sunscreen
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sunscreen
A cream or lotion that is applied to the skin to protect it from the sun's harmful UV radiation and prevent sunburn.
Vergiss nicht, dich mit Sonnencreme einzucremen, bevor du an den Strand gehst.
Don't forget to put on sunscreen before you go to the beach.
The word is a simple compound made up of 'die Sonne' (sun) and 'die Creme' (cream). So it is literally a cream that you use in the sunshine.
Hast du die Sonnencreme eingepackt?
Did you pack the sunscreen?
In connection with sunscreen, the verbs 'auftragen' (to apply) and 'sich eincremen' (to put cream/lotion on oneself) are very common. 'Auftragen' is neutral, while 'sich eincremen' is reflexive and describes doing the action to oneself.
Du solltest die Sonnencreme 30 Minuten vor dem Sonnenbad auftragen.
You should apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before sunbathing.
When talking about sunscreen, the 'Lichtschutzfaktor' (sun protection factor, abbreviation: LSF) is often mentioned. This number indicates how strongly the cream protects against sunburn.
Für Kinder sollte man eine Sonnencreme mit hohem Lichtschutzfaktor verwenden.
For children, you should use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
sun protection / sunscreen
Sonnencreme is a specific product that you apply to your skin. Sonnenschutz is the broader term for such a product or also for a device that provides shade. When you mean the cream itself, use “Sonnencreme”; in general, “Sonnenschutz” is appropriate.
Vor dem Ausflug trug ich Sonnencreme auf meine Arme und mein Gesicht auf.
Before the outing, I applied sunscreen to my arms and face.
Für den Ausflug wählten wir einen Sonnenschirm als Sonnenschutz.
For the outing, we chose a parasol as sun protection.
