complaint / ailment
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complaint
An expression of dissatisfaction or criticism about a thing, a service, or a person.
Der Kunde hat beim Management eine offizielle Beschwerde über den schlechten Service eingereicht.
The customer filed an official complaint with management about the poor service.
The word 'Beschwerde' (complaint/ailment) comes from the adjective 'schwer' (heavy/difficult). A complaint is therefore literally something that makes a situation 'schwer' (heavy/difficult) or burdensome, whether it is a problem, an illness, or an injustice.
Seine ständigen Beschwerden machen die Zusammenarbeit schwer.
His constant complaints make working together difficult.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Beschwerde' from the verb: an official criticism is often 'eingereicht' (filed) (m01), a physical ailment is something one 'hat' (has) (m02), and a legal remedy is 'eingelegt' (lodged) (m03).
Sie hat eine Beschwerde über den Lärm eingereicht.
She filed a complaint about the noise.
When it is about dissatisfaction, a complaint is often 'eingereicht' (filed), 'vorgebracht' (raised), or one 'führt Beschwerde' (makes a complaint). The preposition is usually 'über' (about) with the accusative.
Wir möchten eine Beschwerde über die mangelhafte Reinigung vorbringen.
We would like to raise a complaint about the inadequate cleaning.
When referring to physical ailments, the plural 'die Beschwerden' (complaints/ailments) is almost always used. The singular is very rare in this meaning.
Der Arzt fragte den Patienten nach seinen Beschwerden.
The doctor asked the patient about his complaints.
In a legal context, the fixed expression 'Beschwerde einlegen' (to lodge a complaint/appeal) is common. The corresponding preposition is 'gegen' (against) with the accusative.
Der Anwalt riet ihm, gegen den Bescheid Beschwerde einzulegen.
The lawyer advised him to lodge a complaint against the notice.
criticism / review
'Kritik' and 'Beschwerde' can both express dissatisfaction. 'Kritik' is more general: you say what is bad or what should be improved. A 'Beschwerde' is usually directed at a person, company, or office because you have a problem with a service, product, or behavior. It often has the goal of making something change or getting help. The words can be confused because a complaint usually contains criticism. If you are simply stating an opinion or pointing out a mistake, 'Kritik' fits. If you are complaining officially or directly about a problem, 'Beschwerde' fits better.
Im Hotel hat ein Gast eine Beschwerde wegen des schmutzigen Zimmers geschrieben.
At the hotel, a guest wrote a complaint about the dirty room.
Julia äußert Kritik an der lauten Musik im Haus.
Julia expresses criticism of the loud music in the building.