brauchen

Definition & meaning

The verb brauchen is one of the most common verbs in German. It has two primary meanings depending on the context:

1. To need/require: It expresses that someone has a necessity for something or someone.
   • Example: Ich brauche Hilfe. (I need help.)
2. To take/use (of time): It expresses the amount of time required to complete an action.
   • Example: Ich brauche eine Stunde für den Weg. (I need/take an hour for the journey.)

In some regional dialects or colloquial speech, it is also used as a modal verb meaning "must" or "have to," often used with the negative nicht (e.g., Du brauchst nicht zu kommen - You don't have to come).

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is a regular (weak) verb. It takes the accusative case when referring to an object (Ich brauche ein Buch). When used with a verb in the infinitive, it usually requires the particle zu (Ich brauche nicht zu gehen).
• Word origin: It stems from the Old High German brūhhan, which is related to the English word "brook" (in the sense of to tolerate or use) and "bruise," though its primary evolution aligns with the meaning of "to make use of" or "to enjoy."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• benötigen ↗ (to require/need)
• erforderlich sein [?](vocabuo://word/erforderlich sein) (to be necessary)
• verbrauchen ↗ (to consume/use up)
• vonnöten sein [?](vocabuo://word/vonnöten sein) (to be needed)

Antonyms:

• entbehren ↗ (to lack/do without)
• überhaben ↗ (to have left over/spare)
• verzichten ↗ (to forgo/do without)