funktioniert

Funktionieren is a German verb meaning to function, to operate, or to work as intended. It is used for machines, systems, processes, devices, and organizations to indicate that they perform their intended task without major errors or failures. The term is also used metaphorically to describe whether plans or procedures succeed.

In ordinary usage the verb is intransitive and often describes the state of a subject rather than an action performed on an object. The present tense forms are ich funktioniere, du funktioniert, er/sie/es funktioniert, wir funktionieren, ihr funktioniert, sie funktionieren. The third-person singular form, funktioniert, is commonly heard in statements like “Der Motor funktioniert.” The perfect tense is formed with haben: “Die Anlage hat funktioniert.” The simple past is “funktionierte,” and the future is “wird funktionieren” or “funktionieren werden.”

Typical examples: “Der Computer funktioniert gut.” “Die Heizung funktioniert nicht.” “Es hat heute überhaupt nicht funktioniert.” The phrase “Es funktioniert” is a concise way to report that something is currently operating as intended.

Etymology and related terms: funktionieren is formed from Funktion (function) plus the -ieren suffix, a common way to create verbs in German. Related words include funktionsfähig (functional/operational), Funktionsweise (mode of operation), and Funktion (function). The term is widely used in technology, engineering, logistics, and everyday life to describe the operability of devices and systems.