to disinfect
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to disinfect
To treat something with a special agent in order to kill or neutralize pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Vor der Operation muss der Arzt seine Hände sorgfältig desinfizieren.
Before the operation, the doctor must carefully disinfect his hands.
The prefix 'des-' often expresses removal or an opposite. 'Desinfizieren' (to disinfect) therefore means to eliminate an infection or its pathogens.
Nach dem Kochen mit rohem Fleisch solltest du die Arbeitsfläche desinfizieren.
After cooking with raw meat, you should disinfect the work surface.
'Desinfizieren' (to disinfect) is a transitive verb and almost always needs an accusative object. You always disinfect *something*.
Bitte desinfiziere die Türklinken regelmäßig.
Please disinfect the door handles regularly.
The verb is frequently used in the context of hygiene and medicine. Typical objects are: 'die Hände' (the hands), 'eine Wunde' (a wound), 'medizinische Instrumente' (medical instruments), or 'Oberflächen' (surfaces).
Der Sanitäter desinfizierte die Wunde, bevor er einen Verband anlegte.
The paramedic disinfected the wound before applying a bandage.
to clean
'reinigen' and 'desinfizieren' are easy to confuse because both have to do with cleanliness. 'reinigen' means removing visible dirt, stains, or residue. 'desinfizieren' means using a special agent to neutralize pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. Something can look clean but still not be disinfected. Conversely, you should often clean first and then disinfect, for example with a wound or in a doctor's office.
Nach der Untersuchung desinfiziert die Ärztin ihre Hände.
After the examination, the doctor disinfects her hands.
Julia reinigt die Küchenplatte nach dem Kochen mit einem feuchten Tuch.
Julia cleans the kitchen counter with a damp cloth after cooking.