scandal
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scandal
An event or behavior that causes public attention and outrage because it is considered morally or legally unacceptable.
Der Finanzskandal zwang den Minister zum Rücktritt.
The financial scandal forced the minister to resign.
A scandal can be 'aufgedeckt' (uncovered) or 'ausgelöst' (triggered). A person can be 'in einen Skandal verwickelt sein' (be involved in a scandal).
Der Journalist hat den Skandal aufgedeckt.
The journalist uncovered the scandal.
To name the subject of the scandal, you use the preposition 'um' followed by the accusative.
Es gab einen großen Skandal um manipulierte Abgaswerte.
There was a major scandal over manipulated emissions figures.
The phrase 'Es ist ein Skandal, dass ...' (It is a scandal that ...) is a common and strong way to express your outrage about a situation.
Es ist ein Skandal, dass für die Bildung so wenig Geld ausgegeben wird.
It is a scandal that so little money is spent on education.
affair
'die Affäre' and 'der Skandal' can both refer to a public problem that many people are talking about. 'der Skandal' puts stronger emphasis on outrage: something is considered morally or legally unacceptable. 'die Affäre' often sounds like a longer-running or complicated matter that becomes public and may turn into a scandal. Not every Affäre is automatically a Skandal, but many Affären are seen as a Skandal. The words can be confused especially in the news. If you want to emphasize public outrage, 'Skandal' fits better. If you mean the whole matter or case, 'Affäre' is often the better choice.
Nach dem Bericht in der Zeitung wurde der Fall zu einem großen Skandal.
After the report in the newspaper, the case became a major scandal.
Die Affäre um die falschen Rechnungen beschäftigt die Stadt seit Wochen.
The affair involving the false invoices has occupied the city for weeks.