German word

wirksam

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɪʁkzaːm/

Meaning

  • adjectiveeffective

Example

Wir suchen ein wirksames Mittel gegen die Schmerzen.

We are looking for an effective remedy for the pain.

Illustration for wirksam (effective)

More examples

Die neuen Sicherheitsregeln sind wirksam gegen Betrug.

The new safety rules are effective against fraud.

Core concept

An active remedy or rule has enough force to make its intended effect happen.

Common phrases

  • wirksame Maßnahmen

    effective measures

  • wirksame Behandlung

    effective treatment

  • äußerst wirksam

    extremely effective

Similar words

effektiv: Actually delivering the expected result.
effizient: Reaching a goal with minimal time, effort, or resources.
erfolgreich: Achieving the planned goal and producing good results.
hilfreich: Useful for solving a problem or supporting a task.

Definition in German

so beschaffen, dass etwas die beabsichtigte oder erwartete Wirkung hervorruft oder erreicht

Word origin

Wirksam is a German formation based on wirken and -sam; the base refers to producing an effect, and the suffix creates an adjective for that capacity.

Usage tips

  • For laws or rules, wirksam can mean 'in force,' whereas gültig focuses more directly on being legally valid.

Other meanings

  • in forceadjective

Opposites

  • unwirksamineffectiveadjective
  • wirkungslosineffectualadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word