verb
to damage, to harm
B1
Means 'to damage' or 'to harm', used transitively for physical or abstract harm. Regular weak verb with participle 'beschädigt'. Uses auxiliary 'haben' in active tenses. Non‑reflexive and not separable. Passive: 'wird beschädigt' or 'ist beschädigt worden'. Imperative: beschädige (du), beschädigt (ihr). Präteritum beschädigte; Perfekt hat beschädigt; common in legal and everyday contexts.
Examples
Der Sturm beschädigte mehrere Fahrzeuge, sodass die Besitzer Reparaturen beantragten, obwohl Versicherungsfragen offen blieben.
The storm damaged several vehicles, so the owners requested repairs, although insurance issues remained unresolved.
Das Auto ist beschädigt worden.
The car has been damaged.
Rauchen kann die Gesundheit beschädigen.
Smoking can harm your health.
Details
Mnemonics
picture a dented car or a broken vase when you hear the verb
think 'be-shade-igen' — imagine shade causing damage; connects with 'damage'
Notes
Commonly used for physical damage but also metaphorically (e.g., reputation).