When you're discussing consumption in German at a C2 level, "verbrauchen" is a foundational verb. However, to convey a more nuanced understanding, consider verbs like "aufbrauchen" (to use up entirely, implying depletion), "konsumieren" (to consume, often in an economic sense), or "zehren" (to consume slowly, often used for resources or energy). The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the act of using, the depletion, or the manner of consumption.
verbrauchen 30초 만에
- consume
- use up
- deplete
§ What does "verbrauchen" mean?
The German verb "verbrauchen" is a common and practical word to know. At its core, it means to consume or to use up. Think of it as what happens when you finish something, whether it's food, energy, or even time. It implies a process where something is diminished or completely gone as a result of being used.
- Definition
- to consume, to use up
You'll encounter "verbrauchen" in many everyday situations. It's not a fancy or academic word; it's part of how Germans talk about using resources, products, and even their own energy.
§ When do people use "verbrauchen"?
People use "verbrauchen" in a variety of contexts. Here are some common scenarios:
- Food and Drink: When you eat or drink something, you are "verbrauchen" it.
- Energy: Whether it's electricity, gas, or fuel for a car, using these resources means "verbrauchen."
- Materials and Products: Anything that gets used up, like paper, ink, or cleaning supplies.
- Time and Resources: You can even "verbrauchen" time or other abstract resources.
Let's look at some practical examples to make this clearer:
Wir verbrauchen viel Wasser im Sommer. (We consume a lot of water in summer.)
Mein Auto verbraucht viel Benzin. (My car uses up a lot of petrol.)
Du solltest weniger Energie verbrauchen. (You should consume less energy.)
Notice how in each of these examples, something is being used to the point where it diminishes or is gone. This is the core meaning of "verbrauchen." It's an active process of using resources.
§ Related words and phrases
Understanding "verbrauchen" also means being aware of its related terms. For example:
- der Verbrauch: This is the noun form, meaning "consumption" or "use." You'll often see it on utility bills or product labels (e.g., "Energieverbrauch" - energy consumption).
- verbraucht: This can be the past participle (used up) or an adjective (worn out, exhausted).
Der Stromverbrauch ist hoch. (The electricity consumption is high.)
Ich bin total verbraucht nach der Arbeit. (I am totally exhausted after work.)
Mastering "verbrauchen" will significantly improve your ability to talk about resource management, daily activities, and even how you feel. It's a fundamental verb for B1 learners and beyond.
How Formal Is It?
"Die Bevölkerung konsumiert täglich große Mengen an Energie. (The population consumes large amounts of energy daily.)"
"Wir verbrauchen viel Wasser beim Duschen. (We use up a lot of water when showering.)"
"Mein altes Auto schluckt zu viel Benzin weg. (My old car guzzles too much gasoline.)"
"Wir müssen die Milch aufbrauchen, bevor sie schlecht wird. (We have to use up the milk before it goes bad.)"
"Hast du das ganze Eis weggemacht? (Did you finish all the ice cream? / Did you make all the ice cream disappear?)"
재미있는 사실
The 'ver-' prefix often implies a sense of completion or using something up entirely, which is perfectly captured in 'verbrauchen'.
난이도
short
short
short
short
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
수준별 예문
Wir verbrauchen viel Wasser im Sommer.
We use up a lot of water in summer.
Ich verbrauche zu viel Strom.
I consume too much electricity.
Das Auto verbraucht wenig Benzin.
The car consumes little gasoline.
Du solltest nicht so viel Zucker verbrauchen.
You shouldn't consume so much sugar.
Wir haben alle Vorräte verbraucht.
We have used up all supplies.
Mein Drucker verbraucht viel Tinte.
My printer consumes a lot of ink.
Sie verbraucht viel Zeit mit ihrem Hobby.
She spends (uses up) a lot of time on her hobby.
Wir müssen weniger Ressourcen verbrauchen.
We must consume fewer resources.
자주 혼동되는 단어
This is the noun form of 'gebrauchen', meaning 'use' or 'usage'. Don't confuse it with the verb 'verbrauchen'.
