verb
to use
B1
Means 'to use' (apply or make use of). Common synonyms: nutzen, verwenden. Grammar: regular weak verb, non‑reflexive, uses haben as auxiliary. Not separable. Past participle gebraucht. Formal imperative 'Gebrauche!' (du). Often interchangeable with verwenden depending on register; appears in passive (gebraucht werden).
Examples
Ich gebrauche dieses Werkzeug oft.
I often use this tool.
Ich gebrauche das alte Messer, um das Paket zu öffnen.
I use the old knife to open the package.
Der Handwerker gebrauchte das alte Werkzeug, weil die neue Lieferung verspätet angekommen war.
The craftsman used the old tools because the new delivery had arrived late.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine someone reaching for a tool and saying 'Use it!' — label the action 'gebrauchen'
Sounds like 'behave' but with a 'g' — 'gebrauchen' => 'use'
Notes
gebrauchen is a regular (weak) verb meaning 'to use' and is slightly more formal than 'benutzen' in some contexts. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative senses (e.g., etwas gebrauchen können = to be able to use something).