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B1 adjective #3,000 الأكثر شيوعاً 10 دقيقة للقراءة

wirksam

الأكثر شيوعاً #3,000

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح wirksam في 30 ثانية

الشرح wirksam in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic adjectives. 'Wirksam' might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it in simple contexts like medicine. Think of it as 'it works' (es funktioniert). If you have a headache and take a pill, you want that pill to be 'wirksam'. You will mostly see this word on product packaging or hear it when someone recommends a simple remedy. At this stage, focus on the basic idea: 'Wirksam' = 'Good result'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just recognize that it describes something that helps you solve a problem.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you can start using 'wirksam' to describe everyday objects and simple solutions. You might say 'Diese Creme ist wirksam gegen Mücken' (This cream is effective against mosquitoes). You are beginning to understand that adjectives change their endings when they come before a noun. You should practice the simple nominative forms: 'ein wirksames Mittel' (an effective remedy). You also start to see the difference between 'wirksam' and 'gut'. 'Gut' is general, but 'wirksam' specifically means it achieves a goal. This is a great word to use when you want to be more specific about why something is 'gut'.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more professional and social situations. 'Wirksam' becomes a key word for discussing health, work, and politics. You should be able to use it with the preposition 'gegen' and the accusative case. You are also learning to compare things: 'Diese Methode ist wirksamer als die andere' (This method is more effective than the other). You will encounter this word in news articles about new laws or environmental measures. It is important to start distinguishing it from 'effektiv' and 'effizient', using 'wirksam' primarily for the 'power to act' or 'results achieved'.

At the B2 level, you should use 'wirksam' with confidence in abstract discussions. You can talk about 'wirksame Kommunikation' (effective communication) or 'die Wirksamkeit von Gesetzen' (the effectiveness of laws). You understand that 'wirksam' often implies a certain authority or scientific proof. You should also be familiar with compound words like 'rechtswirksam' (legally effective) or 'breitenwirksam' (having a broad impact). At this stage, you can use the word to evaluate complex systems and strategies in a professional environment, and you know how to decline it perfectly in all cases and genders.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, your use of 'wirksam' should be nuanced. You recognize its role in formal registers and can distinguish it from synonyms like 'schlagkräftig' or 'zweckmäßig'. You can discuss psychological concepts like 'Selbstwirksamkeit' (self-efficacy) and understand the philosophical implications of 'Wirksamkeit' in historical or social contexts. You are able to use the word in sophisticated sentence structures, perhaps as a participle or in combination with complex modal verbs. You understand that 'wirksam' is not just about 'working', but about the manifestation of intent in the real world.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you have a complete command of 'wirksam' and its entire word family. You can use it in highly academic or legal writing, understanding the precise differences between 'Wirksamkeit', 'Effektivität', and 'Gültigkeit'. You are sensitive to the stylistic weight of the word and can use it rhetorically to emphasize the success of an argument or a system. You can interpret literature or legal codes where 'wirksam' might have very specific, technical definitions. Your mastery includes an intuitive understanding of all idiomatic uses and the ability to use it with perfect grammatical precision in any context.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

wirksam في 30 ثانية

Wirksam means 'effective' or 'successful in producing a result'. It is a key adjective for medical, legal, and professional contexts in German.
It is derived from the verb 'wirken' (to work/effect) and the suffix '-sam'. Its noun form is 'die Wirksamkeit'.
Grammatically, it functions as a standard adjective, requiring endings when used attributively (e.g., 'ein wirksames Mittel').
Commonly used with the preposition 'gegen' (+ accusative) to describe remedies against illnesses or problems.

The German adjective wirksam is a fundamental term used to describe the capacity of something to produce a desired effect or a successful result. At its core, it is derived from the verb wirken, which means 'to work', 'to take effect', or 'to act'. When you describe a method, a medicine, or a law as wirksam, you are asserting that it functions as intended and achieves its specific goals. It is the linguistic bridge between a theoretical plan and a practical success. In everyday German, you will encounter this word most frequently in contexts involving health, professional strategies, and legal frameworks.

