für das Projekt viel Zeit verwendet.
I used a lot of time for the project.
In the meaning 'benutzen' (to use), 'verwenden' (to use) belongs more to formal or written language, for example in instructions, reports, or specialized texts.
Bitte verwenden Sie für den Antrag das offizielle Formular.
Please use the official form for the application.
'Verwenden' (to use) is often combined with things that are applied for a specific goal, for example: ingredients, materials, terms, methods, or money.
Für diese Soße verwende ich immer frische Tomaten.
For this sauce, I always use fresh tomatoes.
The expression 'sich für jemanden/etwas verwenden' (to advocate for someone/something) is always reflexive and takes the preposition 'für' followed by the accusative. It means that you use your influence for a goal or a person.
Sie hat sich bei ihrem Chef für mich verwendet.
She put in a good word for me with her boss.
You can always recognize the meaning 'sich einsetzen' (to advocate/stand up for something) by the reflexive pronoun, e.g. mich, dich, sich. Without this pronoun, 'verwenden' simply means 'benutzen' (to use).
Der Professor hat sich für den Studenten verwendet, damit er das Stipendium bekommt.
The professor advocated for the student so that he would get the scholarship.
to use / benefit
Nutzen and verwenden can both refer to using something for a specific purpose. Nutzen tends to emphasize the benefit achieved or the helpful effect, while verwenden focuses on assigning something to a purpose. Use nutzen when the benefit is emphasized and verwenden for neutral use.
Wir verwenden den großen Raum für die Prüfung.
We are using the large room for the exam.
Wir nutzen den großen Raum für die Prüfung, damit alle bequem sitzen.
We are using the large room for the exam so that everyone can sit comfortably.
