Verb

instrumentalisieren

Translation

to instrumentalize, to use as a tool, to exploit

Er instrumentalisiert seine Freunde für seine Ziele.

He uses his friends as a tool for his goals.

Das Thema wurde politisch instrumentalisiert.

The topic was instrumentalized for political purposes.

((sb./sth.)) ((for sth.)) to instrumentalize (sb./sth.) (for sth.) He instrumentalizes the topic for his campaign.

Synonyms: ausnutzen (to exploit), missbrauchen (to abuse), benutzen (to use)

Derived from 'Instrument' (instrument, tool). The suffix '-isieren' means 'to make' or 'to turn into'. So, 'to turn into an instrument'.

Think of treating a person or an idea like a simple 'instrument' or tool to achieve a goal, which usually has a negative connotation.