damage
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to affect / damage
To damage, impair, or negatively affect someone or something, often as an unintended consequence of an event.
Durch den Wasserrohrbruch wurde auch die darunterliegende Wohnung in Mitleidenschaft gezogen.
The burst water pipe also damaged the apartment below.
The word 'Mitleidenschaft' is used almost only in the fixed expression 'etwas/jemanden in Mitleidenschaft ziehen' (to damage/affect something/someone). It means that something is unintentionally damaged or negatively affected.
Die alten Bäume wurden durch den Sturm stark in Mitleidenschaft gezogen.
The old trees were badly damaged by the storm.
The expression is very often used in the passive to emphasize the damage: 'Das Haus wurde in Mitleidenschaft gezogen.' (The house was damaged/affected.) In an active sentence, the cause is the subject: 'Der Sturm zog das Haus in Mitleidenschaft.' (The storm damaged/affected the house.)
Die Landwirtschaft wurde von der Dürre stark in Mitleidenschaft gezogen.
Agriculture was severely affected by the drought.
The word is made up of 'Mitleid' (pity/compassion) and the suffix '-schaft' (-ship/-ness). While 'Mitleid' today means 'sympathy', here it is about the older meaning of 'Mit-Leiden' (suffering along with), that is, being damaged along with something else.
Bei dem Unfall wurde nicht nur das Auto, sondern auch der Gartenzaun in Mitleidenschaft gezogen.
In the accident, not only the car but also the garden fence was damaged.
The phrasing 'in Mitleidenschaft ziehen' belongs more to written language or a more formal style. It is often found in news reports, reports, or official announcements.
Auch die lokale Wirtschaft wurde durch die Schließung der Fabrik in Mitleidenschaft gezogen.
The local economy was also affected by the closure of the factory.
to damage
'beschädigen' and 'in Mitleidenschaft ziehen' can both mean that something is damaged or negatively affected. 'beschädigen' is more direct: someone or something causes concrete damage to an object. 'in Mitleidenschaft ziehen' is often used when damage is the result of a larger event, such as a storm, accident, or problem. It can also be less direct and does not always mean visible damage. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with harm or damage. For one clear instance of damage, 'beschädigen' fits better; for side effects or secondary consequences, 'in Mitleidenschaft ziehen' sounds more natural.
Durch den starken Regen wurde auch der Keller in Mitleidenschaft gezogen.
The heavy rain also affected the basement.
Beim Umzug hat Tom aus Versehen den Schrank beschädigt.
During the move, Tom accidentally damaged the wardrobe.