reparation / amends
Loading your saved state.
reparation
Compensation for harm, an injustice, or a loss that has been caused, often through financial payments or other services. The term is frequently used in legal and historical contexts.
Nach dem Krieg leistete Deutschland Wiedergutmachungen an die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus.
After the war, Germany made reparations to the victims of National Socialism.
The word is made up of 'wieder' (again), 'gut' (good), and 'machen' (to make). So it describes the act of 'etwas wieder gut zu machen' (to make something right again) that was previously bad.
Er versuchte, seinen Fehler durch eine ehrliche Entschuldigung wiedergutzumachen.
He tried to make up for his mistake with an honest apology.
The meaning depends strongly on the context. If it concerns large, often financial services between states or for groups of victims, the legal-historical meaning is intended. If it is a personal gesture between individuals, the moral meaning is intended.
Die Verhandlungen über staatliche Wiedergutmachungen dauerten mehrere Jahre.
The negotiations about state reparations lasted several years.
In legal and historical contexts, 'Wiedergutmachung' (reparation) is often combined with the verbs 'leisten' (to make/provide), 'fordern' (to demand), or 'zahlen' (to pay).
Die Opferverbände fordern eine angemessene Wiedergutmachung für das erlittene Unrecht.
The victims' associations are demanding appropriate reparation for the injustice they suffered.
In personal contexts, the phrase 'als Wiedergutmachung' (as amends) is often used, followed by the action that is meant to make up for the mistake.
Als Wiedergutmachung für die Verspätung übernahm er die Kosten für das Taxi.
As amends for being late, he covered the cost of the taxi.
replacement / compensation
'der Ersatz' and 'die Wiedergutmachung' can both mean that damage or a loss is made up for. 'Ersatz' often sounds more factual: you receive money or another object because something is broken, lost, or damaged. 'Wiedergutmachung' places more emphasis on putting right a wrong or a mistake. This can be money, but also an apology or another personal action. If it is only about a broken object, 'Ersatz' usually fits better. If it is about guilt, injustice, or a hurt person, 'Wiedergutmachung' is more precise.
Nach dem Streit brachte Lena ihrer Freundin Blumen zur Wiedergutmachung.
After the argument, Lena brought her friend flowers to make amends.
Für das beschädigte Fahrrad bekam Tom von der Versicherung Ersatz.
Tom received compensation from the insurance company for the damaged bicycle.