die Salbe
ointment
A semi-solid, often greasy or oily substance that is applied to the skin for medical treatment or care.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt hat mir eine Salbe gegen den Juckreiz verschrieben.
The doctor prescribed me an ointment for the itching.
die Salbe
ointment
die Salbe, die Salben
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Salbe, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Salben |
| genitive | der Salbe |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Salbe | die Salben |
| accusative | die Salbe | die Salben |
| dative | der Salbe | den Salben |
| genitive | der Salbe | der Salben |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Salbe' (the ointment) is closely related to the verb 'salben' (to anoint). 'Salben' means to rub a person or part of the body with an ointment or oil, often in a ceremonial or medical context.
EXAMPLE
Der Priester salbte die Stirn des Kranken mit heiligem Öl.
The priest anointed the sick person's forehead with holy oil.
Typical verbs
In everyday language, 'Salbe' (ointment) is often combined with the verbs 'auftragen' (to apply), 'einreiben' (to rub in), or 'verwenden' (to use). A doctor can 'eine Salbe verschreiben' (prescribe an ointment).
EXAMPLE
Die Salbe sollte zweimal täglich dünn auf die betroffene Stelle aufgetragen werden.
The ointment should be applied thinly to the affected area twice a day.
Indicating purpose
To describe the purpose of an ointment, German usually uses the preposition 'gegen' followed by the accusative. Typical examples are 'eine Salbe gegen Schmerzen' (an ointment for pain) or 'eine Salbe gegen Insektenstiche' (an ointment for insect bites).
EXAMPLE
In der Apotheke gibt es eine gute Salbe gegen Sonnenbrand.
There is a good ointment for sunburn at the pharmacy.
Compare with
Salbe vs Creme
cream
Creme and Salbe are both applied to the skin for care or treatment. Creme is generally a semi-solid skin-care product, while Salbe is often greasier or oilier and is frequently used medically. However, the product name can also determine which term is used.
Salbe
Auf die gereizte Haut trägt sie eine fettige medizinische Salbe auf.
She applies a greasy medicinal ointment to the irritated skin.
Creme
Auf die gereizte Haut trägt sie eine leichte Creme auf.
She applies a light cream to the irritated skin.
In real life
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