The typical, usually green or blue work clothing for medical staff in the operating room, consisting of loose trousers and a tunic. The word is an Anglicism.
example
Vor der Operation zog der Chirurg einen sterilen Scrub an.
Before the operation, the surgeon put on a sterile scrub.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can always tell from the context whether medical clothing or the cosmetic product is meant. Words like 'Krankenhaus' (hospital), 'OP' (operating room), or 'Arzt' (doctor) point to the clothing, while 'Gesicht' (face), 'Haut' (skin), or 'Peeling' (exfoliation) refer to the cosmetic product.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin zog sich vor der Untersuchung einen frischen Scrub an.
The doctor put on a fresh scrub before the examination.
Register and style
'Scrub' is a modern Anglicism in both meanings. The word is pronounced in German as it is in English and is firmly established in the relevant professional and everyday contexts.
EXAMPLE
Im Krankenhaus tragen alle Mitarbeiter im OP-Bereich blaue Scrubs.
In the hospital, all employees in the operating area wear blue scrubs.
Typical collocations (clothing)
When referring to medical clothing, 'Scrub' is often combined with verbs such as 'anziehen' (to put on), 'tragen' (to wear), or 'wechseln' (to change). The color is also often relevant, e.g. 'grüne Scrubs' (green scrubs) or 'blaue Scrubs' (blue scrubs).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Notfall musste der Pfleger seine Scrubs wechseln.
After the emergency, the nurse had to change his scrubs.
Typical collocations (cosmetics)
In cosmetic contexts, 'Scrub' is often used with verbs such as 'benutzen' (to use), 'verwenden' (to use), or 'auftragen' (to apply). The area of application is also often mentioned: 'Gesichtsscrub' (facial scrub) or 'Körperscrub' (body scrub).
EXAMPLE
Man sollte einen Scrub nicht öfter als zweimal pro Woche verwenden.
You should not use a scrub more than twice a week.
Compare with
confusable
Scrub vs Kittel
coat / smock
'Kittel' and 'Scrub' can both refer to clothing in the medical field. A 'Kittel' is a work coat, often white, that doctors or laboratory staff wear over their normal clothes. A 'Scrub' is the typical clothing worn in operating rooms or clinics, usually consisting of trousers and a loose top. The word 'Scrub' is an Anglicism and sounds more specific. The words can be confused because both occur in hospitals. For the white coat, use 'Kittel'. For operating-room clothing made up of trousers and a tunic, use 'Scrub'.
Scrub
Vor der Operation zieht das Team frische Scrubs an.
Before the operation, the team puts on fresh scrubs.
Kittel
Der Arzt steckt den Stift in die Tasche seines Kittels.
The doctor puts the pen in the pocket of his coat.