German word

Wirkung

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɪʁkʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nouneffect

Example

Die Wirkungen der Medizin sind deutlich.

The effects of the medicine are clear.

Illustration for Wirkung (effect)

More examples

Die langfristige Wirkung des Projekts zeigt sich erst nach Jahren.

The project's long-term effect only becomes apparent after years.

Core concept

A medicine, argument, or event reaches its target and changes how that target functions or feels.

Common phrases

  • schnelle Wirkung

    rapid effect

  • langfristige Wirkung

    long-term effect

Similar words

Einfluss: A lasting force that shapes another person, thing, or situation.
Effekt: A clear, often immediate result produced by an action, medicine, or event.
Auswirkung: A consequence of an event or decision that unfolds and spreads over time.
Folge: A direct result that follows from an event or action.

Definition in German

Der Einfluss oder die Auswirkung, die etwas auf Menschen, Meinungen oder Zustände ausübt.

Word origin

Wirkung developed as a noun from the Germanic verb wirken, which is related to German Werk and English work.

Usage tips

  • The noun commonly takes auf plus the accusative for the affected target, as in Wirkung auf den Körper.

Other meanings

  • actionnoun
  • influencenoun
  • efficacynoun

Opposites

  • Wirkungslosigkeitineffectivenessnoun

Related words

  • Wirkungsdauerduration of effectnoun
  • wirksameffectiveadjective

Word lists with this word