Wirklich

Wirklich is a German word used primarily as an adverb meaning really or truly, and it can also function as an adjective in attributive position or as the basis for related nouns such as Wirklichkeit (reality). In everyday language, wirklich serves as an intensifier: it strengthens adjectives, adverbs, or verbs, and it can appear as a standalone reaction word in questions or responses.

Etymology and forms:wirklich originates from the verb wirken, meaning to act or have an effect, with the suffix -lich forming adjectives and adverbs. The related noun Wirklichkeit means reality or actuality, while Wirkungsformen appear in compounds like Wirkungsgrad (efficiency) or Wirkungsweise (mode of action). When used attributively before a noun, the form of the adjective changes: die wirkliche Lösung, eine wirklich gute Idee. As an adverb, wirklich is invariable and does not carry extra endings before adjectives (wirklich gut, wirklich kalt).

Usage notes: Grenzen between meaning can be subtle. As an intensifier, wirklich often conveys strong affirmation or emphasis, similar to “really” in English: Das ist wirklich wichtig. It can express surprise or skepticism in questions: Wirklich? or in casual affirmation: Ja, wirklich. It also appears in negatives with a softening nuance: Das ist nicht wirklich hilfreich. In formal writing, synonyms such as tatsächlich or echt may be preferred in some contexts, but wirklich remains highly common in spoken German.

See also: Wirkung, Wirklichkeit, tatsächlich, echt.