effect / influence
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effect / influence
The process or result of a force, substance, or influence acting on something or someone and causing a change or reaction.
Die ständige Einwirkung von Feuchtigkeit hat zu Schäden am Holz geführt.
The constant effect of moisture caused damage to the wood.
The word is derived from the verb 'einwirken' (to act upon/to have an effect on). It describes the process or result when something 'auf etwas einwirkt' (acts on something), that is, has an effect or influence.
Die Einwirkung von Säure kann das Metall zerstören.
The effect of acid can destroy the metal.
'Einwirkung' (effect/influence) is very often used with the prepositions 'unter' (under) or 'durch' (through/by). 'Unter Einwirkung von' (under the influence/effect of) describes a condition, while 'durch die Einwirkung von' (through/by the effect of) emphasizes the cause.
Das Medikament entfaltet seine Wirkung nur unter Einwirkung von Licht.
The medication only takes effect under the influence of light.
In scientific and technical contexts, the word is often combined with the type of influence. Common examples are 'chemische Einwirkung' (chemical effect), 'mechanische Einwirkung' (mechanical effect), or 'äußere Einwirkungen' (external influences).
Das Gehäuse schützt die Elektronik vor äußeren Einwirkungen.
The housing protects the electronics from external influences.
In the legal field, 'Einwirkung' (influence) often means impermissible influencing. The structure here is typically 'Einwirkung auf' + accusative.
Eine Einwirkung auf Zeugen ist strafbar.
Influencing witnesses is a punishable offense.
influence
'der Einfluss' and 'die Einwirkung' both describe something acting on someone or something. 'Einfluss' is more general and is often used with people, opinions, decisions, or developments. 'Einwirkung' sounds more technical or formal and fits especially when a force, a substance, or an external factor causes a change. In legal texts, 'Einwirkung' can also mean a problematic influence on a person. Learners may confuse the words because both describe an effect from the outside. In everyday language, 'Einfluss' is usually more natural; 'Einwirkung' fits more with concrete forces, substances, or official contexts.
Durch die Einwirkung von Hitze hat sich das Metall verformt.
The metal became deformed due to the effect of heat.
Die Lehrerin hat großen Einfluss auf die Motivation der Klasse.
The teacher has a major influence on the class's motivation.