Benutzt

Benutzt is the past participle of the German verb benutzen, meaning “used” or “utilized.” It is most commonly seen in perfect tense constructions with haben, as in Ich habe das Werkzeug benutzt. As an adjective in attributive position, it can describe something that has previously been used, for example die benutzte Ausrüstung or die benutzte Software.

Etymology and related forms: benutzen is formed from nutzen with the prefix be-, turning the sense of nutzen into a transitive verb meaning to make use of something. The noun forms include die Benutzung or das Benutzen (the act of using). The noun for a person who uses something is der Benutzer (user). An adjective form related to usability is benutzbar (usable).

Grammatical notes: In compound tenses, the participle benützt/benutzt appears with the auxiliary haben (Ich habe es benutzt). In attributive position after a definite article, the participle is declined as an ordinary adjective, e.g., die benutzte Software, die benutzten Geräte. The related noun Benutzung or Benutzen denotes the act of using.

Usage and nuance: benutzen is common in everyday language for concrete objects, such as tools and devices. Synonyms include verwenden and gebrauchen. Verwendung often carries a slightly more formal tone, while nutzen emphasizes general use or benefit rather than a specific object. The term differs from gebraucht (second-hand) or gebrauchtware, which refer to usage history rather than the act of using.

See also: Benutzung, Benutzen, Benutzer, benutzbar, verwenden, gebrauchen.