verb

wirken

work · seem

Etwas tun, sodass es eine bestimmte Folge oder einen bestimmten Eindruck hat.

The German verb "wirken" means "to have an effect," "to work," or "to act."
It comes from the noun "Wirken," which means "effect" or "action." Unlike prefixes, the root here is "wirk-" referring to the concept of working or producing an effect.

Similar words:

  • funktionieren (to function)
  • arbeiten (to work, more about performing a task)
  • eine Wirkung haben (to have an effect)

Difference:

  • "wirken" emphasizes the effect or influence something has, often implicitly or externally (e.g., a medicine "wirkt").
  • "funktionieren" focuses on whether something works properly as designed.
  • "arbeiten" is more about actively working or laboring rather than producing an effect.

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Examples

Die Medizin wirkt schnell.verb

The medicine works quickly.

Die Medikamente wirken.verb

The medication works.

Die Behandlung wirkt Wunder.verb

The treatment works wonders.

Die Behandlung wirkt.verb

The treatment works.

Sein Lächeln wirkt sehr freundlich.verb

His smile seems very friendly.

Das Licht wirkt sehr beruhigend.verb

The light seems very calming.

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