wirken
Translation
to have an effect, to work, to seem, to appear
Examples
Die Medizin wirkt schnell.
The medicine works quickly.
Er wirkt heute sehr müde.
He seems very tired today.
Sie wirkt in vielen sozialen Projekten.
She is active in many social projects.
Grammar Patterns
((on sth.acc)) to have an effect on sth. The medicine acts on the stomach.
((adjective)) to seem/appear ... She seems very happy.
((as if)) to seem as if ... He acts as if he knew everything.
Similar Words
Synonyms: scheinen, agieren, funktionieren; Antonyms: unwirksam sein (to be ineffective)
Etymology
From Old High German 'wurkean', related to English 'work'. The core idea is 'to produce an effect'.
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'work'. A medicine 'works' (wirkt), a person 'works' in a project (wirkt), and someone's appearance 'works' on you in a certain way (wirkt müde - seems tired).