verb
to use
B1
nutzen: to use, to make use of, to utilize. Regular weak verb; Perfekt 'genutzt'. Uses auxiliary 'haben' (ich habe genutzt). Non-reflexive, non-separable. No fixed preposition. Common for practical and abstract uses (etwas nutzen: to benefit from or employ something). Also frequent in everyday German.
Examples
Ich habe die Zeit gut genutzt.
I made good use of the time.
Er nutzte die Chance.
He seized the opportunity.
Ich nutze die Gelegenheit.
I'm taking the opportunity.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture using a Swiss Army tool labeled 'NUTZEN' to do many tasks
sounds like English 'nuts in' — imagine putting nuts into something to use it
Notes
A general-purpose verb meaning 'to use' or 'to make use of'. Often followed by an object (etwas nutzen).