blemish / flaw
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blemish
A small defect, imperfection, or spot that affects the beauty or quality of something.
Der Apfel hatte einen kleinen braunen Makel, war aber ansonsten perfekt.
The apple had a small brown blemish, but was otherwise perfect.
flaw / stain
A flaw in someone's character or a negative aspect in a person's past that damages their reputation.
Dieser Vorfall blieb ein lebenslanger Makel auf seinem sonst tadellosen Ruf.
This incident remained a lifelong stain on his otherwise impeccable reputation.
The word 'Makel' (blemish/flaw) belongs more to elevated or written language. It often sounds more formal and is used to describe a defect or imperfection in a neutral way.
Die Vase war bis auf einen winzigen Makel am Rand perfekt.
The vase was perfect except for a tiny blemish on the rim.
Whether a physical or a character flaw is meant can be recognized from the context. If 'Makel' (blemish/flaw) refers to a thing (e.g., fruit, fabric, paint), the physical meaning is meant. If it refers to a person or something abstract (e.g., reputation, résumé), the figurative meaning is meant.
Der Tisch hatte einen kleinen Makel in der Holzoberfläche.
The table had a small blemish in the wooden surface.
In the figurative meaning, 'Makel' (flaw/stain) is often combined with the verb 'anhaften' (to cling to, to be attached to). You then say that a flaw clings to someone.
Ihm haftete seit der Affäre ein Makel an.
A stain had clung to him since the affair.
mistake / error
A Fehler is a specific incorrect action, decision, or statement. A Makel is more judgmental and refers to a negative aspect associated with a person's reputation. Use Fehler for a single wrong decision; when the person's past is judged negatively on an ongoing basis, use Makel.
Der frühere Skandal bleibt ein Makel an seinem Ruf.
The earlier scandal remains a blemish on his reputation.
Seine beleidigende Bemerkung im Interview war ein Fehler.
His insulting remark in the interview was a mistake.
