German Phrase
Das hilft, Streit um Schäden zu vermeiden.
Meaning
The sentence states that something (that) is useful for preventing arguments or legal disputes concerning damages. It is often used when talking about contracts, insurance policies, or any preventive measure that aims to keep parties from arguing about who is responsible for damage.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to explain a rule, a clause, a piece of equipment, or any action that reduces the likelihood of conflict over damage. Typical contexts include rental agreements, workplace safety briefings, insurance explanations, and post‑accident discussions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dashilft,StreitumSchädenzuvermeiden.
Das (demonstrative pronoun)
Used as a neutral subject meaning 'that' or 'this' and agrees with the neuter gender of the implied noun.
hilft (helfen)
Third‑person singular of 'helfen' (to help). It normally takes a dative object, but when followed by an infinitive clause it governs the whole clause.
zu + infinitive
After verbs like 'helfen', 'versuchen', 'planen' you use 'zu' + infinitive to express the purpose or action that is helped/attempted.
Streit um …
The preposition 'um' (accusative) is idiomatic for a dispute concerning a specific matter, similar to English 'dispute over'.
Schäden (plural noun)
Plural of 'der Schaden' (damage). In the phrase 'um Schäden' it stands in the accusative case required by 'um'.
vermeiden
Infinitive meaning 'to avoid'. Paired with 'zu' it forms the infinitive clause 'zu vermeiden'.
🗨In Conversation
Wir sollten die Kaution schriftlich festhalten.
We should document the deposit in writing.
Ja, das hilft, Streit um Schäden zu vermeiden.
Yes, that helps to avoid disputes over damages.
✕Common Mistakes
Das hilft, Streit über Schäden zu vermeiden.
While 'Streit über' is understandable, the idiomatic collocation is 'Streit um' when referring to a specific matter.
Das hilft, Streit um Schäden vermeiden.
The infinitive must be preceded by 'zu' after 'hilft'.
Das hilft Streit um Schäden zu vermeiden.
A comma separates the main clause from the infinitive clause.
↔Alternatives
Das verhindert Streit über Schäden.
That prevents disputes over damages.
Damit können wir Auseinandersetzungen wegen Schäden vermeiden.
With that we can avoid confrontations because of damages.
So lässt sich ein Streit um Schäden vermeiden.
That way a dispute over damages can be avoided.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking business and legal environments, clear, written agreements are highly valued to sidestep costly Streit um Schäden. The phrase uses the idiomatic 'Streit um' rather than 'Streit über', which sounds more natural in contracts and insurance documents. Keep the tone neutral and slightly formal; it fits well in written policies, safety briefings, and professional conversations.