chlorine
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chlorine
A chemical element that is often used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. It is commonly used to clean water in swimming pools.
Nach dem Schwimmen riecht meine Haut immer leicht nach Chlor.
After swimming, my skin always smells slightly of chlorine.
'Chlor' (chlorine) is the name of a substance and is therefore usually an uncountable noun. It is often used without an article when speaking about the substance in general.
Das Wasser im Schwimmbad enthält Chlor.
The water in the swimming pool contains chlorine.
The word 'Chlor' (chlorine) is almost always used in connection with swimming pools and water disinfection. The most common sensory perception is the typical smell.
Der Geruch von Chlor erinnert mich an den Sommerurlaub.
The smell of chlorine reminds me of summer vacation.
Other words are derived from 'Chlor' (chlorine), for example the verb 'chloren' (to chlorinate) or compound nouns such as 'Chlorwasser' (chlorinated water) and 'Chlorgeruch' (chlorine smell).
Der Pool muss regelmäßig gechlort werden.
The pool has to be chlorinated regularly.
disinfectant
'das Chlor' and 'das Desinfektionsmittel' can both have to do with cleaning and killing germs. However, 'Chlor' is a specific chemical substance that is used, for example, in swimming pool water. 'Desinfektionsmittel' is the more general term for agents that kill or neutralize bacteria, viruses, or fungi. So chlorine can be a disinfectant, but not every disinfectant is chlorine. Learners may confuse the words because both appear in hygiene contexts. If you mean the specific substance, say 'Chlor'; if you generally mean an agent against pathogens, say 'Desinfektionsmittel'.
Im Schwimmbad riecht das Wasser stark nach Chlor.
At the swimming pool, the water smells strongly of chlorine.
Vor der Untersuchung benutzt die Ärztin Desinfektionsmittel für die Hände.
Before the examination, the doctor uses disinfectant for her hands.