to influence / take effect
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to influence
To exert influence on a person, thing, or process in order to change their opinion, behavior, or condition.
Die Eltern versuchten, auf die Berufswahl ihres Sohnes einzuwirken.
The parents tried to influence their son's career choice.
to let take effect
To give a substance or product time to develop its effect on a surface or in a mixture.
Lassen Sie den Fleckenentferner einige Minuten einwirken, bevor Sie das Kleidungsstück waschen.
Let the stain remover take effect for a few minutes before washing the garment.
'Einwirken' (to influence / take effect) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ein-' comes at the end. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb is not separated.
Das Medikament wirkt langsam auf den Körper ein.
The medication slowly takes effect on the body.
When 'einwirken' (to influence) has the meaning 'beeinflussen' (to influence), it is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' followed by an accusative object. This structure shows what the influence is exerted on.
Werbung wirkt stark auf das Kaufverhalten der Konsumenten ein.
Advertising strongly influences consumers' buying behavior.
In the meaning 'seine Wirkung entfalten' (to take effect), the construction 'etwas einwirken lassen' (to let something take effect) is often used. This is typical in instructions, for example in cooking, cleaning, or hair treatments.
Lassen Sie die Gesichtsmaske zehn Minuten einwirken.
Let the face mask take effect for ten minutes.
to influence
Both words describe influencing a person’s opinion or behavior. Beeinflussen is the general word for this kind of effect. Einwirken auf places more emphasis on deliberate, often gradual influence. Use beeinflussen for a general effect and einwirken for conscious, sustained influence.
Die Berater wirken mit vielen Gesprächen auf die Meinung der Bürger zur neuen Regel ein.
The advisers are influencing the citizens’ opinions about the new rule through many conversations.
Die Berichte beeinflussen die Meinung der Bürger zur neuen Regel.
The reports influence citizens’ opinions about the new rule.
