German Phrase
Benutz ein kleines Schließfach.
Meaning
‘Benutz ein kleines Schließfach.’ is a direct command meaning ‘Use a small locker.’ It tells the listener to place something in a compact storage compartment, typically found in public places.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are guiding someone to store belongings in a locker – e.g., at a train station, gym, school, or workplace where lockers are available.
✦Grammar Breakdown
BenutzeinkleinesSchließfach
Imperativ (2. Person Singular)
‘Benutz’ is the colloquial imperative of ‘benutzen’; the standard form is ‘Benutze’. The -e is often dropped in spoken German.
Akkusativ Artikel
‘ein’ is the indefinite article in the accusative case for neuter nouns.
Adjektivdeklination (schwache Endung)
After ‘ein’ in the accusative neuter, the adjective takes the ending ‘-es’, giving ‘kleines’.
Neutrum Nomen
‘Schließfach’ is a neuter noun (das Schließfach) meaning ‘locker’.
🗨In Conversation
Benutz ein kleines Schließfach.
Use a small locker.
Okay, danke!
Okay, thanks!
✕Common Mistakes
Benutz ein kleines Schließfach.
The standard imperative includes the -e: ‘Benutze’. Dropping the -e is informal and acceptable in spoken language, but learners should know the full form.
Benutz ein kleiner Schließfach.
After ‘ein’ in the accusative neuter, the adjective must end with -es, not -er.
↔Alternatives
Benutze ein kleines Schließfach.
Use a small locker.
Nimm ein kleines Schließfach.
Take a small locker.
Stell deine Sachen in ein kleines Schließfach.
Put your things in a small locker.
Cultural Tip
Lockers (Schließfächer) are ubiquitous in German-speaking countries – from train stations (Bahnhöfe) to universities. They are usually rented for a day or longer, and you’ll often need a key or a code. When speaking politely, you might add ‘bitte’ (please) before the command: ‘Bitte, benutz ein kleines Schließfach.’