In German
brauchen
Meaning: to need
Formal or informal? “Brauchen” means need in the sense of requiring something. For obligation (must), use “müssen”.
Example sentences
IchbraucheHilfe.
I need help.
Brauchstduetwas?
Do you need anything?
ErbrauchteinneuesAuto.
He needs a new car.
Grammar note
Regular endings: ich brauche, du brauchst, er braucht, wir brauchen. It takes an accusative object: “Ich brauche Hilfe”. With “zu” it means “need to”, and it's negated with “nicht”: “Du brauchst nicht zu kommen.”
Common mistake
Don't use “brauchen” for obligation. “Ich muss gehen” means I must go. “Ich brauche nicht zu gehen” means I don't need to go.
Quick check
Which form is correct for “he needs” (er)?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between “brauchen” and “müssen”?
“Brauchen” means need something, while “müssen” means must do something.
How do you say “you don't need to come”?
“Du brauchst nicht zu kommen.”