Bedeutung
To put a lotion or cream onto the skin.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Germans value 'Hautgesundheit' (skin health). Using the correct term 'auftragen' shows you respect the process of self-care. Similar to Germany, but you might hear 'einsalben' in more traditional or rural medical contexts. Swiss German speakers might use 'atruege' (a dialect version of auftragen) in casual speech. The '10-step routine' trend has made terms like 'auftragen' more common in social media among young Germans.
Separable Verb Rule
Always remember to kick the 'auf' to the end of the sentence in the present tense!
Don't say 'machen'
English speakers often say 'Creme machen'. This sounds very strange to Germans. Stick to 'auftragen'.
Bedeutung
To put a lotion or cream onto the skin.
Separable Verb Rule
Always remember to kick the 'auf' to the end of the sentence in the present tense!
Don't say 'machen'
English speakers often say 'Creme machen'. This sounds very strange to Germans. Stick to 'auftragen'.
Use with Adverbs
Pair it with 'dünn' (thinly) or 'gleichmäßig' (evenly) to sound like a native speaker.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'auftragen' in the present tense.
Ich ______ {die|f} Creme auf mein Gesicht ______.
In the present tense, the separable prefix 'auf' goes to the end.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
The Perfekt of 'auftragen' uses 'haben' and the past participle 'aufgetragen'.
Match the German phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are common adverbs used with 'auftragen'.
Complete the dialogue at the pharmacy.
Apotheker: 'Sie müssen diese Salbe ______.'
In a medical context, 'auftragen' is the most professional and correct term.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenIch ______ {die|f} Creme auf mein Gesicht ______.
In the present tense, the separable prefix 'auf' goes to the end.
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
The Perfekt of 'auftragen' uses 'haben' and the past participle 'aufgetragen'.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are common adverbs used with 'auftragen'.
Apotheker: 'Sie müssen diese Salbe ______.'
In a medical context, 'auftragen' is the most professional and correct term.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, you can use it for foundation or primer. For lipstick, 'auftragen' is also correct.
'Eincremen' is more common for the whole body (like after a shower). 'Auftragen' is better for specific areas or medical use.
It is 'hat aufgetragen'. Example: 'Er hat {die|f} Creme aufgetragen.'
Yes, it can mean 'to serve food' or 'to wear out clothes', but these are less common today.
Yes, it is always {die|f} Creme.
Sonnencreme auftragen.
No, for butter we use 'streichen' or 'schmieren'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or with a doctor.
When describing where you apply it, use the Accusative. 'Auf die Haut'.
No, you must include 'auf'. Without it, the sentence is incomplete.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Sich eincremen
similarTo put cream on oneself.
Dick auftragen
specialized formTo exaggerate / lay it on thick.
Abwaschen
contrastTo wash off.
Einziehen lassen
builds onTo let (the cream) soak in.
