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adjective

gebraucht

used · use

Definition & meaning

The German word gebraucht serves two primary functions:

  1. Past participle of the verb "gebrauchen": It means "used," "utilized," or "needed." In this sense, it describes an action that has been performed (e.g., "I have used the pen").
  2. Adjective: It describes an object that is "second-hand" or "pre-owned." If something is gebraucht, it is not new; it has been owned or operated by someone else previously.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar:
    • As a past participle, it is the third principal part of the verb gebrauchen , which is a weak verb.
    • As an adjective, it is declinable (e.g., ein gebrauchtes Auto, die gebrauchten Bücher).
  • Word origin:
    • It is derived from the prefix ge- and the verb brauchen , which means "to need." Historically, gebrauchen evolved to mean making use of something because one needs it.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms (as an adjective meaning "second-hand"):

  • aus zweiter Hand
  • benutzt
  • verbraucht (though this can also imply "worn out")

Antonyms (as an adjective):

  • neu (new)
  • unbenutzt (unused)
  • fabrikneu (brand new/factory new)

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Examples

Das ist ein gebrauchtes Auto.adjective

This is a used car.

Claudia hat das Fahrrad gebraucht gekauft.adjective

Claudia bought the bicycle used.

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