Medical Context: In the world of medicine and pharmacy, wirksam is the standard term for 'effective'. Doctors discuss whether a therapy is wirksam against a specific virus, and patients ask if a painkiller will be wirksam enough to dull their discomfort. It implies a biological or chemical reaction that leads to healing or symptom relief.
Professional and Strategic Context: In business settings, management might discuss wirksame Maßnahmen (effective measures) to increase productivity or reduce costs. Here, it suggests that the steps taken have a measurable impact on the company's performance. It is less about the speed (efficiency) and more about the outcome (effectiveness).
Legal and Formal Context: Legally, a contract or a notice of termination becomes wirksam when it takes legal effect. This is often synonymous with rechtswirksam. It means the document now has the power to change a legal status or enforce an obligation.

Die neue Impfung ist extrem wirksam gegen die Grippe.

Translation: The new vaccination is extremely effective against the flu.

Understanding the nuances of wirksam requires looking at its opposites. Something that fails to work is wirkungslos (ineffective). If a medicine has no effect, it is wirkungslos. If a law is passed but never enforced, it remains unwirksam. The distinction between wirksam and effektiv is subtle; while often interchangeable, wirksam carries a stronger connotation of 'having an inherent power to act', whereas effektiv is often used in more modern, data-driven business contexts.

Wir brauchen eine wirksame Lösung für dieses Problem.

Translation: We need an effective solution for this problem.

Environmental Context: When discussing climate change, activists call for wirksamer Klimaschutz. This implies that small, symbolic gestures are not enough; only actions that actually reduce carbon emissions are considered wirksam.

Der Vertrag wird erst ab Januar wirksam.

Translation: The contract only becomes effective from January.

In summary, wirksam is a versatile and powerful adjective. Whether you are describing a biological process, a legal status, or a strategic initiative, it conveys a sense of purpose and realized potential. It is a word of validation, confirming that something does exactly what it is supposed to do.

Using wirksam correctly in German involves understanding its grammatical placement as both an attributive adjective (before a noun) and a predicative adjective (after a verb like 'sein' or 'werden'). Because it is a standard adjective, it must decline according to the gender, case, and number of the noun it precedes. However, when used after a verb, it remains in its base form.

Attributive Usage (Before Nouns): When placed before a noun, you must add the correct ending. For example: ein wirksames Medikament (an effective medication - neuter, nominative), eine wirksame Methode (an effective method - feminine, nominative), or wirksame Maßnahmen (effective measures - plural, nominative). Note how the ending changes based on the grammatical context.
Predicative Usage (After Verbs): This is simpler. When you say 'Something is effective', the word doesn't change: Das Mittel ist wirksam. If you want to say it 'becomes' effective, you use werden: Das Gesetz wird morgen wirksam.

Wir haben nach einer wirksamen Strategie gesucht.

Translation: We were looking for an effective strategy (Dative feminine ending '-en').

One of the most common ways to use wirksam is in combination with the preposition gegen (against). This is almost universal when discussing remedies for problems or illnesses. For instance, wirksam gegen Schmerzen (effective against pain) or wirksam gegen Korruption (effective against corruption). The preposition gegen always triggers the accusative case for the noun that follows it.

Dieses Reinigungsmittel ist besonders wirksam bei Fettflecken.

Translation: This cleaning agent is particularly effective on grease stains.

Comparisons: Like most adjectives, wirksam can be compared. The comparative is wirksamer (more effective) and the superlative is am wirksamsten (most effective). Example: Diese Methode ist wirksamer als die alte (This method is more effective than the old one).

Es ist die wirksamste Methode, die wir kennen.

Translation: It is the most effective method we know.

Finally, pay attention to the word rechtswirksam. This is a compound often found in official letters. It specifies that the effectiveness is specifically in the eyes of the law. If you receive a rechtswirksame Kündigung, it means your contract has been legally terminated and the notice period has begun.

The word wirksam is ubiquitous in German public life, but its frequency varies depending on the social sphere. You are unlikely to hear it shouted across a football pitch, but you will hear it constantly in news broadcasts, doctor's consultations, and corporate boardrooms. It is a word that carries an air of authority and objectivity.

