01
unbeschadet
unharmed
Having come through without damage, injury, or disadvantage; intact.
example
Wie durch ein Wunder überstand er den Unfall unbeschadet.
As if by a miracle, he survived the accident unharmed.
unbeschadet
unharmed / notwithstanding
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of three parts: the prefix 'un-' (not), the noun 'Schaden' (damage), and an ending. So it literally means 'without damage'.
EXAMPLE
Das Paket kam unbeschadet bei mir an.
The package arrived at my place unharmed.
Use in a sentence
In the meaning 'unversehrt' (unharmed/intact), 'unbeschadet' is usually used adverbially. It then comes after the verb and describes how someone got through a situation.
EXAMPLE
Die Bergsteiger haben das Gewitter unbeschadet überstanden.
The mountaineers survived the thunderstorm unharmed.
Formal use
In this meaning, the word is used almost only in legal and administrative language. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence and is combined with the genitive: 'Unbeschadet + Genitiv' (notwithstanding + genitive).
EXAMPLE
Unbeschadet der allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen gilt für diesen Fall eine Sonderregelung.
Notwithstanding the general terms and conditions, a special regulation applies to this case.
Compare with
unbeschadet vs unabhängig
independent
'unabhängig von' and 'unbeschadet' can seem similar in formal texts because both can express that one thing applies despite another. 'unabhängig von' is more general and is also easy to understand in everyday language: something applies regardless of a condition. 'unbeschadet' is much more formal and often appears in legal or official texts. It then means that a rule or right is not affected by another statement. They can be confused because both sometimes seem like 'trotzdem' (nevertheless / despite that). In normal conversation, 'unabhängig von' usually sounds more natural; 'unbeschadet' fits better in contracts, laws, or official letters.
unbeschadet
Unbeschadet anderer Rechte kann der Vertrag schriftlich gekündigt werden.
Notwithstanding other rights, the contract may be terminated in writing.
unabhängig
Wir fahren morgen, unabhängig davon, ob es regnet.
We are leaving tomorrow, regardless of whether it rains.
In real life
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