seelischer Schaden
The English phrase 'emotional damage' is translated into German as seelischer Schaden.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of seelisch, which pertains to the soul or psyche and Schaden, meaning damage or harm.
Which one should you use?
While seelischer Schaden sounds more poetic or focuses on the inner person/soul, the term psychischer Schaden is often used in clinical or legal contexts to mean psychological damage.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the phrase is the direct object of a sentence, the ending changes to seelischen Schaden. For example, in the sentence 'He caused emotional damage', you would use this accusative form.
Did you know?
- In German legal terms, seelischer Schaden is often categorized under Schmerzensgeld, which literally translates to 'money for pain'.
- The English word 'scathe' in 'scathesome' shares the same ancient root as the German Schaden, meaning both words evolved from a common Germanic ancestor to describe harm or injury.
- German has a specific word Schadenfreude derived from Schaden, which describes the pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are discussing a difficult breakup.
- JulianIch fühle mich nach der Trennung völlig leer.I feel completely empty after the breakup.
- HannahDas ist ein schwerer seelischer Schaden, Julian.That is severe emotional damage, Julian.
- JulianWirst du mir helfen, damit klarzukommen?Will you help me cope with it?
- HannahJa, Hannah ist immer für dich da.Yes, Hannah is always there for you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schaden, schaden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
