to anoint / apply ointment
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to apply ointment
To apply an ointment, cream, or oil to the skin, usually for medical, care-related, or cosmetic reasons.
Der Arzt riet ihm, die wunde Stelle zweimal täglich zu salben.
The doctor advised him to apply ointment to the sore spot twice a day.
The verb 'salben' is derived directly from the noun 'die Salbe' (ointment). An ointment is a cream that you apply to the skin. This connection helps you understand the basic meaning.
Die Mutter holte die Salbe und begann, den Arm des Kindes zu salben.
The mother got the ointment and began to apply it to the child's arm.
The three meanings can be distinguished well from context. Medical terms and body parts point to applying cream. Religious or ceremonial words like 'König' (king) or 'Öl' (oil) point to consecration. A context about speeches and speaking points to the figurative, negative meaning.
Der Priester salbte den Kranken mit heiligem Öl.
The priest anointed the sick person with holy oil.
In the medical meaning, the direct object (accusative) is the body part being treated. The person to whom this is done can be in the dative.
Der Pfleger salbte dem Patienten den Rücken.
The nurse applied ointment to the patient's back.
In the ceremonial meaning, the person is the direct object (accusative). Often a 'zu' construction follows, describing the new role or new status.
Der Prophet Samuel salbte David zum König.
The prophet Samuel anointed David as king.
The figurative meaning 'to speak solemnly' is almost always used negatively and ironically. It describes a manner of speaking perceived as exaggerated, pathetic, or insincere and is typical of an elevated, often journalistic style.
Er hörte dem Manager zu, wie dieser über Teamgeist salbte, und musste innerlich lachen.
He listened to the manager speaking sanctimoniously about team spirit and had to laugh inwardly.
to consecrate / dedicate
'weihen' and 'salben' can both be part of a religious or ceremonial act. 'weihen' describes the whole act or the result: someone or something is dedicated to a holy purpose. 'salben' describes a specific action within that more precisely: a person is smeared with holy oil. The words can be confused because an anointing can be part of a consecration. If you mean the ceremony or the new holy purpose, 'weihen' is more precise. If you mean smearing with oil, 'salben' fits better.
Bei der Zeremonie salbte der Priester den Kranken mit Öl.
During the ceremony, the priest anointed the sick person with oil.
In der Feier weiht der Priester den neuen Altar.
During the ceremony, the priest consecrates the new altar.