verb
to use
A1
benutzen — regular weak verb meaning 'to use' or 'to utilize'. Conjugation regular; participle benutzt; auxiliary haben. Usually transitive (benutzen + object). Imperative Benutze! Not reflexive or separable. Synonymous with verwenden or nutzen in many contexts but benutzen is very common in spoken and written German.
Examples
Er benutzte das Werkzeug.
He used the tool.
Der Handwerker benutzte einen speziellen Schlüssel, weil die normale Schraube zu fest saß.
The craftsman used a special key because the normal screw was too tight.
Kann ich dein Telefon benutzen?
Can I use your phone?
Details
Mnemonics
Picture someone picking up a tool labeled 'benutzen' to use it
Think 'be-nuts-en' — imagine using nuts to fix something
Notes
Regular weak verb, very common for devices and tools.