unschädlich
Translation
harmless, innocuous, nontoxic
Examples
Das Insekt ist völlig unschädlich.
The insect is completely harmless.
Wir müssen den Virus unschädlich machen.
We have to render the virus harmless.
Grammar Patterns
predicative: ((to be)) unschädlich to be harmless The substance is harmless.
attributive: an unschädliche Substanz a harmless substance
((sb./sth.)) unschädlich machen to render (sb./sth.) harmless We must render the enemy harmless.
Similar Words
Synonyms: harmlos, ungefährlich; Antonyms: schädlich, gefährlich
Etymology
Composed of 'un-' (not) and 'schädlich' (harmful), from the noun 'Schaden' (harm, damage).
Memory Tips
Think of 'un-' as 'not' and 'schädlich' as related to 'scathe' or 'damage'. So, 'not-damaging' or harmless.