German Phrase
Benutz Lampen mit Bewegungsmelder.
Meaning
The sentence is a short command telling someone to use lamps that are equipped with motion sensors. It emphasizes a practical, energy‑saving solution for lighting in homes, offices or public spaces.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving advice about lighting, discussing home‑automation projects, or recommending ways to reduce electricity consumption. It works well in informal conversations, instructional videos, or written guides on sustainable living.
✦Grammar Breakdown
BenutzLampenmitBewegungsmelder
Imperativ (du‑Form)
‘Benutz’ is the colloquial short form of the du‑imperative of ‘benutzen’; the standard form is ‘Benutze’.
Plural noun
‘Lampen’ is the plural of ‘Lampe’ (lamp).
Preposition ‘mit’
‘mit’ means ‘with’ and governs the dative case; here it links the noun ‘Bewegungsmelder’ to the lamps.
Compound noun
‘Bewegungsmelder’ combines ‘Bewegung’ (movement) + ‘Melder’ (detector) and is masculine: der Bewegungsmelder.
🗨In Conversation
Wir haben immer das Licht an, obwohl niemand im Raum ist.
We always leave the light on even when nobody is in the room.
Benutz Lampen mit Bewegungsmelder, dann schalten sie sich automatisch aus.
Use lamps with motion sensors, then they turn off automatically.
✕Common Mistakes
Benutz Lampen mit Bewegungsmelder.
Standard du‑imperative of ‘benutzen’ is ‘Benutze’; ‘Benutz’ is colloquial and should be avoided in formal writing.
Benutze Lampen mit Bewegungsmelder.
If you refer to several sensors, use the plural ‘Bewegungsmelder’ → ‘Bewegungsmelder’ (same form) but add ‘die’ for clarity: ‘mit den Bewegungsmeldern’.
Benutze Lampen mit Bewegungsmelder.
When speaking about specific lamps, include the article: ‘die Lampen’. Omitting it can sound vague.
↔Alternatives
Benutze Lampen mit Bewegungsmelder.
Use lamps with motion sensors.
Verwende Lampen mit Bewegungsmelder.
Employ lamps with motion sensors.
Setze Lampen mit Bewegungsmelder ein.
Install lamps with motion sensors.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries energy efficiency is taken seriously; motion‑sensor lights are common in bathrooms, hallways, stairwells and outdoor areas. When speaking to a German audience, it’s polite to use the full imperative ‘Benutze…’ and, if you want to sound especially formal, add the article: ‘Benutze die Lampen…’. Regional dialects may drop the final ‘e’ (e.g., ‘Benutz’ in colloquial speech), but in written German the standard form is preferred.