benutzen
Meaning and Usage
"Benutzen" means "to use" in German. It is used to express the action of utilizing something for a specific purpose.
Linguistic Analysis
"Benutzen" is a verb and is a combination of the prefix "be-" and the root "nutzen." The prefix "be-" often indicates a sense of completion or intensification, while "nutzen" means "to use." The word is derived from the Middle High German word "nützen."
Comparisons between German and English
The German word "benutzen" has a similar meaning to its English counterpart "to use."
Cultural Context
In German culture, politeness is highly valued, so using the appropriate form of "benutzen" when addressing someone is important. For example, using the formal "Sie" instead of the informal "du" when asking someone if you can use something.
Example Sentences
- Ich benutze mein Handy, um E-Mails zu überprüfen. (I use my phone to check emails.)
- Kann ich bitte Ihren Stift benutzen? (May I please use your pen?)
Memory Tips
Associate "benutzen" with the English word "utilize" to remember its meaning. You can also create mnemonics or use the word in context to help remember its usage.
Additional Vocabulary
- verwenden (to use)
- nutzen (to use)
- anwenden (to apply)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
"Benutzen" is a verb and does not have a gender or plural form.
Conjugation (for verbs)
- ich benutze (I use)
- du benutzt (you use)
- er/sie/es benutzt (he/she/it uses)
- wir benutzen (we use)
- ihr benutzt (you use)
- sie/Sie benutzen (they/you use)