damage / harm
Loading your saved state.
damage
The state of being damaged; the harm, injury, or impairment that has resulted from a harmful effect. This can refer to health, property, or the environment.
Durch den Unfall erlitt er eine dauerhafte Schädigung des Gehörs.
As a result of the accident, he suffered permanent damage to his hearing.
The noun 'die Schädigung' (damage/harm) is derived from the verb 'schädigen' (to damage/harm). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that can describe both the act of causing damage and its result.
Die laute Musik führte zu einer Schädigung seines Gehörs.
The loud music led to damage to his hearing.
'Schädigung' (damage/harm) is a formal word. It is often used in medical, legal, or scientific texts to speak precisely about damage or harm.
Der Arzt stellte eine Schädigung der Nerven fest.
The doctor diagnosed damage to the nerves.
When the state of being damaged is meant, 'Schädigung' (damage) is often combined with adjectives like 'bleibend' (lasting), 'dauerhaft' (permanent), or 'gesundheitlich' (health-related). Common verbs in this context are 'erleiden' (to suffer) or 'davontragen' (to sustain).
Durch den Lärm hat er eine bleibende Schädigung des Ohrs davongetragen.
Because of the noise, he sustained lasting damage to his ear.
The meaning 'act of causing damage' is often found in legal contexts. Typical phrases here are 'vorsätzliche Schädigung' (deliberate causing of damage) or 'Schädigung fremden Eigentums' (damage to someone else's property).
Ihm wird die Schädigung des geparkten Autos vorgeworfen.
He is accused of causing damage to the parked car.
damage / harm
'der Schaden' and 'die Schädigung' are closely related because both can describe a negative effect or injury. 'Schaden' is the more general word and works in everyday language for objects, money, health, or reputation. 'Schädigung' sounds more factual and is often used when a harmful influence is the cause, for example with health, the environment, or property. In addition, 'Schädigung' can also mean the process through which the damage occurs. Learners may confuse the words, but as a simple guideline: 'Schaden' is the normal result, while 'Schädigung' sounds more precise and often more technical.
Zu viel Lärm kann zu einer dauerhaften Schädigung des Gehörs führen.
Too much noise can lead to permanent damage to the hearing.
Die Versicherung bezahlt den Schaden am Fenster.
The insurance company pays for the damage to the window.