gebrauchen

Gebrauchen is a German verb meaning to use, employ, or utilize. It is relatively formal or literary; in everyday speech, speakers often prefer synonyms such as verwenden or benutzen. The related noun is der Gebrauch, meaning use or usage, and in fixed expressions the verb participates in phrases like von dieser Gelegenheit Gebrauch machen, meaning to take advantage of an opportunity.

Usage and context: Gebrauchen is transitive and takes a direct object. It appears in formal constructions such as “von dieser Gelegenheit Gebrauch machen” (to make use of this opportunity). In colloquial contexts, speakers typically opt for verwenden or benutzen. The phrase “Gebrauch von …” is used to describe the act of using something, while compounds like Gebrauchsanweisung refer to an instruction manual.

Forms and syntax: The past participle of gebrauch en is gebraucht, used with haben in the perfect tense (Ich habe das Werkzeug gebraucht). The present tense forms follow the standard patterns for -en verbs. Because gebrauch en carries a formal nuance, speakers may choose other verbs in casual settings, depending on register and region.

Related terms and nuance: Gebrauchen contrasts with verwenden, which is common in technical or formal language, and mit Benutzen, which is more everyday. The noun form der Gebrauch is widely used in expressions about practice, etiquette, or customary use, and it can appear in legal or administrative texts with precise meanings.

See also: Gebrauchsanweisung, Gebrauchsgegenstand, verwenden, benutzen, anwenden.