In the News and Politics: Journalists often use wirksam when critiquing government policy. You might hear: 'Die Regierung sucht nach wirksamen Mitteln gegen die Inflation' (The government is looking for effective means against inflation). It is a key term in political debates about what 'actually works' versus what is just political theater.
In Healthcare: If you go to a German pharmacy (Apotheke), the pharmacist might say: 'Dieses Spray ist sehr wirksam bei Halsschmerzen' (This spray is very effective for sore throats). In medical journals, the 'Wirksamkeit' (efficacy) of a drug is the primary metric for its approval.
In Advertising: Commercials for household products—like detergents, skin creams, or pest control—rely heavily on this word. 'Wirksam gegen Kalk' (Effective against limescale) is a phrase seen on almost every bathroom cleaner in Germany. It promises a result that the consumer can see.

Wissenschaftler haben eine wirksame Therapie entwickelt.

Translation: Scientists have developed an effective therapy.

In a more abstract sense, you might hear it in discussions about self-improvement or psychology. The term Selbstwirksamkeit (self-efficacy) is a popular psychological concept in Germany, referring to an individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. If you 'feel wirksam', you feel like you have agency in the world.

Die Werbung verspricht eine wirksame Faltenreduzierung.

Translation: The advertisement promises effective wrinkle reduction.

Finally, in the legal world, you'll hear it in courtrooms or read it in contracts. A judge might rule that a clause in a contract is unwirksam (invalid/ineffective), meaning it cannot be enforced. This is a crucial distinction for anyone living or working in Germany, as it determines your rights and obligations.

For English speakers, the primary challenge with wirksam is distinguishing it from its close cousins effektiv and effizient. While in English, 'effective' and 'efficient' are often confused, German adds wirksam into the mix, creating a three-way potential for error. Understanding the subtle boundaries between these words will make your German sound much more natural.

Wirksam vs. Effizient: This is the classic distinction. Wirksam (or effektiv) means you achieved the goal. Effizient means you achieved it with the minimum amount of resources (time, money, effort). You can be wirksam but not effizient—for example, if you kill a fly with a sledgehammer. You got the job done, but it was a waste of energy.
Wirksam vs. Effektiv: In many cases, these are synonyms. However, wirksam is the preferred word for biological, chemical, or medical effects. You wouldn't usually say an 'effektives Medikament' in a formal medical context; 'wirksames Medikament' is the standard. Effektiv is more common in business or when talking about general results.

Mistake: Das Gesetz ist nicht effizient.
Correct: Das Gesetz ist nicht wirksam.

Explanation: If a law doesn't achieve its purpose, it's 'unwirksam', not 'inefficient'.

Another mistake involves the preposition. English speakers often want to use für (for), but as mentioned before, gegen (against) is the standard when talking about remedies. Saying 'wirksam für Kopfschmerzen' sounds like the medicine is helping the headache grow! You want 'wirksam gegen Kopfschmerzen' (effective against headaches).

Mistake: Ein wirksam Plan.
Correct: Ein wirksamer Plan.

Explanation: Don't forget the adjective endings when using it before a noun!

Lastly, be careful with the word wirkungsvoll. While similar, wirkungsvoll often describes something that makes a strong impression or is 'impressive' or 'impactful' in an aesthetic or emotional sense (like a wirkungsvoller Auftritt—an impactful appearance). Wirksam is more clinical and result-oriented.

German is a language of precision, and while wirksam is a great all-rounder, there are several alternatives that might be more appropriate depending on the specific 'flavor' of effectiveness you want to convey. Exploring these synonyms will help you move from a B1 level to a more advanced C1/C2 vocabulary.

Effektiv: The most direct synonym. It is used more in business and technical contexts. If a process is effektiv, it leads to the desired result. It sounds slightly more modern and international than wirksam.
Schlagkräftig: Literally 'powerful in striking'. This is used for teams, arguments, or organizations. A schlagkräftige Truppe is an effective, powerful team. It implies a certain force or aggression in the effectiveness.
Zweckmäßig: This means 'expedient' or 'functional'. It describes something that is effective because it perfectly suits the purpose (Zweck). It is a very pragmatic, 'no-frills' kind of effectiveness.
Heilsam: Specifically used for health or moral lessons. A heilsame Erfahrung is a 'wholesome' or 'beneficial' experience that might have been difficult but was 'effective' in teaching you something.

Ihre Argumente waren äußerst überzeugend.

