German Phrase
Benutz den SB‑Automaten.
Meaning
A direct, informal command meaning ‘Use the self‑service machine.’ It is concise and typical for quick instructions in public places.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are giving a short, informal instruction to a friend, a colleague, or a customer in a casual setting – e.g., at a supermarket checkout, a train station ticket kiosk, or a cafeteria.
✦Grammar Breakdown
BenutzdenSB-Automaten
Imperativ (du)
For the informal 'du' command, drop the -e from the verb stem of 'benutzen' → 'Benutz!'.
Akkusativartikel 'den'
The masculine noun 'Automat' is the direct object, so it takes the accusative article 'den'.
Abkürzung SB
SB stands for 'Selbstbedienungs‑', forming a compound noun 'SB‑Automat' (self‑service machine).
🗨In Conversation
Benutz den SB‑Automaten.
Use the self‑service machine.
Okay, danke!
Okay, thanks!
✕Common Mistakes
Benutze den SB‑Automaten.
The informal du‑imperative drops the -e; 'benutze' is a present‑tense form, not a command.
Benutz der SB‑Automaten.
The noun is the direct object, so it needs the accusative article 'den', not the nominative 'der'.
Benutz den SB‑Automaten.
If you want the singular, keep 'Automaten' unchanged; the abbreviation already signals singular. Plural would be 'SB‑Automaten' with a different context.
↔Alternatives
Nutze den SB‑Automaten.
Use the self‑service machine.
Bitte benutzen Sie den SB‑Automaten.
Please use the self‑service machine.
Verwende den SB‑Automaten.
Use the self‑service machine.
Cultural Tip
Self‑service machines (SB‑Automaten) are everywhere in German‑speaking countries – from ticket kiosks to grocery self‑checkout. While 'benutzen' is perfectly neutral, many native speakers prefer 'nutzen' for a slightly more formal tone. Remember that the abbreviation SB is always capitalised and hyphenated when combined with another noun.