In 15 Seconds
- Spreading lotion or sunscreen on your skin.
- Uses the separable verb `auftragen` (to apply).
- Essential for skincare, health, and summer beach days.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of spreading lotion, ointment, or sunscreen onto your skin. It is what you do to keep your skin hydrated or protected from the sun.
Key Examples
3 of 7Daily morning routine
Ich trage jeden Morgen Creme auf mein Gesicht auf.
I apply cream to my face every morning.
At the beach with a friend
Vergiss nicht, die Sonnencreme aufzutragen!
Don't forget to apply the sunscreen!
At the doctor's office
Tragen Sie die Salbe bitte zweimal täglich dünn auf.
Please apply the ointment thinly twice a day.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Hautverträglichkeit' (skin compatibility). You will see this word on almost every cream bottle. In the Alps, 'Sonnenschutz' is vital even in winter due to snow reflection. 'Creme auftragen' is a standard part of skiing. Swiss pharmacies are very high-end and focus heavily on 'Heilsalben' (healing ointments) for mountain-related injuries. The '10-step routine' has made 'Creme auftragen' a more complex, multi-layered process in modern German cities.
Use 'sich eincremen' for yourself
While 'Creme auftragen' is correct, Germans almost always say 'Ich muss mich noch eincremen' when talking about themselves.
Separable Verb Alert
Don't forget to put 'auf' at the end of the sentence!
In 15 Seconds
- Spreading lotion or sunscreen on your skin.
- Uses the separable verb `auftragen` (to apply).
- Essential for skincare, health, and summer beach days.
What It Means
Imagine you have dry skin. You take a bottle of lotion. You put some on your hand. Then you spread it on your arm. This action is Creme auftragen. It is simple but very important. It means applying any kind of cream. This could be for beauty. It could be for health. It is a very common daily task.
How To Use It
The verb here is auftragen. It is a separable verb. This is important for your grammar. The auf part travels to the end. You say: Ich trage die Creme auf. If you do it to yourself, use mir. Ich trage mir Creme auf die Hände auf. It sounds very natural. You can use it with many nouns. Salbe, Lotion, or Make-up all work. Just remember to split the verb.
When To Use It
Use it every morning in the bathroom. Use it at the beach with friends. It is perfect for medical situations too. If a doctor gives you medicine, use this. Tragen Sie die Salbe auf die Wunde auf. It sounds professional but also friendly. You will hear it in commercials. You will hear it from your mom. It is a very versatile phrase. It is useful in every season.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for food. If you put butter on toast, stop. Use streichen or schmieren instead. Creme auftragen is for skin or surfaces. Don't use it for clothes. You don't apply a shirt. You put it on. Also, don't use it for liquids like water. It must be a thick substance. Using it for soup would be very weird.
Cultural Background
Germans love their skincare. Go to any Drogerie like DM or Rossmann. You will see hundreds of creams. There is a cream for everything. There is cream for elbows. There is cream for feet. Applying cream is a ritual. It shows you take care of yourself. In summer, Germans are very careful. They apply lots of sunscreen. They call it Sonnenschutz. It is a national hobby to stay protected.
Common Variations
You will often hear eincremen. This is the more casual version. Kids usually hear Crem dich ein!. Auftragen sounds a bit more precise. You can also say dick auftragen. This is a funny idiom. It means to exaggerate or show off. If someone brags, they are applying it thick. It is a great joke to use with friends!
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, everyday phrase safe for all situations. Just remember the separable verb structure where 'auf' moves to the end of the clause.
Use 'sich eincremen' for yourself
While 'Creme auftragen' is correct, Germans almost always say 'Ich muss mich noch eincremen' when talking about themselves.
Separable Verb Alert
Don't forget to put 'auf' at the end of the sentence!
Examples
7Ich trage jeden Morgen Creme auf mein Gesicht auf.
I apply cream to my face every morning.
A standard way to describe a beauty routine.
Vergiss nicht, die Sonnencreme aufzutragen!
Don't forget to apply the sunscreen!
An imperative form used for advice.
Tragen Sie die Salbe bitte zweimal täglich dünn auf.
Please apply the ointment thinly twice a day.
Formal medical instruction using the verb.
Bin gleich da, muss nur noch kurz Creme auftragen.
Be right there, just need to quickly apply some lotion.
Common excuse for being a few minutes late.
Hast du zu viel Creme aufgetragen? Du siehst aus wie ein Gespenst!
Did you apply too much cream? You look like a ghost!
A lighthearted joke about white sunscreen streaks.
Soll ich dir die Creme auf den Rücken auftragen?
Should I apply the cream to your back for you?
A helpful, caring gesture.
Vor der Behandlung müssen wir eine betäubende Creme auftragen.
Before the treatment, we must apply a numbing cream.
Used in a clinical or spa setting.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the separable verb 'auftragen'.
Ich ______ {die|f} Sonnencreme auf meine Schultern ______.
In a simple sentence, the verb 'tragen' is conjugated and 'auf' goes to the end.
Which sentence is correct?
A: Ich trage {die|f} Creme in den Rücken auf. B: Ich trage {die|f} Creme auf den Rücken auf.
We use the preposition 'auf' (onto) for surfaces like the back.
Complete the dialogue.
Apotheker: 'Sie müssen {die|f} Salbe zweimal täglich ______.'
Salves and creams are applied (aufgetragen), not drunk or bought (in this context).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
What can you 'auftragen'?
Skincare
- • Tagescreme
- • Nachtcreme
- • Bodylotion
Medical
- • Heilsalbe
- • Zinksalbe
- • Gel
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIch ______ {die|f} Sonnencreme auf meine Schultern ______.
In a simple sentence, the verb 'tragen' is conjugated and 'auf' goes to the end.
A: Ich trage {die|f} Creme in den Rücken auf. B: Ich trage {die|f} Creme auf den Rücken auf.
We use the preposition 'auf' (onto) for surfaces like the back.
Apotheker: 'Sie müssen {die|f} Salbe zweimal täglich ______.'
Salves and creams are applied (aufgetragen), not drunk or bought (in this context).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is very common for foundation, lipstick, or eyeshadow.
It is feminine: {die|f} Creme.
A 'Salbe' (ointment) is usually oil-based and medicinal, while a 'Creme' is water-based and cosmetic.
Related Phrases
sich eincremen
similarTo put lotion on oneself
dick auftragen
figurativeTo lay it on thick / to brag
einreiben
similarTo rub in
tupfen
specialized formTo dab
