wirken

/ˈvɪʁkn̩/

verb A2

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present (3rd sg.): wirkt
past: wirkte
perfect: hat gewirkt

Meaning

to seem, to appear (to have a certain effect on how one comes across)

Close to scheinen, but wirken is often used with an adjective describing the impression given: "er wirkt müde" (he seems/looks tired).
- Sie wirkte sehr entspannt.
  
  She seemed very relaxed.
- Sie wirkt sehr müde heute. Hat sie schlecht geschlafen?
  
  She seems very tired today. Did she sleep badly?
to work, to take effect (of medicine, a plan)
- Die Tablette wirkt schnell.
  
  The pill works quickly.
- Die Tablette wirkt schon nach zehn Minuten. Die Schmerzen sind fast weg.
  
  The tablet takes effect after just ten minutes. The pain is almost gone.

Similar words

auftreten

Both can mean "to come across" to other people — "sie tritt selbstbewusst auf" and "sie wirkt selbstbewusst" both mean "she comes across as confident."

Practice

1 What does wirken mean?

2 Fill the gap: Sie ___ sehr entspannt.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches wirken?

verbtwo-meanings

Last updated 2026-09-17