disinfectant
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disinfectant
A chemical substance used to kill or inactivate pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi on surfaces, objects, or skin.
Bitte benutze das Desinfektionsmittel für deine Hände, bevor du den Raum betrittst.
Please use the disinfectant for your hands before you enter the room.
The word is made up of three parts: the prefix 'Des-' means 'un-' or 'away,' followed by 'Infektion' (infection) and 'Mittel' (agent/remedy). So it is literally an 'agent against infection.'
Im Krankenhaus riecht es oft nach Desinfektionsmittel.
In hospitals, it often smells of disinfectant.
The component '-mittel' at the end of a noun often refers to a substance with a specific purpose. If you recognize this pattern, you can also understand other words like 'Reinigungsmittel' (cleaning product), 'Heilmittel' (remedy), or 'Lösungsmittel' (solvent) more easily.
Welches Reinigungsmittel benutzt du für das Badezimmer?
Which cleaning product do you use for the bathroom?
The word is often combined with the verb 'benutzen' (to use) or 'verwenden' (to use). The purpose is also often indicated with the preposition 'für' (for).
Man sollte ein Desinfektionsmittel für die Reinigung der Küche verwenden.
You should use a disinfectant for cleaning the kitchen.
