schonend
gentle
In a gentle and careful way that aims not to damage, strain, or hurt something or someone.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Operation ist eine schonende Behandlung des Knies wichtig.
After the operation, gentle treatment of the knee is important.
schonend
gentle
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'schonend' (gentle) is derived from the verb 'schonen' (to protect / to treat carefully), which means 'schützen' (to protect) or 'vorsichtig behandeln' (to treat carefully). It is the present participle form of the verb and describes an ongoing protective quality or manner of action.
EXAMPLE
Bitte gehen Sie schonend mit den alten Büchern um.
Please handle the old books gently.
Use as an adverb
'Schonend' (gentle/gently) is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then remains unchanged after the verb.
EXAMPLE
Das Gemüse sollte nur schonend gegart werden, um die Vitamine zu erhalten.
The vegetables should only be cooked gently in order to preserve the vitamins.
Typical collocations
Common nouns combined with 'schonend' (gentle) are 'Behandlung' (treatment), 'Verfahren' (procedure), 'Reinigung' (cleaning), or 'Zubereitung' (preparation). It always describes a process that is gentle and not aggressive.
EXAMPLE
Für empfindliche Stoffe gibt es ein schonendes Waschprogramm.
There is a gentle wash cycle for delicate fabrics.
Compare with
schonend vs sanft
gentle / soft
Sanft and schonend can both describe a treatment that places little strain on the body. Sanft focuses above all on the mild, non-intense nature of the treatment; schonend emphasizes more strongly that the treatment puts as little strain on the body as possible. If the effect is the main focus, sanft is appropriate; if the aim of avoiding strain is central, schonend is the better choice.
schonend
Die Physiotherapeutin wählte eine schonende Behandlung, damit das schmerzende Knie nicht zusätzlich belastet wurde.
The physical therapist chose a gentle treatment so that the painful knee would not be put under additional strain.
sanft
Die Physiotherapeutin begann mit einer sanften Behandlung des schmerzenden Knies.
The physical therapist began with a gentle treatment of the painful knee.
In real life
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