to damage
Loading your saved state.
to damage
To cause harm to an object so that its function, value, or appearance is impaired.
Beim Einparken habe ich aus Versehen das andere Auto leicht beschädigt.
While parking, I accidentally slightly damaged the other car.
The verb 'beschädigen' (to damage) is derived from the noun 'der Schaden' (damage). The prefix 'be-' turns it into a verb meaning to cause damage.
Der Sturm hat am Dach einen großen Schaden verursacht.
The storm caused major damage to the roof.
This verb is used when talking about damage to objects or things. It is not used for injuring people or animals.
Das Buch ist beim Transport beschädigt worden.
The book was damaged during transport.
The extent of the damage is often described more precisely with an adverb. Typical combinations are 'leicht beschädigen' (to damage slightly), 'schwer beschädigen' (to damage severely), or 'stark beschädigen' (to damage badly).
Mein Handy ist heruntergefallen, aber es wurde zum Glück nur leicht beschädigt.
My phone fell down, but luckily it was only slightly damaged.
to injure / hurt / violate
'verletzen' and 'beschädigen' both have to do with harm or damage. 'verletzen' is used mainly for people or animals: the harm can be physical, but it can also affect feelings, rights, or rules. 'beschädigen' is used for things, for example a car, a phone, or a door. Learners may confuse the words because both express that something is no longer okay afterward. As a simple guide: people and feelings are 'verletzt', objects are 'beschädigt'.
Der Sturm hat das Dach des Hauses beschädigt.
The storm damaged the roof of the house.
Beim Fußball hat sich Tom am Knie verletzt.
Tom injured his knee while playing soccer.