This is the noun form of 'verbrauchen', meaning 'consumption' or 'usage'. It's important to distinguish between the verb and the noun.
This noun means 'consumer'. It's related to 'verbrauchen' (to consume), but refers to the person doing the consuming.
혼동하기 쉬운
'Verbrauchen' implies using something until it's gone or depleted, like consuming food or using up resources. 'Gebrauchen' means to simply use something, often implying that the item remains afterwards, like using a tool or an object.
'Verbrauchen' is about depletion, 'gebrauchen' is about utility.
Ich gebrauche einen Stift zum Schreiben. (I use a pen to write.) / Wir verbrauchen viel Wasser im Sommer. (We consume a lot of water in summer.)
Similar to 'gebrauchen', 'benutzen' also means to use something. The distinction between 'gebrauchen' and 'benutzen' can be subtle and often interchangeable in many contexts, but neither carries the strong sense of depletion that 'verbrauchen' does.
'Verbrauchen' means to use up; 'benutzen' means to simply use.
Ich benutze mein Handy jeden Tag. (I use my phone every day.) / Er verbraucht zu viel Energie. (He consumes too much energy.)
'Aufbrauchen' is very close in meaning to 'verbrauchen' and often interchangeable when talking about using something up completely. However, 'aufbrauchen' sometimes carries a stronger nuance of finishing something or using the last of it.
Both mean to use up, but 'aufbrauchen' can imply finishing the last of something.
Ich muss das Brot aufbrauchen, bevor es schlecht wird. (I have to use up the bread before it goes bad.) / Wir verbrauchen viel Strom. (We consume a lot of electricity.)
'Konsumieren' is a direct cognate of 'to consume' in English and is often used in German, especially in economic or abstract contexts. While it means to consume, 'verbrauchen' is more commonly used for the physical act of using something up, especially resources or goods.
'Verbrauchen' is for physical usage/depletion; 'konsumieren' is broader, often economic.
Die Bevölkerung konsumiert viele Waren. (The population consumes many goods.) / Das Auto verbraucht viel Benzin. (The car consumes a lot of gasoline.)
While both involve using something, 'verschwenden' means to waste, implying inefficient or unnecessary use, whereas 'verbrauchen' is neutral – simply to use up, whether efficiently or not.
'Verbrauchen' is about using up; 'verschwenden' is about wasting.
Wir sollten kein Wasser verschwenden. (We shouldn't waste water.) / Wir verbrauchen viel Wasser. (We consume a lot of water.)
팁
Verb Conjugation: Regular
Remember that 'verbrauchen' is a regular verb. This means its conjugation follows a predictable pattern. For example, in the present tense: ich verbrauche, du verbrauchst, er/sie/es verbraucht.
Past Tense (Perfekt): 'haben' + 'verbraucht'
The past tense (Perfekt) of 'verbrauchen' is formed with 'haben' as the auxiliary verb and 'verbraucht' as the past participle. For instance: 'Ich habe zu viel Strom verbraucht.' (I consumed too much electricity.)
Separable vs. Inseparable Prefix
The prefix 'ver-' in 'verbrauchen' is inseparable. This means it always stays attached to the verb, even in sentences where other prefixes might separate. You won't say 'ich brauche... ver'.
Common Use: Resources and Energy
'Verbrauchen' is often used when talking about consuming resources like electricity, water, or fuel. 'Das Auto verbraucht viel Benzin.' (The car uses up a lot of petrol.)
Common Use: Food and Drink
You can also use 'verbrauchen' for consuming food or drink, similar to 'essen' or 'trinken', but with an emphasis on using it up. 'Wir müssen die Milch verbrauchen, bevor sie schlecht wird.' (We have to consume the milk before it goes bad.)
Don't Confuse with 'benutzen'
While similar, 'verbrauchen' implies using something up entirely or diminishing it, whereas 'benutzen' simply means 'to use' something without necessarily depleting it. You 'benutzen' a pen, but you 'verbrauchen' the ink.
Examples with Direct Object
'Verbrauchen' typically takes a direct object (accusative case). 'Wir verbrauchen Wasser.' (We consume water.)
