entgegenzuwirken

Entgegenzuwirken is a German verb meaning to counteract or to take action against something, especially to prevent an undesirable development or outcome by applying corrective measures. The construction emphasizes active steps to oppose a trend, risk, or problem rather than simply recognizing it.

Origin and form: The prefix entgegen- combined with wirken yields entgeg enzuwirken. The infinitive form with zu is used in subordinate clauses, as in Es ist wichtig, dem Trend entgegenzuwirken. In main clauses one typically says Wir müssen dem Trend entgegenwirken. The object of counteraction is usually in the dative, for example dem Trend, dem Risiko, dem Fachkräftemangel.

Usage and scope: Entgegenzuwirken appears frequently in formal language such as policy, science, business, and journalism. It denotes preventive or corrective actions taken to limit negative consequences. It can refer to social, economic, environmental, or health-related issues and is often paired with nouns describing a problem or trend.

Examples: Die Regierung ergreift Maßnahmen, um dem Anstieg der Arbeitslosigkeit entgegenzuwirken. Unternehmen versuchen, dem Fachkräftemangel entgegenzuwirken. Wissenschaftler fordern, dem Klimawandel entgegenzuwirken.

Related terms: Gegenwirken, gegensteuern, Maßnahmen ergreifen, oder allgemein: etwas bekämpfen bzw. mitigieren. Entgegenzuwirken is more specific about counteracting a developing issue, whereas synonyms may convey broader or different nuances.

Notes: The expression remains formal; in everyday speech alternative formulations might use gegensteuern oder etwas bekämpfen, depending on context and register.