wirken
Translation
to work, to have an effect, to seem, to appear
Examples
Die Medizin wirkt schnell.
The medicine works quickly.
Er wirkt heute sehr müde.
He seems very tired today.
Die Farbe wirkt beruhigend auf mich.
The colour has a calming effect on me.
Grammar Patterns
to work ((against sth.)) This medicine works against headaches.
to have an effect ((on sth.)) Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the nervous system.
to seem ((adj.)) She seems happy today.
Similar Words
Synonyms: funktionieren (to function), scheinen (to seem); Antonyms: unwirksam sein (to be ineffective)
Etymology
From Old High German 'wurkean' (to work, make), related to the English word 'work'.
Memory Tips
It sounds like 'work'. A medicine 'works' (has an effect), and a person's appearance 'works' on you (seems a certain way).