der Schandfleck
eyesore
A place, building, or object that is extremely ugly and spoils the beauty of its surroundings.
EXAMPLE
Die alte, verrostete Brücke ist ein Schandfleck in der Landschaft.
The old, rusty bridge is an eyesore in the landscape.
der Schandfleck
eyesore / disgrace
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Meanings
der Schandfleck
disgrace
In a figurative sense, a person, act, or circumstance that brings shame on a group, family, or community.
EXAMPLE
Der Korruptionsskandal war ein Schandfleck für die gesamte Partei.
The corruption scandal was a disgrace for the entire party.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is composed of 'Schande' (shame, disgrace) and 'Fleck' (spot, stain). So it literally describes a 'Schandfleck' (stain of shame), which fits both an ugly place and a shameful act.
EXAMPLE
Die verfallene Fabrikhalle ist ein Schandfleck für die ganze Stadt.
The dilapidated factory hall is an eyesore for the whole city.
Register and style
'Schandfleck' (eyesore/disgrace) is a very strong and judgmental word. It expresses a clearly negative opinion and is not neutral. It is used to express strong disapproval or disgust.
EXAMPLE
Die Anwohner bezeichneten den riesigen Müllberg als untragbaren Schandfleck.
The residents described the huge pile of garbage as an intolerable eyesore.
Context clue
The preposition after 'Schandfleck' (eyesore/disgrace) helps identify the meaning. 'Ein Schandfleck in' (an eyesore in) usually refers to a physical place. 'Ein Schandfleck für' (a disgrace for) often refers to a group or an abstract concept.
EXAMPLE
Das Graffiti an der historischen Mauer ist ein Schandfleck in der Altstadt.
The graffiti on the historic wall is an eyesore in the old town.
Compare with
Schandfleck vs Schande
shame / disgrace
Schande refers to the shameful state or dishonor itself. Schandfleck, by contrast, is the specific person, act, or situation that brings shame on a group or community. Use Schande for the feeling or state, and Schandfleck for the shameful example.
Schandfleck
Der Betrug blieb als Schandfleck in der Geschichte des Vereins.
The fraud remained a stain on the club’s history.
Schande
Der Betrug war eine große Schande für den Verein.
The fraud was a great disgrace for the club.
In real life
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