to impair
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to impair
To have a negative effect on something or someone; to disrupt, hinder, or reduce the quality of something.
Der Lärm von der Baustelle beeinträchtigt meine Konzentration.
The noise from the construction site impairs my concentration.
'Beeinträchtigen' (to impair) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all tenses and sentence positions and is never separated.
Die schlechte Luftqualität hat seine Gesundheit beeinträchtigt.
The poor air quality impaired his health.
The verb 'beeinträchtigen' (to impair) always requires an accusative object. This is the person or thing that is negatively affected. You ask: Whom or what does something impair?
Der ständige Lärm beeinträchtigt die Anwohner.
The constant noise impairs the residents.
'Beeinträchtigen' (to impair) is often used with abstract nouns that describe a quality or state. Common combinations are 'die Leistung beeinträchtigen' (to impair performance), 'die Gesundheit beeinträchtigen' (to impair health), or 'die Lebensqualität beeinträchtigen' (to impair quality of life).
Schlafmangel kann die Konzentrationsfähigkeit erheblich beeinträchtigen.
Lack of sleep can significantly impair the ability to concentrate.
The word 'beeinträchtigen' (to impair) belongs to standard language and is often used in more formal or written contexts. It often sounds somewhat elevated.
Die Baumaßnahmen werden den Verkehr voraussichtlich nicht beeinträchtigen.
The construction work is not expected to impair traffic.
damage / harm
Schaden refers to the negative consequence that has occurred to someone’s health. Beeinträchtigen, on the other hand, describes something disturbing or diminishing a person’s health or a bodily function. The verb can also express a temporary impairment without claiming that permanent damage has occurred.
Der laute Lärm beeinträchtigte ihr Gehör während des Konzerts.
The loud noise impaired her hearing during the concert.
Der laute Knall verursachte einen bleibenden Schaden an ihrem Gehör.
The loud bang caused permanent damage to her hearing.
