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German Phrase

Bitte bring es nach dem Gebrauch zurück.

/ˈbɪtə bʁɪŋ ɛs naːχ deːm ɡəˈbʁaʊ̯χ ˈt͡sʊʁʏk/
Meaning"Please bring it back after use."
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Meaning

A polite request asking someone to return an item once they have finished using it. The phrase is direct but softened by the word Bitte.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you lend something (a book, a tool, a device, etc.) and want the borrower to give it back after they are done. It works in offices, classrooms, shared apartments, or any informal setting where a quick verbal reminder is needed.

✦Grammar Breakdown

BittebringesnachdemGebrauchzurück

1

Bitte

A polite particle used to soften a request; it can appear at the beginning or end of a sentence.

2

bring (imperative)

Second‑person singular imperative of bringen; the verb stem is used without the ending –e.

3

es

Accusative neuter pronoun referring to the object that should be returned.

4

nach dem Gebrauch

A prepositional phrase with the dative article dem; means “after the use”.

5

zurück

Adverb meaning “back”; combined with bringen it forms the separable verb zurückbringen.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hier ist das Ladegerät. Bitte bring es nach dem Gebrauch zurück.

Here’s the charger. Please return it after use.

Klar, ich lege es sofort zurück, wenn ich fertig bin.

Sure, I’ll put it back as soon as I’m done.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Bitte bringe es nach dem Gebrauch zurück.

    The correct imperative for ‘du’ drops the -e; ‘bring(e)’ is a common over‑correction.

  • Bitte bring es nach Gebrauch zurück.

    The preposition nach requires the dative article dem when a noun follows.

  • Bitte bring es nach dem Gebrauch zurückgeben.

    While zurückgeben is also correct, it changes the verb; learners often mix the two constructions.

↔Alternatives

  • Bitte geben Sie es nach dem Gebrauch zurück.

    Please give it back after use. (formal)

  • Rück es bitte nach dem Gebrauch zurück.

    Return it, please, after use. (colloquial, emphasis on ‘zurück’)

  • Bitte legen Sie es nach dem Gebrauch wieder zurück.

    Please put it back after you’ve used it.

de

Cultural Tip

In German, adding Bitte at the start of a request is considered very courteous. When speaking to strangers or in a professional environment, you may prefer the formal Sie form (e.g., Bitte geben Sie es …). The separable verb zurückbringen splits in the imperative, so the particle zurück appears at the end of the clause.