German word

gebrauchen

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈbʁaʊ̯xən/

Meaning

  • verbuse

Example

Ich gebrauche das Messer.

I use the knife.

Illustration for gebrauchen (use)

More examples

Ich könnte wirklich Hilfe gebrauchen.

I could really use some help.

Core concept

A person deliberately puts an available tool or method to practical work.

Common phrases

  • Hilfe gebrauchen

    could use some help

  • etwas gebrauchen

    use something

Similar words

benutzen: Operate or handle an everyday object for a specific purpose.
verwenden: Apply a tool, expression, or resource for a particular purpose.
nutzen: Make effective use of something to gain a benefit or good result.

Definition in German

bewusst ein vorhandenes Ding oder Verfahren verwenden, um einen praktischen Nutzen zu erreichen.

Word origin

Gebrauchen comes from Middle High German gebrûchen and Old High German brūhhan, from a Germanic verb related to the idea of making use of something.

Usage tips

  • Gebrauchen is more formal than the common alternatives benutzen and verwenden, especially in everyday speech.

Other meanings

  • utilizeverb

Related words

Word lists with this word