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German Phrase

Benutz sie ruhig.

/bəˈnʊt͡s ziː ˈʁuːɪç/
Meaning"Feel free to use it."
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Meaning

Literally, 'Use it calmly,' but in everyday German it means 'Feel free to use it' or 'Go ahead and use it.' The phrase is informal and friendly, often used when offering something to a friend or colleague.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you hand someone a tool, a piece of software, or any feminine‑gendered object and want to give them permission in a relaxed, informal way. It works well in casual conversations, at work among peers, or when guiding a learner.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Benutzsieruhig.

1

Imperative (du)

For the du‑form, drop the -e from the verb stem; 'benutzen' becomes 'Benutz' in the informal command.

2

Object pronoun

The pronoun 'sie' refers to a feminine noun (e.g., 'die App', 'die Tastatur') and follows the verb in the imperative.

3

Ruhig as a modal adverb

'Ruhig' here does not mean 'calmly' but 'feel free to' or 'go ahead and'. It softens the command and makes it sound friendly.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hier ist die neue App, probier sie doch mal aus.

Here’s the new app, try it out.

Danke! Benutz sie ruhig.

Thanks! Feel free to use it.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Benutze sie ruhig.

    The du‑imperative drops the -e; 'Benutz' is correct. 'Benutze' is acceptable in very formal written style but sounds stiff in spoken casual German.

  • Benutz sie ruhig (thinking it means 'use it quietly').

    Learners sometimes think 'ruhig' means 'quietly' and use it only with verbs of sound. Here it means 'feel free to', so the nuance is different.

  • Benutz Sie sie ruhig.

    Mixing the informal imperative with the formal pronoun 'Sie' is inconsistent. Use either 'Benutz sie ruhig' (du) or 'Benutzen Sie sie gern' (Sie).

↔Alternatives

  • Benutze sie gern.

    Use it gladly.

  • Du kannst sie benutzen.

    You can use it.

  • Gern, benutze sie.

    Sure, go ahead and use it.

  • Benutzen Sie sie gern.

    Feel free to use it (formal).

de

Cultural Tip

In German, 'ruhig' is often used colloquially to give permission or encouragement, especially in informal settings. It does not imply that the action should be performed quietly. When speaking to strangers or in a formal context, replace 'Benutz sie ruhig' with the polite form 'Benutzen Sie sie gern.'