Schadhaften

Schadhaften is a German term used to describe defective or damaged items, components or products that do not meet required specifications or standards. The word combines Schad(e) meaning damage with haft, indicating a condition of being characterized by fault. In everyday and technical usage it is common to refer to schadhaften goods or parts, while the adjective form schadhaft describes a single defective item (schadhaftes Teil).

Usage and scope

Schadhaften appears across manufacturing, quality management, procurement, logistics, and consumer contexts. It is often used to classify defects within a batch or lot, and can cover a range of fault types such as material defects (Materialfehler), processing or assembly defects (Montagefehler), functional defects (Funktionsfehler), and physical damage (Beschädigungen). Defects may be detected during incoming inspection, in-process testing, or after delivery following customer complaints.

Handling and implications

When schadhaften are identified, parts are typically segregated or rejected and undergo disposition steps such as rework, repair, replacement, or scrap. Root-cause analysis may be conducted to prevent recurrence, and notifications to suppliers or customers may follow. In many jurisdictions, defective goods trigger warranty or liability provisions, and understanding the distinction between general defects (Mängel) and schadhaften can influence quality records and contractual remedies.

Terminology notes

Schadhaften is often used interchangeably with Mängel or Defekte in practical contexts, though Mängel is a broader term for any defect, while schadhaften emphasizes faultiness or damage in specific items. The plural Schadhaften typically refers to multiple defective units or defect incidents within a batch.