Contextual Nuances: Time and Energy
Beyond physical goods, 'verbrauchen' can also refer to consuming time or energy. 'Diese Aufgabe verbraucht viel Zeit.' (This task uses up a lot of time.)
Opposite: 'sparen' (to save)
The opposite of 'verbrauchen' (to consume/use up) is often 'sparen' (to save). Think about 'Energie sparen' (to save energy) versus 'Energie verbrauchen' (to consume energy).
Listen for the Prefix 'ver-'
The 'ver-' prefix often indicates a sense of completion, destruction, or a wrong/unintended outcome. While 'verbrauchen' doesn't fit all these, it implies consuming something fully.
어원
Old High German 'firbruchan'
원래 의미: to use, to utilize, to break
Germanic문화적 맥락
Germans are generally quite conscious of consumption, particularly regarding resources like energy and water. You'll often hear discussions about <i>Energieverbrauch</i> (energy consumption) and <i>Wasserverbrauch</i> (water consumption). This focus on sustainability and efficiency is a notable aspect of German culture, and <i>verbrauchen</i> is a key word in these conversations.
셀프 테스트 54 질문
What does the speaker consume a lot of?
Do they consume a lot or a little electricity?
What is the question about consuming?
Read this aloud:
Ich verbrauche viel Wasser.
Focus: /fɛɐ̯ˈbraʊ̯xən/
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Das Auto verbraucht viel Benzin.
Focus: /bɛnˈtsiːn/
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Wir verbrauchen Strom.
Focus: /ʃtʁoːm/
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'I consume a lot of water.'
This sentence means 'The car consumes gasoline.'
This sentence means 'We consume too much energy.'
Wir ____ viel Wasser beim Duschen.
To say 'we consume a lot of water', 'verbrauchen' is the correct verb.
Ich muss den Akku meines Handys oft ____.
This sentence is a trick question! The correct word here is 'aufladen' (to charge), because you charge a phone battery, not consume it.
Sie ____ zu viel Strom für die Heizung.
For 'she consumes too much electricity', 'verbraucht' is the right verb form.
Wir ____ unsere Lebensmittel schnell.
'Verbrauchen' is appropriate when talking about consuming food, similar to 'essen' but with a focus on using it up.
Der Motor ____ viel Öl.
When referring to a machine using up a resource like oil, 'verbraucht' is the correct verb.
Ich ____ mein letztes Stück Seife.
To say 'I am using up my last piece of soap', 'verbrauche' is the correct conjugation.
Write a sentence describing something you use often in your daily life. Use 'verbrauchen'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ich verbrauche oft mein Handy.
Imagine you are talking about saving energy. Write a sentence saying that you don't want to use up too much electricity. Use 'verbrauchen'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ich möchte nicht zu viel Strom verbrauchen.
Describe a situation where someone is consuming a lot of food or drink. Use 'verbrauchen'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Er verbraucht viel Essen, wenn er hungrig ist.
Was ist ein Weg, um weniger Wasser zu verbrauchen?
Read this passage:
In vielen Haushalten wird zu viel Wasser verbraucht. Es ist wichtig, Wasser zu sparen. Man kann zum Beispiel kürzer duschen, um weniger Wasser zu verbrauchen.
Was ist ein Weg, um weniger Wasser zu verbrauchen?
Der Text sagt: 'Man kann zum Beispiel kürzer duschen, um weniger Wasser zu verbrauchen.'
Der Text sagt: 'Man kann zum Beispiel kürzer duschen, um weniger Wasser zu verbrauchen.'
Warum möchte die Person ein neues Auto kaufen?
Read this passage:
Mein altes Auto verbraucht sehr viel Benzin. Deswegen möchte ich ein neues, sparsameres Auto kaufen. Das spart Geld und ist besser für die Umwelt.
Warum möchte die Person ein neues Auto kaufen?
Der Text sagt: 'Mein altes Auto verbraucht sehr viel Benzin. Deswegen möchte ich ein neues, sparsameres Auto kaufen.'
