German word

schädigen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃɛːdɪgən/

Meaning

  • verbdamage

Example

Zigaretten schädigen die Lunge.

Cigarettes damage the lungs.

Illustration for schädigen (damage)

More examples

Skandale können das Ansehen schädigen.

Scandals can damage reputation.

Core concept

A damaging cause leaves its target less sound or less able to work normally, even when no visible break appears.

Common phrases

  • das Ansehen schädigen

    damage reputation

  • die Wirtschaft schädigen

    damage the economy

Similar words

schaden: Worsen the overall condition of a person or thing through a harmful effect.
beeinträchtigen: Impair a function or condition so that expected performance becomes weaker.
beschädigen: Physically harm an object so that visible damage affects its form or function.
verletzen: Cause physical harm to a body part, resulting in pain or reduced function.

Definition in German

jemanden oder etwas in seiner Integrität oder Funktion schädigen; dauerhaften Nachteil verursachen

Word origin

Schädigen belongs to the German word family of Schaden and is formed with the productive verb suffix -igen.

Usage tips

  • Beschädigen usually focuses on physical damage to an object, whereas schädigen commonly emphasizes harmful effects on people, health, or function.

Other meanings

  • harmverb
  • adversely affectverb
  • injureverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word