Note: 'Überzeugend' (convincing) is often the 'effective' word for rhetoric.

When comparing these words, consider the 'domain' of the effect. For laws and contracts, use wirksam or gültig (valid). For machines and processes, use leistungsstark (powerful) or effizient. For people and their skills, use kompetent or fähig.

Das ist eine fruchtbare Zusammenarbeit.

Note: 'Fruchtbar' (fruitful) describes an effective collaboration.

In summary, while wirksam is your 'Swiss Army knife' for effectiveness, using words like schlagkräftig, zweckmäßig, or überzeugend will provide much more color and precision to your German descriptions.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The root 'wirk-' is related to the English word 'work'. In German, 'wirksam' specifically focuses on the *result* of the work, not the effort itself.

دليل النطق

UK /ˈvɪʁkzaːm/

US /ˈvɪrkˌsɑm/

The stress is on the first syllable: WIRK-sam.

يتقافى مع

sparsam folgsam biegsam langsam bedachtsam schweigsam mühsam achtsam

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing 'w' as 'w' (it should be 'v').
Pronouncing 's' as a sharp 's' (it should be a voiced 'z' sound).
Making the 'i' too long (it is short as in 'fish').

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

Common in newspapers and instructions. Easy to recognize once you know 'wirken'.

الكتابة 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings and knowledge of prepositions like 'gegen'.

التحدث 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the voiced 's'.

الاستماع 3/5

Clear pronunciation, often emphasized in advertisements.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

gut arbeiten helfen gegen das Mittel

تعلّم لاحقاً

die Wirksamkeit effektiv effizient das Ergebnis die Wirkung

متقدم

die Kausalität die Validität rechtskräftig implementieren

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Adjective Declension

ein wirksames (neuter) Mittel, eine wirksame (feminine) Lösung.

Preposition 'gegen' + Accusative

wirksam gegen den (masculine accusative) Schmerz.

Comparison of Adjectives

wirksam, wirksamer, am wirksamsten.

Predicative vs Attributive

Das Mittel ist wirksam (predicative). Ein wirksames Mittel (attributive).

Word Formation with -sam

wirken + -sam = wirksam.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

Die Medizin ist wirksam.

The medicine is effective.

Simple predicative adjective.

Das ist ein wirksames Mittel.

That is an effective remedy.

Attributive adjective, neuter nominative.

Ist der Tee wirksam?

Is the tea effective?

Question form.

Es ist sehr wirksam.

It is very effective.

Adverb 'sehr' modifying the adjective.

Hilft das? Ja, es ist wirksam.

Does that help? Yes, it is effective.

Short answer context.

Wirksam gegen Schmerz.

Effective against pain.

Common phrase on packaging.

Das Mittel ist nicht wirksam.

The remedy is not effective.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Ein wirksamer Schutz.

An effective protection.

Attributive adjective, masculine nominative.

Dieses Spray ist wirksam gegen Mücken.

This spray is effective against mosquitoes.

Using 'gegen' + accusative.

Wir suchen eine wirksame Lösung.

We are looking for an effective solution.

Accusative feminine ending '-e'.

Die Tabletten waren sehr wirksam.

The tablets were very effective.

Past tense 'waren'.

Gibt es ein wirksameres Medikament?

Is there a more effective medication?

Comparative form 'wirksamer'.

Das ist keine wirksame Methode.

That is not an effective method.

Negation with 'keine'.

Das Gesetz wird ab morgen wirksam.

The law becomes effective from tomorrow.

Verb 'werden' + adjective.

Wir brauchen wirksame Hilfe.

We need effective help.

Feminine accusative.

Ist diese Creme wirklich wirksam?

Is this cream really effective?

Use of 'wirklich' for emphasis.

Die Maßnahmen der Regierung waren leider nicht wirksam.

The government's measures were unfortunately not effective.

Plural subject.

Wie kann man wirksam gegen Stress vorgehen?

How can one take effective action against stress?

Adverbial use with 'vorgehen'.

Die Impfung bietet einen wirksamen Schutz vor Infektionen.

The vaccination offers effective protection against infections.

Masculine accusative ending '-en'.

Wir müssen eine wirksame Strategie entwickeln.

We must develop an effective strategy.