Der Text sagt: 'Mein altes Auto verbraucht sehr viel Benzin. Deswegen möchte ich ein neues, sparsameres Auto kaufen.'
Wie kann man beim Kochen weniger Zutaten verbrauchen?
Read this passage:
Beim Kochen verbraucht man oft viele Zutaten. Wenn man clever ist, kann man Reste vom Vortag verwenden, um nichts zu verschwenden und weniger neue Zutaten zu verbrauchen.
Wie kann man beim Kochen weniger Zutaten verbrauchen?
Der Text sagt: 'Wenn man clever ist, kann man Reste vom Vortag verwenden, um nichts zu verschwenden und weniger neue Zutaten zu verbrauchen.'
Der Text sagt: 'Wenn man clever ist, kann man Reste vom Vortag verwenden, um nichts zu verschwenden und weniger neue Zutaten zu verbrauchen.'
This sentence means 'We consume water every day.' The verb 'verbrauchen' is in the second position.
This sentence means 'She consumes too much electricity.' 'Zu viel' means 'too much'.
This sentence means 'I have used up all the cookies.' 'Verbraucht' is the past participle here.
We consume too much water.
Did you use up all the bread?
The car uses a lot of gasoline.
Read this aloud:
Ich verbrauche jeden Tag viel Energie.
Focus: ver-brauch-e
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Bitte verbrauchen Sie nicht so viel Strom.
Focus: ver-brauch-en Sie
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Haben wir alle Eier verbraucht?
Focus: ver-braucht
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
What does the family consume a lot of each month?
What should we consume less of to protect the environment?
What has the speaker used up?
Read this aloud:
Können wir den Kaffee verbrauchen, bevor er schlecht wird?
Focus: ver-BRAU-chen
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Wie viel Benzin verbraucht Ihr neues Auto pro 100 Kilometer?
Focus: ver-BRAUCHT
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Es ist wichtig, Energie nicht unnötig zu verbrauchen.
Focus: un-NÖ-tig
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen for how much energy the factory consumes.
Listen for why his business model is not sustainable.
Listen for what they consume to make coffee and if it's worth it.
Read this aloud:
Versuchen Sie, den Energieverbrauch in Ihrem Haushalt zu senken.
Focus: Energieverbrauch, senken
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Der übermäßige Wasserverbrauch in trockenen Regionen ist ein ernstes Problem.
Focus: übermäßige, Wasserverbrauch, Regionen, ernstes Problem
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Wir müssen innovative Lösungen finden, um Ressourcen effizienter zu verbrauchen.
Focus: innovative, Lösungen, Ressourcen, effizienter
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'We consume too many resources quickly.' The verb 'verbrauchen' is in the second position.
This sentence means 'The heating consumes a lot of gas in winter.' The subject 'Die Heizung' is followed by the verb 'verbraucht'.
This sentence means 'One should not use up all supplies at once.' 'Verbrauchen' is at the end because it's part of a modal verb construction.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Verbrauchen means to consume or use something up, often implying a reduction in quantity or availability.
- consume
- use up
- deplete
Verb Conjugation: Regular
Remember that 'verbrauchen' is a regular verb. This means its conjugation follows a predictable pattern. For example, in the present tense: ich verbrauche, du verbrauchst, er/sie/es verbraucht.
Past Tense (Perfekt): 'haben' + 'verbraucht'
The past tense (Perfekt) of 'verbrauchen' is formed with 'haben' as the auxiliary verb and 'verbraucht' as the past participle. For instance: 'Ich habe zu viel Strom verbraucht.' (I consumed too much electricity.)
Separable vs. Inseparable Prefix
The prefix 'ver-' in 'verbrauchen' is inseparable. This means it always stays attached to the verb, even in sentences where other prefixes might separate. You won't say 'ich brauche... ver'.
Common Use: Resources and Energy
'Verbrauchen' is often used when talking about consuming resources like electricity, water, or fuel. 'Das Auto verbraucht viel Benzin.' (The car uses up a lot of petrol.)
예시
Wir müssen weniger Energie verbrauchen.
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