der  Gebrauch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈbʁaʊ̯x/

📖 What does "der Gebrauch" mean?

Der Gebrauch is a masculine noun with several related meanings:

• The act of using or applying something: This is the most common meaning. It describes the action of utilizing or employing something. Example: Der häufige Gebrauch des Handys kann die Augen belasten. (Frequent use of the mobile phone can strain the eyes.)
• The way something is used; application: It can also refer to the method or manner of use. Example: Vor dem ersten Gebrauch die Anleitung lesen. (Read the instructions before first use.)
• Custom, tradition (often in plural: Gebräuche): Especially in the plural, "Gebräuche" refers to established customs or traditions within a society or group. Example: Alte Gebräuche werden auf dem Land noch gepflegt. (Old customs are still maintained in the countryside.)

⚠️ Note: Although there is a plural form (die Gebräuche), it is mainly used for the meaning "customs/traditions". For the meaning "act of using", the plural is rarely used; it's more common to paraphrase (e.g., die verschiedenen Arten des Gebrauchs - the different types of use).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der Gebrauch"

"Gebrauch" is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Focus on "Gebräuche" (Customs)

📝 Example Sentences

• Nominative: Der Gebrauch von Werkzeugen erfordert Übung. (The use of tools requires practice.)
• Genitive: Die Anweisungen des Gebrauchs waren unklar. (The instructions for use were unclear.)
• Dative: Nach dem Gebrauch bitte reinigen. (Please clean after use.)
• Accusative: Sie erklärte mir den Gebrauch der Maschine. (She explained the use of the machine to me.)
• Plural (Customs): Wir lernten die lokalen Gebräuche kennen. (We got to know the local customs.)

💡 How to use "der Gebrauch"?

"Der Gebrauch" is a very versatile word in German.

• Täglicher Gebrauch (Everyday use): Refers to the regular use of everyday objects. (e.g., "Dieses Messer ist für den täglichen Gebrauch bestimmt." - This knife is intended for everyday use.)
• Gebrauchsanweisung/Gebrauchsanleitung (Instructions for use / Manual): The manual explaining how to use a product. (e.g., "Bitte lesen Sie die Gebrauchsanweisung sorgfältig durch." - Please read the instructions for use carefully.)
• In Gebrauch nehmen/haben (To start using / To be using): To begin using something or to be currently using it. (e.g., "Wir haben die neue Software bereits in Gebrauch genommen." - We have already started using the new software.)
• Außer Gebrauch setzen/sein (To decommission / To be out of use): To stop using something or for something to no longer be usable. (e.g., "Die alte Maschine wurde außer Gebrauch gesetzt." - The old machine was decommissioned.)
• Vom Recht Gebrauch machen (To make use of a right): To exercise/use a right. (e.g., "Er machte von seinem Widerspruchsrecht Gebrauch." - He made use of his right to object.)
• Sprachgebrauch (Language usage): The way language is used. (e.g., "Der heutige Sprachgebrauch unterscheidet sich von dem vor 50 Jahren." - Today's language usage differs from that of 50 years ago.)

Difference to "Benutzung": While "Gebrauch" often describes the general act of using or the abstract possibility of use, "die Benutzung" (the use/utilisation) more frequently refers to a specific instance of using or permission to use (e.g., "die Benutzung der Bibliothek" - the use of the library). However, the distinction can be subtle.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic (der): Think of the related word "der Verbrauch" (consumption), which is also masculine. Or think that one often maintains a Brauch (custom) - also masculine: *der Brauch* – and *der Gebrauch* is like a personal custom in how you handle things. Also, the English word 'use' sounds a bit like 'goose', and maybe you imagine a *male* goose using something? (A bit silly, but might work!)

Meaning Mnemonic (use/custom): Imagine you *need* something (German: **brauchen**), so you put it into **Gebrauch** (use). If many people need and use something the same way, it becomes a **Brauch** (custom - plural *Gebräuche*). The verb "brauchen" helps remember "Gebrauch".

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Gebrauch

⚠️ Similar, potentially confusing words:

• Verbrauch (der): Refers to consuming something (e.g., Energieverbrauch - energy consumption, Wasserverbrauch - water consumption). While Gebrauch emphasizes usage, Verbrauch emphasizes depletion.
• Brauch (der): Means custom or tradition. It's one of the meanings of "Gebrauch", but as a standalone word, it only has this meaning.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, nenne mir drei Dinge, die man nur einmal im Leben in Gebrauch nimmt." Fritzchen: "Ein Sarg, ein Hochzeitskleid und mein Zeugnis aus der ersten Klasse!"

English: The teacher asks: "Freddy, name three things you only put into use once in your life." Freddy: "A coffin, a wedding dress, and my first-grade report card!"

📜 Poem about Use (Gebrauch)

German:
Der Löffel, die Tasse, das weiche Tuch,
sind täglich für uns in Gebrauch, Besuch für Besuch.
Die Sprache, die Geste, ein alter Brauch,
all das formt unser Leben, atmet seinen Hauch.
Doch achte gut, beim Nehmen und Geben,
denn Missbrauch kann Wunden ins Dasein weben.

English Translation:
The spoon, the cup, the fabric soft,
are daily in our use, aloft.
The language, gesture, custom old,
all shape our lives, a story told.
But take good care, in give and take,
for misuse wounds can surely make.

🧩 Riddle

German:
Ich bin die Art, wie du Dinge tust,
ob Werkzeug, Wort, ob Freud' ob Frust.
Manchmal bin ich Sitte, alt und hehr,
im Plural nennt man mich dann noch viel mehr.
Ohne mich wär' manches ungenutzt und leer.

Was bin ich?

English:
I am the way you make things go,
A tool, a word, through joy or woe.
Sometimes I'm custom, old and grand,
In plural, traditions across the land.
Without me, things lie useless, close at hand.

What am I?

Solution: Der Gebrauch (or plural: die Gebräuche)

ℹ️ Additional Information

Word Composition

"Gebrauch" is a nominalization (substantivized form) of the verb "gebrauchen" (to use). It's composed of the prefix "ge-" (often used to form past participles or collective nouns) and the stem "brauch" (related to "brauchen" - to need).

Related Words

• gebrauchen (verb): to use, to employ.
• gebraucht (adjective): used, second-hand (e.g., Gebrauchtwagen - used car).
• Gebrauchsanweisung (die): instructions for use, manual.
• Gebrauchtwagen (der): a used car.
• Missbrauch (der): misuse, abuse.
• Sprachgebrauch (der): language usage.