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
'die Sonnencreme' and 'der Sonnenschutz' can both mean something that protects the skin from the sun. 'Sonnencreme' is a specific product that you apply to the skin. 'Sonnenschutz' is broader. It can be a cream or lotion for the skin, but also an object such as an awning, a roller blind, or a parasol. That is why learners can easily confuse the words. If you are talking about putting on sunscreen, 'Sonnencreme' is the most precise. If you mean protection from the sun in general, 'Sonnenschutz' is more natural.
Vor dem Schwimmen trägt Maria noch Sonnencreme auf ihre Schultern auf.
Before swimming, Maria puts sunscreen on her shoulders.
Im Garten fehlt noch ein Sonnenschutz für die Kinder, weil es dort kaum Schatten gibt.
The garden still needs some sun protection for the children because there is hardly any shade there.