waste
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waste
The unnecessary, excessive, or pointless use of resources such as money, time, or energy.
Die ständige Beleuchtung leerer Räume ist eine reine Verschwendung von Strom.
The constant lighting of empty rooms is a pure waste of electricity.
'Die Verschwendung' (waste) is the noun form of the verb 'verschwenden' (to waste). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the action or its result.
Er ärgert sich über seine Verschwendung von Zeit mit unwichtigen Dingen.
He is annoyed about his waste of time on unimportant things.
To say what is being wasted, you usually use the preposition 'von' followed by the dative. Alternatively, compounds such as 'Zeitverschwendung' (waste of time) or 'Geldverschwendung' (waste of money) are often formed.
Das ist eine Verschwendung von gutem Essen.
That is a waste of good food.
Common adjectives that intensify 'Verschwendung' (waste) are 'reine' (pure), 'pure' (sheer), or 'bloße' (mere). A typical verb in this context is 'vermeiden' (to avoid).
Jeden Tag das Auto für 500 Meter zu nehmen, ist die pure Verschwendung.
Taking the car every day for 500 meters is sheer waste.
effort / expense
'der Aufwand' and 'die Verschwendung' can both have to do with the use of time, money, or energy. The important difference is the evaluation. 'Aufwand' is neutral: something requires many resources, but they may be necessary or sensible. 'Verschwendung' is negative: you use too much or use something pointlessly. Learners may confuse the words when a lot of time or money is used. The key question is: if it is necessary for the goal, it is Aufwand. If it is unnecessary or excessive, it is Verschwendung.
Paul findet es eine Verschwendung, das Licht den ganzen Tag brennen zu lassen.
Paul thinks it is a waste to leave the light on all day.
Beim Umzug war der Aufwand groß, aber alles hat gut geklappt.
The effort involved in the move was great, but everything went well.