noun

das Wirken, -

work

Etwas auslösen oder eine bestimmte Wirkung haben, zum Beispiel beeinflussen, verändern oder sichtbar werden.

Definition & meaning

wirken is a German verb with several related meanings:

To have an effect; to work
- A medicine, measure, or cause produces the intended result.
- Das Medikament wirkt schnell. — “The medicine works quickly.”
- Diese Maßnahme wirkt nicht. — “This measure has no effect.”
To act, operate, or be active
- It can describe a person, organization, or force that is active in a particular area.
- Sie wirkt seit vielen Jahren als Ärztin. — “She has been working as a doctor for many years.”
- Die Organisation wirkt weltweit. — “The organization operates worldwide.”
To seem or give an impression
- It describes how someone or something appears to others.
- Er wirkt müde. — “He seems tired.”
- Das Zimmer wirkt freundlich. — “The room looks or feels welcoming.”
To create or produce something, especially by weaving
- This meaning is old-fashioned or specialized.
- Der Stoff ist handgewirkt. — “The fabric is handwoven.”

As a nominalized verb, das Wirken means someone’s activity, work, influence, or overall contribution. It is a relatively formal word:

das Wirken eines Künstlers — “an artist’s work and influence”

Grammar & Word origin

wirken is a regular, intransitive verb. It normally does not take a direct object.

Infinitive: wirken
Present tense: ich wirke, du wirkst, er/sie wirkt
Simple past: wirkte
Past participle: gewirkt
Auxiliary verb: haben
Perfect tense: hat gewirkt

The verb is related to das Werk , meaning “work,” “product,” or “creation.” Its basic idea is therefore connected with producing an effect or being active. The ending -en is the standard infinitive ending of German verbs.

Synonyms & antonyms

The appropriate synonym depends on the meaning:

Meaning “to have an effect”

funktionieren — “to function” or “to work”; more strongly emphasizes that something operates correctly.
效果 haben — “to be successful”; focuses on achieving a desired result.
beeinflussen — “to influence”; usually takes an object and emphasizes changing someone or something.

Antonyms:

versagen — “to fail”; commonly used when a method, machine, or treatment does not work.
unwirksam sein — “to be ineffective”; directly expresses the absence of an effect.
schaden — “to harm”; describes a negative effect rather than a beneficial or intended one.

Meaning “to seem”

erscheinen — “to appear”; somewhat more formal and often focused on outward appearance.
aussehen — “to look”; mainly describes visible appearance.
anmuten — “to strike someone as”; formal and often used for a particular impression.

Possible antonyms:

unauffällig wirken — “to seem inconspicuous.”
verborgen bleiben — “to remain hidden”; this is an antonym only in contexts where wirken means making an impression or being noticeable.

Meaning “to be active or work in a field”

arbeiten — “to work”; more general and often connected with a job or activity.
tätig sein — “to be active or employed”; formal and frequently used for professional activity.
agieren — “to act” or “to operate”; emphasizes deliberate action.