downside / reverse side
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downside
The negative, disadvantageous aspect of an otherwise positive thing or situation. Often used in the expression 'die Kehrseite der Medaille' (the other side of the coin).
Der Erfolg hat auch seine Kehrseite: Man hat kaum noch Privatsphäre.
Success also has its downside: you hardly have any privacy anymore.
reverse side
The back side of a flat object, especially a coin or medal.
Auf der Kehrseite der Münze ist ein Adler abgebildet.
An eagle is depicted on the reverse side of the coin.
The word is made up of 'kehren' (to turn, in the sense of turning something over) and 'Seite' (side). So it literally describes the 'turned side' or back side, which is used both concretely and figuratively.
Jede Geschichte hat eine Kehrseite.
Every story has a downside.
You can recognize the meaning from the object. If people are talking about physical, flat things like a coin, a photo, or a sheet of paper, it means the back side. If they are talking about abstract things like success, freedom, or a decision, it means the negative aspect.
Auf der Kehrseite des Fotos stand ein Datum.
There was a date on the back side of the photo.
The idiom 'die Kehrseite der Medaille' (the other side of the coin) is especially common. It is used to emphasize that an apparently good thing also has a disadvantage.
Er ist berühmt, aber die Kehrseite der Medaille ist, dass er keine Privatsphäre mehr hat.
He is famous, but the other side of the coin is that he no longer has any privacy.
To name the negative aspect of something, the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from) is often used.
Das ist die Kehrseite des Ruhms.
That is the downside of fame.
shadow
Schatten and Kehrseite can both refer to the negative aspect of something positive. Kehrseite describes the disadvantageous effect more objectively, while Schatten emphasizes an oppressive or threatening burden affecting the overall picture. Kehrseite fits a matter-of-fact assessment; Schatten fits a gloomy effect.
Die Kehrseite des beruflichen Erfolgs waren lange Arbeitszeiten und wenig Freizeit.
The downside of professional success was long working hours and little free time.
Der berufliche Erfolg wurde von dem Schatten ständiger Angst vor dem Scheitern begleitet.
Professional success was accompanied by the shadow of a constant fear of failure.
