disadvantage
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disadvantage
A circumstance or quality that has a negative effect compared with something else; an unfavorable side.
Der größte Nachteil der Wohnung ist, dass sie keinen Balkon hat.
The biggest disadvantage of the apartment is that it doesn't have a balcony.
to be at a disadvantage
A fixed expression meaning that one is in a less favorable position than others.
Ohne Computerkenntnisse ist man in der heutigen Arbeitswelt klar im Nachteil.
Without computer skills, you are clearly at a disadvantage in today's working world.
The prefix 'Nach-' here expresses something negative or secondary. It forms a direct contrast to the prefix 'Vor-' in the word 'Vorteil' (advantage).
Jede Medaille hat eine Vorder- und eine Rückseite, jede Sache hat Vorteile und Nachteile.
Every medal has a front and a back; everything has advantages and disadvantages.
'Nachteil' (disadvantage) is often used with the verbs 'haben' (to have) or 'mit sich bringen' (to entail/bring with it). You can say 'einen Nachteil haben' (to have a disadvantage), or a situation can 'Nachteile mit sich bringen' (bring disadvantages with it).
Die neue Software hat leider einige Nachteile.
Unfortunately, the new software has some disadvantages.
To explain a disadvantage, the structure 'Der Nachteil ist, dass ...' (The disadvantage is that ...) is used very often. It is followed by a subordinate clause describing the negative aspect.
Ein großer Nachteil ist, dass die öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel so teuer sind.
A major disadvantage is that public transportation is so expensive.
The expression 'im Nachteil sein' (to be at a disadvantage) is a fixed construction. It always uses the preposition 'im' (in the) and describes a position of inferiority.
Wer die Sprache nicht spricht, ist bei der Jobsuche klar im Nachteil.
Those who don't speak the language are clearly at a disadvantage when looking for a job.
damage / harm
Schaden and Nachteil can both describe an unfavorable financial consequence. Schaden tends to mean a specific loss that has already occurred. Nachteil is more generally an unfavorable circumstance, such as higher costs compared with another option.
Der finanzielle Nachteil dieses Vertrags sind die höheren monatlichen Kosten.
The financial disadvantage of this contract is the higher monthly cost.
Durch die falsche Beratung entstand ihr ein finanzieller Schaden von 500 Euro.
The incorrect advice caused her financial damage amounting to 500 euros.
