schädlich
harmful
Causing a negative effect or damage to health, the environment, or a thing.
EXAMPLE
Rauchen ist schädlich für die Lunge.
Smoking is harmful to the lungs.
schädlich
harmful
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Meanings
schädlich
harmful
In a figurative sense: having a negative influence on someone's development, reputation, or character.
EXAMPLE
Sein Umgang mit diesen Leuten war schädlich für seinen Ruf.
His association with these people was harmful to his reputation.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'schädlich' (harmful) comes directly from the noun 'der Schaden' (damage). If something is schädlich, it causes damage.
EXAMPLE
Durch den Sturm entstand ein großer Schaden am Dach.
The storm caused major damage to the roof.
Sentence structure with 'für'
'Schädlich' (harmful) is almost always used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative to indicate what the negative effect relates to.
EXAMPLE
Zu viel Zucker ist schädlich für die Zähne.
Too much sugar is harmful to the teeth.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'schädlich' (harmful) is often used in the context of health and the environment. Typical combinations are 'schädliche Stoffe' (harmful substances), 'schädliche Strahlung' (harmful radiation), or 'schädlich für die Umwelt' (harmful to the environment).
EXAMPLE
Diese Chemikalien sind extrem schädlich für die Umwelt.
These chemicals are extremely harmful to the environment.
Figurative meaning
In its figurative meaning, 'schädlich' (harmful) refers to negative effects on abstract things such as reputation, career, or personal development.
EXAMPLE
Falsche Gerüchte können sehr schädlich für die Karriere sein.
False rumors can be very harmful to one's career.
Compare with
schädlich vs schlecht
bad
Schlecht and schädlich can both describe something as having a negative effect on health. Schlecht is more general and describes an unfavorable effect. Schädlich more specifically says that something causes or can cause harm.
schädlich
Dauerhafter Schlafmangel kann für die Gesundheit schädlich sein.
Long-term sleep deprivation can be harmful to your health.
schlecht
Zu wenig Schlaf ist schlecht für die Gesundheit.
Too little sleep is bad for your health.
In real life
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