Modal verb 'müssen' + infinitive.

Das neue Gesetz ist seit gestern wirksam.

The new law has been effective since yesterday.

Time expression 'seit gestern'.

Es gibt viele wirksame Hausmittel gegen Erkältung.

There are many effective home remedies for colds.

Plural adjective ending '-e'.

Diese Therapie ist bei vielen Patienten wirksam.

This therapy is effective for many patients.

Preposition 'bei' + dative.

Wir brauchen wirksamere Kontrollen am Flughafen.

We need more effective controls at the airport.

Comparative plural.

Die Kündigung ist erst nach Erhalt des Briefes wirksam.

The termination is only effective after receipt of the letter.

Genitive 'des Briefes'.

Eine wirksame Kommunikation ist der Schlüssel zum Erfolg.

Effective communication is the key to success.

Abstract noun as subject.

Das Medikament hat eine hohe Wirksamkeit bewiesen.

The drug has proven high effectiveness.

Noun form 'Wirksamkeit'.

Wir suchen nach rechtswirksamen Alternativen.

We are looking for legally effective alternatives.

Compound adjective 'rechtswirksam'.

Die Kampagne war in den sozialen Medien sehr wirksam.

The campaign was very effective on social media.

Contextual usage in marketing.

Man muss die Ursachen wirksam bekämpfen.

One must combat the causes effectively.

Adverbial usage.

Es ist wichtig, wirksame Grenzen zu setzen.

It is important to set effective boundaries.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

Diese Methode ist am wirksamsten, wenn man sie täglich anwendet.

This method is most effective when applied daily.

Superlative 'am wirksamsten'.

Die breitenwirksame Reform stieß auf viel Kritik.

The broad-impact reform met with much criticism.

Compound 'breitenwirksam'.

Die psychologische Selbstwirksamkeit spielt eine große Rolle.

Psychological self-efficacy plays a major role.

Specialized psychological term.

Es mangelt an einer wirksamen Kontrolle der Finanzmärkte.

There is a lack of effective control of the financial markets.

Verb 'mangeln an' + dative.

Das Urteil wurde unmittelbar wirksam.

The judgment became effective immediately.

Adverb 'unmittelbar'.

Wir müssen die wirksamen Bestandteile der Pflanze isolieren.

We must isolate the active ingredients of the plant.

Scientific context.

Seine Rede war rhetorisch äußerst wirksam.

His speech was rhetorically extremely effective.

Modifying with an adverb.

Die vertraglichen Vereinbarungen sind nicht mehr wirksam.

The contractual agreements are no longer effective.

Legal context.

Es bedarf wirksamerer Instrumente zur Krisenbewältigung.

More effective instruments for crisis management are needed.

Genitive case with 'bedarf'.

Die Wirksamkeit dieses Postulats ist innerhalb der Fachwelt umstritten.

The validity/effectiveness of this postulate is disputed among experts.

Academic register.

Inwieweit sind diese Sanktionen tatsächlich wirksam?

To what extent are these sanctions actually effective?

Geopolitical context.

Die ästhetische Wirksamkeit des Kunstwerks ist unbestritten.

The aesthetic impact of the artwork is undisputed.

Aesthetic context.

Eine rechtswirksame Willenserklärung ist hierfür erforderlich.

A legally effective declaration of intent is required for this.

High-level legal terminology.

Die systemische Wirksamkeit der Therapie wurde in Langzeitstudien belegt.

The systemic effectiveness of the therapy was proven in long-term studies.

Technical medical term.

Es gilt, die wirksamen Mechanismen der Macht zu analysieren.

It is necessary to analyze the effective mechanisms of power.

Philosophical/Political register.

Trotz aller Bemühungen blieb die Verordnung weitgehend wirkungslos, da sie nicht wirksam kontrolliert wurde.

Despite all efforts, the regulation remained largely ineffective because it was not effectively controlled.

Complex sentence with contrast.

Die Wirksamkeit der pädagogischen Konzepte muss fortlaufend evaluiert werden.

The effectiveness of the pedagogical concepts must be continuously evaluated.

Educational administration context.

