01
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
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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 gefährlich
dangerous
'gefährlich' and 'schädlich' are close in meaning because both have to do with harm. 'gefährlich' describes a situation or thing where something bad can happen. 'schädlich' is more about something actually having a negative effect, often slowly or over a longer period of time, for example on health, the environment, or development. The words can be confused because something harmful can also be dangerous. As a guide: 'gefährlich' fits with risk and immediate danger, while 'schädlich' fits with negative consequences or a lasting effect.
schädlich
Zu viel Lärm ist auf Dauer schädlich für die Gesundheit.
Too much noise is harmful to your health in the long run.
gefährlich
Das Betreten der Baustelle ist ohne Schutzhelm gefährlich.
Entering the construction site without a hard hat is dangerous.
In real life
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