disinfection
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disinfection
The process in which pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi on surfaces, objects, or the skin are rendered harmless or killed in order to prevent infection.
Vor der Operation ist eine gründliche Desinfektion der Hände notwendig.
Before the operation, thorough disinfection of the hands is necessary.
The word part 'Des-' is a prefix that often means 'ent-' (de-/un-) or 'weg-' (away) and expresses the opposite or removal of something. 'Desinfektion' (disinfection) is therefore literally the elimination of an infection risk.
Die Desinfektion der Instrumente ist ein wichtiger Schritt im Labor.
The disinfection of the instruments is an important step in the laboratory.
The noun 'Desinfektion' (disinfection) is frequently combined with the verbs 'durchführen' (to carry out) or 'vornehmen' (to perform) to describe the process of disinfecting.
Das Reinigungspersonal muss täglich eine Desinfektion der Toiletten durchführen.
The cleaning staff must carry out a disinfection of the toilets every day.
To specify what is being disinfected, you usually use the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of). The genitive construction is especially common in written language.
Die Desinfektion der Hände ist vor dem Kochen wichtig.
Disinfection of the hands is important before cooking.
cleaning
'Reinigung' and 'Desinfektion' both have to do with cleanliness and hygiene, but they do not mean the same thing. With 'Reinigung', you remove visible dirt, dust, or stains. With 'Desinfektion', the goal is to render pathogens such as bacteria or viruses harmless. Something can look clean but still need to be disinfected. Learners often confuse the words because both appear in hospitals, kitchens, or public spaces. In practical terms: first you clean the surface, then you disinfect it if hygiene is especially important.
In der Arztpraxis ist die Desinfektion der Hände besonders wichtig.
In the doctor's office, disinfecting your hands is especially important.
Nach dem Essen hat Tom die Reinigung der Küche übernommen.
After the meal, Tom took care of cleaning the kitchen.