تلازمات شائعة

wirksame Maßnahmen

wirksam gegen

rechtswirksam

wirksam werden

hoch wirksam

breitenwirksam

äußerst wirksam

wirksame Hilfe

wirksamer Schutz

kaum wirksam

العبارات الشائعة

Wirksamkeit zeigen

— To show effectiveness. Used when a treatment starts working.

Die Therapie zeigt erste Wirksamkeit.

In Kraft treten und wirksam werden

— To come into force and become effective. Standard legal phrase.

Das Gesetz tritt morgen in Kraft und wird wirksam.

Wirksam bekämpfen

— To combat something effectively.

Wir müssen die Armut wirksam bekämpfen.

Sich als wirksam erweisen

— To prove to be effective.

Die neue Strategie hat sich als wirksam erwiesen.

Wirksam unterstützen

— To support in an effective way.

Wir wollen die lokalen Projekte wirksam unterstützen.

Wirksame Bestandteile

— Active ingredients. Used in chemistry and pharmacy.

Was sind die wirksamen Bestandteile dieser Pflanze?

Wirksam regulieren

— To regulate effectively.

Der Markt muss wirksam reguliert werden.

Wirksam kommunizieren

— To communicate effectively.

Führungskräfte müssen wirksam kommunizieren können.

Wirksame Kontrolle

— Effective control.

Eine wirksame Kontrolle ist unerlässlich.

Wirksam schützen

— To protect effectively.

Wir müssen unsere Daten wirksam schützen.

يُخلط عادةً مع

wirksam vs effektiv

Very similar, but 'wirksam' is preferred for medical/legal contexts.

wirksam vs effizient

Effizient is about resources/time; wirksam is about the result.

wirksam vs wirkungsvoll

Wirkungsvoll is more about 'impressive' or 'stunning' impact.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Nägel mit Köpfen machen"

— To do something properly and effectively. While not using the word 'wirksam', it describes 'wirksames Handeln'.

Wir müssen jetzt Nägel mit Köpfen machen.

informal

"Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen"

— To hit the nail on the head. An effective statement.

Mit deiner Kritik hast du den Nagel auf den Kopf getroffen.

neutral

"Wunder wirken"

— To work wonders. A very effective remedy.

Ein heißes Bad kann Wunder wirken.

informal

"Früchte tragen"

— To bear fruit. When a strategy becomes effective.

Unsere harte Arbeit trägt endlich Früchte.

neutral

"Einen langen Hebel haben"

— To have a long lever. To be in an effective position to change things.

Die Banken haben hier einen langen Hebel.

neutral

"In Fleisch und Blut übergehen"

— To become second nature. An effective way of learning.

Die Vokabeln müssen in Fleisch und Blut übergehen.

neutral

"Auf taube Ohren stoßen"

— To fall on deaf ears. When communication is NOT effective.

Meine Warnungen stießen auf taube Ohren.

neutral

"Den Hebel ansetzen"

— To apply the lever. To start taking effective action at the right point.

Wir müssen an der Wurzel des Problems den Hebel ansetzen.

neutral

"Einen Stein ins Rollen bringen"

— To set a stone rolling. To start an effective process.

Deine Idee hat einen Stein ins Rollen gebracht.

neutral

"Butter bei die Fische"

— To get down to business. To act effectively and speak clearly.

Jetzt mal Butter bei die Fische: Was ist der Plan?

informal/Northern German

سهل الخلط

wirksam vs effektiv

Both translate to 'effective'.

Wirksam focuses on the power to produce an effect (often biological or legal). Effektiv focuses on the successful completion of a task.

Das Medikament ist wirksam. Die Methode ist effektiv.

wirksam vs effizient

People confuse results with resource usage.

Wirksam = Result achieved. Effizient = Result achieved with little waste.

Er ist wirksam (er löst das Problem). Er ist effizient (er löst es schnell).

wirksam vs gültig

Both can mean 'valid'.

Gültig means 'valid' in terms of time or rules. Wirksam means 'having an effect'.

Das Ticket ist gültig. Die Kündigung ist wirksam.

wirksam vs wirkungsvoll

Similar root.

Wirkungsvoll describes something that looks or feels impressive. Wirksam is more functional.

Ein wirkungsvolles Kleid. Ein wirksames Gift.

wirksam vs nützlich

Both imply something positive.

