"Wir nutzen den Lehrer."
Translation:We are using the teacher.
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benutzen (more commonly: verwenden) is used for objects you can touch, while nutzen rather applies for ideal, abstract or non-physical things. You use duolingo to learn German – Du nutzt duolingo, um Deutsch zu lernen. To use an unique opportunity – Eine einmalige Chance nutzen. Wir nutzen den Lehrer seems incomplete, since it doesn't obey this rule and how would you use a person? Person A taking advantage of/exploiting person B (with a negative connotation) would be benutzen or ausnutzen. Wir nutzen das Wissen des Lehrers, um unsere eigenen Kenntnisse zu erweitern – We use the teacher's knowledge to extend our own proficiencies, this would be legit.
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Thank you! I've been trying to figure out the distinction for awhile now--this is a great distinction. I was also wondering whether "nutzen den Lehrer" should translate a little less uncomfortably, but wasn't quite sure how to ask. Thanks for that explanation, too.
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Thank you so much for the explanations! Nevertheless, given the fact that my level is still basic, I am not quite sure of what the "um" stands for in your cases...
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http://de.pons.eu/dict/search/results/?q=um&l=deen&in=&lf=de Scroll down to III and "um etw. zu tun."