verb

schädigen

harm · damage

Etwas oder jemandem so wehtun oder beeinflussen, dass ein Nachteil oder Schaden entsteht.

Definition & meaning

The verb schädigen means to cause harm, damage, or detriment to someone or something. It implies inflicting negative consequences, whether physical, financial, or abstract (such as one's reputation).

Physical/Material: To cause physical injury to a person or damage to an object.
Abstract/Financial: To negatively affect someone's interests, finances, or status.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Type: Weak verb (regular).
Conjugation: schädigte (past), hat geschädigt (perfect).
Usage: It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an accusative object (e.g., "Er hat das Auto geschädigt" - He damaged the car).

Word origin: The word is derived from the noun Schaden , which means "damage" or "harm". The suffix "-igen" is used to turn the noun into a verb, indicating the act of bringing about that damage.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

beschädigen : Used primarily for physical objects.
verletzen : Used when referring to physical injury or violating rules/rights.
beeinträchtigen : To impair or negatively affect a process or a quality.
schaden : To cause harm (intransitive, usually used with the dative case).

Antonyms:

heilen : To heal or mend.
reparieren : To repair something damaged.
schützen : To protect from harm.
fördern : To promote or support, representing the opposite of causing detriment.