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.
'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 often be very similar: you use something for a particular purpose. 'verwenden' sounds neutral and sometimes a bit more formal, especially with materials, tools, words, or methods. 'nutzen' puts more emphasis on the purpose or advantage you get from something, for example an opportunity, an app, or free time. Learners may confuse the words because both are often explained with 'benutzen' (to use). When the benefit or advantage is important, 'nutzen' is especially suitable; when it is simply about what you use to do something, 'verwenden' sounds very natural.
Für die Suppe verwendet Maria frische Kräuter aus dem Garten.
Maria uses fresh herbs from the garden for the soup.
Ich nutze die Pause, um schnell meine E-Mails zu lesen.
I use the break to quickly read my emails.