Nützlich means 'useful'. Wirksam means 'achieving a specific goal'.

Ein nützliches Werkzeug. Eine wirksame Arznei.

أنماط الجُمل

Das ist [Adjektiv].

Das ist wirksam.

Ein [Adjektiv] [Nomen].

Ein wirksames Mittel.

[Nomen] ist wirksam gegen [Nomen].

Tee ist wirksam gegen Erkältung.

Wir brauchen [Adjektiv] [Nomen].

Wir brauchen wirksame Lösungen.

Das Gesetz wird [Zeitpunkt] wirksam.

Das Gesetz wird morgen wirksam.

Es hat sich als [Adjektiv] erwiesen.

Es hat sich als wirksam erwiesen.

Die [Nomen] von [Nomen] ist [Adjektiv].

Die Wirksamkeit der Therapie ist belegt.

Inwieweit [Satz], bleibt [Adjektiv].

Inwieweit dies wirksam ist, bleibt abzuwarten.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

die Wirksamkeit (effectiveness)

die Wirkung (effect/impact)

die Nebenwirkung (side effect)

die Wechselwirkung (interaction)

الأفعال

wirken (to work/act)

bewirken (to cause)

einwirken (to influence)

auswirken (to have an effect)

الصفات

wirkungsvoll (impactful)

wirkungslos (ineffective)

unwirksam (invalid)

wechselwirksam (interactive)

مرتبط

das Wirkstoff

die Wirkungsweise

der Wirkungsgrad

die Wirkungskraft

die Wirkungsstätte

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كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

High (Top 2000 words)

أخطاء شائعة

Das Medikament ist wirksam für Kopfschmerzen. → Das Medikament ist wirksam gegen Kopfschmerzen.
In German, remedies are 'against' (gegen) the problem, not 'for' it.
Ein wirksam Plan. → Ein wirksamer Plan.
Adjectives before nouns must have the correct ending. 'Plan' is masculine nominative.
Er ist ein wirksamer Lehrer. → Er ist ein guter/effektiver Lehrer.
'Wirksam' is rarely used for people; it's used for their methods or actions.
Die Maschine ist sehr wirksam. → Die Maschine ist sehr effizient/leistungsstark.
For machines, 'leistungsstark' (powerful) or 'effizient' is more common than 'wirksam'.
Das Gesetz ist nicht mehr effektiv. → Das Gesetz ist nicht mehr wirksam.
In legal contexts, 'wirksam' (or 'gültig') is the technically correct term.

نصائح

Check the Preposition

Always pair 'wirksam' with 'gegen' and the Accusative case for medical or problem-solving contexts. Example: 'wirksam gegen den Schmerz'.

Use it for Medicine

When talking about drugs or therapies, 'wirksam' is the most natural and professional word to use in German.

Formal Contexts

In professional writing, use 'wirksam' instead of 'gut' to specify that something actually achieves its purpose.

The Voiced S

Make sure to pronounce the 's' in '-sam' like a 'z' in 'zebra'. A sharp 's' will sound non-native.

The 'Work' Connection

Connect 'wirksam' to the English 'work'. If it works, it's 'wirksam'.

Legal Validity

Remember 'rechtswirksam' for anything related to contracts or official documents in Germany.

Wirksam vs Effizient

Think of 'wirksam' as the result and 'effizient' as the process. You want both!

Spot the Word

Look at German cleaning products or medicine boxes; you will see 'wirksam' everywhere.

Self-Efficacy

Learn 'Selbstwirksamkeit' if you are interested in psychology; it's a very common term in German self-help.

Superlative usage

Use 'am wirksamsten' to give a strong recommendation in an essay or report.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'Work-some'. If something has 'work-some' qualities, it is 'wirksam' (it works!).

ربط بصري

Imagine a key turning a lock perfectly. The key is 'wirksam' because it achieves the goal of opening the door.

Word Web

Medizin Gesetz Lösung Schutz Strategie Maßnahme Mittel Erfolg

تحدٍّ

Try to find three things in your house that are 'wirksam' (e.g., a cleaner, a tool, a medicine) and say out loud: 'Das ist wirksam gegen...'

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Old High German 'wirkisami'. It is built from the verb 'wirken' (to work, to do) and the suffix '-sam' (inclined to).

