damage
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damage
The process in which something is broken or its function is impaired, or the resulting damage itself.
Die Spedition haftet für die Beschädigung der Ware während des Transports.
The freight company is liable for damage to the goods during transport.
'Die Beschädigung' (damage) belongs to the word family of 'der Schaden' (damage/harm). The verb is 'beschädigen' (to damage). The prefix 'be-' turns it into an action that causes damage to an object. The ending '-ung' describes this action or its result.
Wer ist für die Beschädigung verantwortlich?
Who is responsible for the damage?
The extent of the damage is often described with adjectives. Typical combinations are 'leichte Beschädigung' (minor damage), 'schwere Beschädigung' (serious damage), or 'mutwillige Beschädigung' (deliberate damage).
Zum Glück war es nur eine leichte Beschädigung am Lack.
Luckily, it was only minor damage to the paintwork.
To describe the location of the damage on an object more precisely, the preposition 'an' with the dative is often used.
Die Beschädigung an der Stoßstange war teuer zu reparieren.
The damage to the bumper was expensive to repair.
damage / harm
'der Schaden' and 'die Beschädigung' can be very similar when they refer to a broken or impaired thing. 'Schaden' usually names the result: something is no longer all right with an object. 'Beschädigung' can also mean the result, but it often emphasizes more strongly that something was damaged or which damaged spot there is. That is why they are easy to confuse. In everyday language, 'Schaden' is often more general and more natural, especially with insurance, cars, or houses. 'Beschädigung' sounds a little more precise when describing a specific broken or damaged spot.
Die Beschädigung an der Tür ist erst nach dem Umzug aufgefallen.
The damage to the door was only noticed after the move.
Der Schaden am Auto kostet wahrscheinlich mehr als tausend Euro.
The damage to the car will probably cost more than a thousand euros.