German Phrase
Benutz ein öffentliches Telefon.
Meaning
‘Use a public phone.’ The sentence is a direct command telling someone to pick up and operate a telephone that is available for public use, such as those found in train stations or airports.
When to use
You would say this when you want to give a quick, informal instruction – for example, if a friend asks how to call a taxi in a place without a personal phone, or in a drama where a character needs to make an urgent call.
✦Grammar Breakdown
BenutzeinöffentlichesTelefon
Imperativ (du)
The du‑imperative of regular verbs is formed by dropping the -en of the infinitive; for most verbs you add an -e (Benutze). The -e is often omitted in colloquial speech, but it is required in standard German.
Indefinitartikel im Akkusativ
‘Telefon’ is neuter, so the accusative indefinite article stays ‘ein’ (not ‘einen’).
Adjektivdeklination (schwach)
After an indefinite article in the accusative neuter, the adjective takes the ending –es: öffentliches.
Nomen – das Telefon
‘Telefon’ is a neuter noun (das Telefon) and is the direct object of the verb.
🗨In Conversation
Wie soll ich dich erreichen, wenn du nicht zu Hause bist?
How should I reach you if you're not at home?
Benutz ein öffentliches Telefon.
Use a public phone.
✕Common Mistakes
Benutz ein öffentliches Telefon.
The du‑imperative of ‘benutzen’ should end with -e: ‘Benutze’. Dropping the -e is colloquial and not recommended in formal writing.
Benutz einen öffentliches Telefon.
For masculine nouns the accusative article would be ‘einen’; here ‘Telefon’ is neuter, so ‘ein’ is correct.
↔Alternatives
Benutze ein öffentliches Telefon.
Use a public phone.
Nutze ein öffentliches Telefon.
Utilize a public phone.
Verwende ein öffentliches Telefon.
Employ a public phone.
Cultural Tip
Public pay‑phones have largely disappeared in Germany, but you’ll still find them in larger train stations, airports, and some city squares. In everyday conversation Germans usually say ‘Ruf mich einfach an’ (just call me) instead of referring to a public phone. If you need to sound polite or formal, use the Sie‑imperative: ‘Benutzen Sie ein öffentliches Telefon.’