German word

wirklich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɪɐ̯klɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbreally

Example

Ich mag dich wirklich.

I really like you.

Illustration for wirklich (really)

More examples

Das ist wirklich interessant.

That is really interesting.

Core concept

A clear stamp of reality pressed onto a statement, making its truth or seriousness stand out.

Common phrases

  • wirklich interessant

    really interesting

  • wirklich toll

    really great

Similar words

tatsächlich: Shows that something is true in fact, despite expectations or guesses.
echt: Informally intensifies an emotion or evaluation.
eigentlich: Casually asks about the real situation.

Definition in German

Zeigt durch die Verstärkung einer Aussage an, dass etwas tatsächlich oder ernsthaft so gemeint ist.

Word origin

Wirklich developed from Middle High German wirk(e)lich, built from wirken, meaning "to have an effect," and the suffix -lich.

Usage tips

  • In a question, wirklich? commonly expresses surprise or doubt and corresponds to "really?" rather than strengthening a statement.

Other meanings

  • indeedadverb
  • actuallyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word