sun protection / sunscreen
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sunscreen
A product, usually a cream or lotion, that is applied to the skin to protect it from the sun's harmful UV radiation.
Vergiss nicht, vor dem Schwimmen einen wasserfesten Sonnenschutz aufzutragen.
Don't forget to apply waterproof sunscreen before swimming.
sun protection
A device or structural measure that provides shade and protects against direct sunlight, for example an awning, a blind, or a parasol.
Wir haben an den Südfenstern einen außenliegenden Sonnenschutz montieren lassen, damit die Räume im Sommer kühl bleiben.
We had external sun protection installed on the south-facing windows so that the rooms stay cool in summer.
The word is a clear example of a German compound. It consists of 'Sonne' (sun) and 'Schutz' (protection). So the meaning is literally 'protection from the sun'.
Ein guter Hut bietet ebenfalls einen effektiven Sonnenschutz.
A good hat also provides effective sun protection.
To distinguish the two meanings, pay attention to the verbs and the context. If it is about the skin and verbs like 'auftragen' (to apply) or 'eincremen' (to put cream on), it means the cream. If it is about buildings, windows, or gardens and verbs like 'montieren' (to install) or 'anbringen' (to attach), it means a device.
Du solltest den Sonnenschutz alle zwei Stunden neu auftragen.
You should reapply the sunscreen every two hours.
When the cream is meant, typical combinations are 'Sonnenschutz auftragen' (to apply sunscreen), 'sich mit Sonnenschutz eincremen' (to put sunscreen on oneself), and 'Sonnenschutz mit hohem Lichtschutzfaktor (LSF)' (sunscreen with a high sun protection factor/SPF).
Für Kinder empfiehlt sich ein Sonnenschutz mit sehr hohem Lichtschutzfaktor.
For children, sunscreen with a very high sun protection factor is recommended.
When a device is meant, typical examples of 'Sonnenschutz' (sun protection) are a 'Markise' (awning), a 'Rollo' (blinds), a 'Sonnenschirm' (parasol), or also 'Jalousien' (venetian blinds).
Eine Markise ist ein flexibler Sonnenschutz für den Balkon.
An awning is flexible sun protection for the balcony.
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.
Für den Ausflug wählten wir einen Sonnenschirm als Sonnenschutz.
For the outing, we chose a parasol as sun protection.
Vor dem Ausflug trug ich Sonnencreme auf meine Arme und mein Gesicht auf.
Before the outing, I applied sunscreen to my arms and face.
