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
When referring to a publicly criticized case, both Affäre and Skandal may be used. Affäre tends to refer to the entire affair or the controversy lasting over a longer period, while Skandal emphasizes public outrage over behavior considered unacceptable. Use Affäre for the case itself and Skandal for the outraged public reaction to it.
Der Skandal um die vergessenen Dokumente löste große Empörung aus.
The scandal involving the forgotten documents caused widespread outrage.
Die Affäre um die vergessenen Dokumente beschäftigte die Zeitung mehrere Wochen.
The affair involving the forgotten documents kept the newspaper occupied for several weeks.
