unschädlich
harmless
Being such that it causes no damage, injury, or negative effects; harmless.
EXAMPLE
Die meisten Hausspinnen sind für den Menschen völlig unschädlich.
Most house spiders are completely harmless to humans.
unschädlich
harmless
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Meanings
unschädlich machen
to render harmless
To neutralize or disable a danger, a threat, or a harmful substance.
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehr konnte die ausgelaufene Chemikalie unschädlich machen.
The fire department was able to render the leaked chemical harmless.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word has a simple structure: it consists of the prefix 'un-' (not) and the adjective 'schädlich' (harmful). So it literally means 'nicht schädlich' (not harmful).
EXAMPLE
Der verwendete Farbstoff ist für die Gesundheit völlig unschädlich.
The dye used is completely harmless to health.
Fixed expression
The expression 'jemanden oder etwas unschädlich machen' (to render someone or something harmless) is very common. It means to neutralize or disable a danger or a threat.
EXAMPLE
Dem Bombenentschärfungsteam gelang es, den Sprengsatz unschädlich zu machen.
The bomb disposal team managed to render the explosive device harmless.
Typical collocations
In its basic meaning, 'unschädlich' (harmless) is often used for substances, products, or small living creatures. Typical combinations are 'unschädliche Inhaltsstoffe' (harmless ingredients), 'unschädliche Chemikalien' (harmless chemicals), or 'unschädliche Spinnen' (harmless spiders).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Insektenspray ist für Pflanzen unschädlich.
This insect spray is harmless to plants.
Compare with
unschädlich vs harmlos
harmless
Both words can say that something has no negative consequences. “Harmlos” emphasizes the general absence of danger, while “unschädlich” explicitly emphasizes that no harm, injury, or negative effect occurs. Use “unschädlich” when the specific effect is the focus.
unschädlich
Die verdünnte Reinigungslösung ist für die Haut unschädlich.
The diluted cleaning solution is harmless to the skin.
harmlos
Der Reiniger ist bei normaler Anwendung harmlos.
The cleaner is harmless when used normally.
In real life
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