der Einfluss
influence
The effect or power that a person, thing, or situation has on another.
EXAMPLE
Die Medien haben einen großen Einfluss auf die öffentliche Meinung.
The media have a major influence on public opinion.
der Einfluss
influence
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Meanings
Einfluss nehmen auf
to exert influence on
To actively try to influence a person, a decision, or a development.
EXAMPLE
Die Lobbyisten versuchen, auf die neue Gesetzgebung Einfluss zu nehmen.
The lobbyists are trying to exert influence on the new legislation.
der Einfluss
influence
A person or thing that has a strong effect on others. Often connected with a negative or positive judgment.
EXAMPLE
Sein Freundeskreis war ein schlechter Einfluss für ihn.
His circle of friends was a bad influence on him.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'ein' (in/into) and 'Fluss' (flow/river). The idea is that something 'flows into' a situation or person and changes them as a result.
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidung des Chefs hatte einen großen Einfluss auf die Stimmung im Team.
The boss's decision had a major influence on the mood in the team.
Preposition and case
'Einfluss' (influence) is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' (on) and the accusative. You have or exert influence ON someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Seine Worte hatten keinen Einfluss auf meine Entscheidung.
His words had no influence on my decision.
Typical adjectives
To describe the strength or type of effect, 'Einfluss' (influence) is often combined with adjectives like 'groß' (large/major), 'stark' (strong), 'gering' (slight), 'positiv' (positive), or 'negativ' (negative).
EXAMPLE
Das Wetter hat einen starken Einfluss auf meine Laune.
The weather has a strong influence on my mood.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'Einfluss nehmen auf' (to exert influence on) describes an active action. It means that someone is consciously trying to change or guide something or someone.
EXAMPLE
Als Elternteil möchte man positiv auf seine Kinder Einfluss nehmen.
As a parent, you want to exert a positive influence on your children.
Person or thing
When 'Einfluss' (influence) is used with the indefinite article ('ein') and an evaluative adjective ('gut' (good), 'schlecht' (bad)) to describe a person or group, that person or group is itself the source of the effect.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein wirklich guter Einfluss für die ganze Mannschaft.
He is a really good influence on the whole team.
Compare with
Einfluss vs Wirkung
effect / impact
Einfluss and Wirkung both describe how something changes people or situations. Einfluss refers more to the force that acts on or guides something. Wirkung refers more to the effect that results from it. So Einfluss often fits the cause, while Wirkung fits the recognizable result.
Einfluss
Die Werbung hat großen Einfluss darauf, welche Getränke die Kinder wählen.
Advertising has a major influence on which drinks the children choose.
Wirkung
Die Werbung zeigt ihre Wirkung, denn die Kinder wählen häufiger das neue Getränk.
The advertising is having an effect, because the children are choosing the new drink more often.
In real life
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