Membel
German NOUN B2 Rank 19966

der Scrub

scrub

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Meanings

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der Scrub

scrub

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.

Visual example for Scrub: der Scrub

Usage tips

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'.

Visual example for Kittel
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.

Open full lesson: Kittel →

In real life

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