01
der Nagellack
nail polish
A cosmetic liquid used to color and protect fingernails or toenails.
example
Sie hat sich für den Sommer einen leuchtend roten Nagellack gekauft.
She bought a bright red nail polish for the summer.
der Nagellack
nail polish
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a clear compound made up of 'Nagel' (nail) and 'Lack' (varnish/polish). So it literally means 'polish for the nails'.
EXAMPLE
Im Drogeriemarkt gibt es eine große Auswahl an Nagellack.
At the drugstore, there is a large selection of nail polish.
Typical verbs
In connection with nail polish, the verbs 'auftragen' (to apply) and 'entfernen' (to remove) are often used. You can also 'trocknen lassen' (let it dry).
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Schlafen solltest du den Nagellack entfernen.
Before going to sleep, you should remove the nail polish.
Usage pattern
The action is often described with the verb 'lackieren' (to paint/varnish). So you can say 'Nagellack auftragen' (to apply nail polish) or alternatively 'sich die Nägel lackieren' (to paint one's nails).
EXAMPLE
Sie lackiert sich sorgfältig die Nägel.
She carefully paints her nails.
Compare with
Nagellack vs Lack
lacquer / varnish
'der Lack' and 'der Nagellack' both have to do with a liquid that forms a smooth, often shiny layer. 'Lack' is the more general term and fits cars, furniture, metal, or even nails. 'Nagellack' is only for fingernails or toenails and belongs to the area of cosmetics. The words can be confused because nail polish is a type of 'Lack'. But when it is clearly about nails, 'Nagellack' sounds more natural and more precise.
Nagellack
Jana trägt für die Feier roten Nagellack auf.
Jana is putting on red nail polish for the celebration.
Lack
Am Fahrrad ist der Lack an mehreren Stellen zerkratzt.
The paint on the bicycle is scratched in several places.
In real life
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