Nomen

der Schadensersatz

Translation

damages, compensation, indemnity

Er fordert Schadensersatz für den Unfall.

He is demanding damages for the accident.

Die Firma musste hohen Schadensersatz zahlen.

The company had to pay high damages.

Schadensersatz ((für etw.)) fordern to demand damages for sth. He is demanding damages for the broken car.

Schadensersatz leisten/zahlen to pay damages The insurance company must pay the damages.

Anspruch auf Schadensersatz haben to have a claim for damages The customer has a claim for damages.

Synonyms: Entschädigung, Wiedergutmachung

A compound noun: 'Schaden' (damage) + '-s-' (linking element) + 'Ersatz' (replacement, compensation). Literally 'damage replacement'.

Break it down: You have 'Schaden' (damage) and you need an 'Ersatz' (replacement) for it. This replacement is the compensation.