das  Solarium

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/zoˈlaːʁiʊm/

☀️ What Exactly is a Solarium?

Das Solarium (neuter noun) refers to a place or a device used for artificially tanning the skin. This is achieved through the emission of UV radiation (Ultraviolettstrahlung) using special lamps.

• It can refer to a single device (a Sonnenbank - tanning bed).
• It can also refer to an entire studio offering several such devices (a Bräunungsstudio - tanning salon).

⚠️ Caution: Using Solarien involves health risks due to UV radiation and should only be done in moderation and following safety guidelines.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Das Solarium in Detail

The word "Solarium" is a neuter noun. The article is das.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Im Winter gehe ich manchmal in das Solarium, um etwas Farbe zu bekommen.
   (In winter, I sometimes go to the solarium to get some color.)
2. Der Besuch des Solariums kostet hier 10 Euro für 15 Minuten.
   (Visiting the solarium costs 10 euros for 15 minutes here.)
3. Nach dem Solarium sollte man die Haut gut pflegen.
   (After the solarium, one should take good care of the skin.)
4. Sie hat sich für den Urlaub in einem Solarium vorgebräunt.
   (She got a base tan in a solarium for her vacation.)
5. Die Anzahl der Solarien in der Stadt hat abgenommen.
   (The number of tanning salons in the city has decreased.)

💡 How and When to Use "Solarium"

The term das Solarium is mainly used in contexts related to artificial tanning:

• Beauty and Personal Care: Many use it for aesthetic reasons to achieve or maintain tanned skin (gebräunte Haut), especially outside the summer months.
• Wellness: Some Solarien are part of larger wellness or fitness facilities.
• Health Discussions: Due to the risks of UV radiation, "Solarium" is often mentioned in connection with skin cancer prevention (Hautkrebsprävention) and health warnings.

Colloquially, people often just say Sonnenbank when referring to the individual tanning bed. However, Solarium can refer to both the device and the entire studio.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of das Haus (the house) or das Gerät (the device). A Solarium is often a small room (like a house) or a technical device. Both are neuter (das). Or: SOL is Latin for sun, ARIUM sounds like a place (Aquarium, Terrarium) -> Das Sonnen-Haus (The Sun-House) -> das Solarium.

Meaning Mnemonic: SOL = Sun (Lat.) + ARIUM = place/device for something. So, a place/device for (artificial) sun. Imagine someone lying under an artificial sun (in das Solarium) in winter to get a tan.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Das Solarium

🚨 Caution: Don't confuse with Solaranlage (solar energy system) or Sanatorium (health resort/sanatorium).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Arzt den Patienten: "Gehen Sie oft ins Solarium?"
Patient: "Ja, wieso? Sieht man das?"
Arzt: "Nein, aber Ihr Schatten wirft schon Falten!"

(Doctor asks the patient: "Do you go to the solarium often?"
Patient: "Yes, why? Is it obvious?"
Doctor: "No, but your shadow is already casting wrinkles!")

✒️ A Short Poem

Die Sonne scheint nicht, es ist kalt und grau,
doch Bräune muss her, das weiß man genau.
Ab ins Solarium, Licht so grell,
für Sommerhaut, künstlich und schnell.
Doch Vorsicht, die Haut vergisst nie,
die Dosis macht's, das ist die Magie.

(The sun doesn't shine, it's cold and grey,
but a tan is needed, that's known anyway.
Off to the Solarium, light so bright,
for summer skin, artificial and quick, quite.
But caution, the skin never forgets, you see,
the dose makes the poison, that's the key.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich schenke dir Wärme und Bräune im Nu,
auch wenn draußen Wolken sind, ich hab immer Ruh'.
Mit Röhren und Licht geb ich Sommerzeit,
doch nutz mich mit Vorsicht, sei stets bereit.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: Das Solarium)

(I give you warmth and a tan in a flash,
even with clouds outside, I'm always calm, never rash.
With tubes and light, I provide summertime,
but use me with caution, be ready anytime.

What am I?
(Answer: The Solarium))

ℹ️ Interesting Facts

• Word Origin: The word "Solarium" comes from the Latin solarium, which originally meant a "place for sundials," a "sun terrace," or a "balcony" (a sunlit, elevated place). It derives from sol (sun).
• Health Note: In Germany, the use of Solarien is legally prohibited for minors because UV radiation can increase the risk of skin cancer (Hautkrebsrisiko). Adults should also be aware of the risks and seek advice before use.