A paste or gel that is used together with a toothbrush to clean the teeth and care for the gums.
example
Vergiss nicht, Zahnpasta auf die Einkaufsliste zu schreiben, unsere ist fast leer.
Don't forget to put toothpaste on the shopping list; ours is almost empty.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a clear compound of 'der Zahn' (tooth) and 'die Pasta' (Italian for dough/paste). So it is literally a 'paste for the teeth.'
EXAMPLE
Diese neue Zahnpasta schmeckt nach Erdbeere.
This new toothpaste tastes like strawberry.
Typical collocations
In everyday language, people often talk about a 'Tube Zahnpasta' (tube of toothpaste). Typical verbs are 'Zahnpasta benutzen' (to use toothpaste), 'Zahnpasta kaufen' (to buy toothpaste), or 'Zahnpasta auf die Zahnbürste geben' (to put toothpaste on the toothbrush).
EXAMPLE
Gib bitte nicht zu viel Zahnpasta auf die Bürste.
Please don't put too much toothpaste on the brush.
Uncountable noun
'Zahnpasta' (toothpaste) is usually used as an uncountable noun, similar to 'Wasser' (water) or 'Milch' (milk). If you want to specify an amount, you use a unit like 'eine Tube' (a tube).