schädlich

Schädlich is a German adjective that translates to harmful, detrimental, or damaging in English. It describes something that can cause harm, injury, or negative consequences. The word can be applied to a wide range of situations, from physical harm to abstract concepts.

In a medical context, schädlich refers to substances or actions that are detrimental to health. For example, smoking is considered schädlich because it has negative effects on the lungs and cardiovascular system. Similarly, certain chemicals or environmental pollutants can be schädlich to living organisms.

Beyond the physical, schädlich can also describe things that are harmful to well-being or societal structures. For instance, certain types of propaganda can be considered schädlich if they promote division or misinformation. Likewise, destructive behaviors or policies can be described as schädlich to a community or economy.

The root of the word, "Schaden," means damage or harm. Therefore, "schädlich" inherently carries the connotation of causing some form of negative impact or loss. It is a common and versatile term in the German language used to convey the concept of something being injurious or disadvantageous.