"Wir nutzen den Lehrer."

Translation: We are using the teacher.

[Soglio]

What exactly is the difference between "nutzen" and "benutzen"?

[Menschenkind]

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.

[Soglio]

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.

[kenkindaichi]

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...

[Soglio]

http://de.pons.eu/dict/search/results/?q=um&l=deen&in=&lf=de
Scroll down to III and "um etw. zu tun."

[wb.leonard]

The first translation, "We make 'us' of the teacher makes no sense, and must be a typo.