noun

die Wirklichkeit, -en

reality

Etwas, das wirklich existiert und nicht nur gedacht oder vorgestellt ist.

The German word "Wirklichkeit" is a noun that means "reality" or "actuality". It is derived from the verb "wirken," which means "to have an effect" or "to work," combined with the noun suffix "keit," which translates to "-ness" or "-ity" in English. Hence, "Wirklichkeit" refers to the state of being real or effective.

Similar words in German include "Realität" (reality) and "Tatsache" (fact).

Difference between the words:

  • Wirklichkeit is often used to convey a broader sense of tangible, perceptible reality or existence as it appears to be.
  • Realität is more commonly used in scientific, philosophical, or technical contexts, referring to the objective state of things.
  • Tatsache, on the other hand, is more specific, meaning "fact"—a confirmed piece of information, less abstract compared to the other two words.

Each term carries its own nuances on pertaining to the concept of what is real, with Wirklichkeit encompassing a more general everyday sense of actuality.

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Examples

In Wirklichkeit ist es anders.noun

In reality, it is different.

Die Wirklichkeit kann manchmal überraschend sein.noun

Reality can sometimes be surprising.

In Wirklichkeit sieht alles viel komplizierter aus.noun

In reality, everything looks much more complicated.

Die Wirklichkeit entspricht oft nicht unseren Erwartungen.noun

Reality often does not correspond to our expectations.

In der Wirklichkeit ist es anders als im Film.noun

In reality, it's different than in movies.

In der Wirklichkeit sehen die Dinge oft komplizierter aus.noun

In reality, things often look more complicated.

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