المعنى الأصلي: Tending to work or produce a result.

Germanic (Indo-European). Cognate with English 'work-some' (though 'work-some' is not a common English word).

السياق الثقافي

No specific sensitivities. It is a neutral, factual word.

English speakers often use 'effective' for everything. Germans are more specific, using 'wirksam' for medicine and laws, and 'effektiv' for business.

Das Wirksamkeitsprinzip (The principle of effectiveness in law) Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung (Self-efficacy expectation by Albert Bandura) Wirksame Bestandteile (Legal requirement on German medicine labels)

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

At the Pharmacy

Ist das wirksam?
Haben Sie etwas Wirksameres?
Wie wirksam ist das?
Ist es wirksam gegen Husten?

In a Business Meeting

Das ist eine wirksame Strategie.
Wir brauchen wirksame Maßnahmen.
Ist das wirksam genug?
Wir müssen wirksam kommunizieren.

Discussing Laws

Wann wird das Gesetz wirksam?
Das ist nicht mehr wirksam.
Eine rechtswirksame Kündigung.
Wirksame Kontrollen.

Cleaning/Household

Wirksam gegen Kalk.
Besonders wirksam bei Fett.
Ein wirksames Reinigungsmittel.
Ist das wirksam für Holz?

Personal Development

Meine Selbstwirksamkeit stärken.
Wirksam handeln.
Eine wirksame Methode zum Lernen.
Wie kann ich wirksamer werden?

بدايات محادثة

"Glaubst du, dass diese neuen Regeln wirklich wirksam sind?"

"Kennst du ein wirksames Hausmittel gegen Halsschmerzen?"

"Welche Lernmethode ist für dich am wirksamsten?"

"Wie können wir wirksamer gegen den Klimawandel vorgehen?"

"War die Werbung für das Produkt deiner Meinung nach wirksam?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du eine sehr wirksame Entscheidung getroffen hast.

Welche Maßnahmen sind deiner Meinung nach wirksam, um Stress im Alltag zu reduzieren?

Beschreibe ein Medikament oder ein Produkt, das bei dir besonders wirksam war.

Ist es wichtiger, wirksam oder effizient zu sein? Erkläre deine Meinung.

Wie fühlt es sich an, wenn man merkt, dass die eigene Arbeit wirksam ist?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

In many daily situations, they are interchangeable. However, 'wirksam' is the technical term in medicine (efficacy) and law (validity). 'Effektiv' is more common in business management and general productivity contexts. For example, you say 'ein wirksames Medikament' but 'eine effektive Arbeitsweise'.

It is uncommon to say 'Ein wirksamer Mann'. Instead, use 'ein fähiger Mann' (a capable man) or 'ein tatkräftiger Mann' (an energetic man). 'Wirksam' is almost always applied to things, methods, or measures, not people directly.

The most common preposition is 'gegen' (against), used for remedies. 'Dieses Mittel ist wirksam gegen Kopfschmerzen.' You can also use 'bei' (at/for), as in 'wirksam bei Fieber'. Both are correct, but 'gegen' is more frequent.

While you might think of 'kostwirksam', the standard term is actually 'kosteneffizient' or 'wirtschaftlich'. 'Wirksam' usually refers to the quality of the result, not the cost.

No. 'Kaputt' means broken. 'Unwirksam' means it doesn't have the intended effect. A law can be 'unwirksam' even if it's written perfectly, simply because it isn't enforced. A medicine can be 'unwirksam' because it's expired or wrong for the illness.

It means 'legally effective' or 'legally binding'. It is used for contracts, signatures, or notices that have full legal power. If a signature is not 'rechtswirksam', the document is not valid in court.

Yes, it is considered B1 because it is essential for discussing health and work, which are key B1 topics. However, its use in legal or academic contexts can reach C1/C2 levels.

Yes. For example: 'Man muss wirksam handeln' (One must act effectively). In this case, it describes how the action is performed.

The noun is 'die Wirksamkeit' (the effectiveness/efficacy). It is feminine.

Yes, if it's before a noun. 'Das wirksame Mittel' (weak declension). If it's after 'ist', it doesn't change: 'Das Mittel ist wirksam'.

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