effective / valid
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effective
Showing an effect; having an effect. Often refers to measures, medicines, or actions that achieve a desired result.
Das neue Medikament ist sehr wirksam gegen Kopfschmerzen.
The new medication is very effective against headaches.
valid
Legally valid and in force. Used in legal contexts to describe the validity of contracts, terminations, or laws.
Die Kündigung des Vertrags wird erst zum Ende des Monats wirksam.
The termination of the contract only becomes valid at the end of the month.
The adjective 'wirksam' (effective/valid) is derived from the verb 'wirken' (to have an effect). The ending '-sam' forms adjectives and means something like 'having the ability to...'. So 'wirksam' literally means that something has the ability to have an effect.
Diese Methode ist einfach, aber sehr wirksam.
This method is simple but very effective.
You can recognize the meaning of 'wirksam' (effective/valid) from the context. In connection with medicine, measures, or strategies, it means 'effective'. In a legal or administrative context (contracts, laws, terminations), it means 'legally valid'.
Die neue Werbekampagne war sehr wirksam.
The new advertising campaign was very effective.
In the meaning 'effective', 'wirksam' is often used with the preposition 'gegen' (against). Typical combinations are 'ein wirksames Mittel gegen etwas' (an effective remedy for/against something), 'wirksame Maßnahmen' (effective measures), or 'ein wirksamer Schutz' (effective protection).
Gibt es ein wirksames Mittel gegen Mückenstiche?
Is there an effective remedy for mosquito bites?
In legal contexts, the formulation 'wirksam werden' (to become valid/take effect) is very common. It means that something (e.g., a law or contract) comes into force or becomes valid.
Die neue Regelung wird am 1. Januar wirksam.
The new regulation becomes valid on January 1.
active
When talking about an active ingredient or treatment, both words can be connected with an effect. „Aktiv“ describes the ingredient itself as showing biological or chemical activity; „wirksam“ says that a desired effect is actually achieved. A substance can therefore be active without the desired effect necessarily occurring.
Das Mittel ist wirksam und senkt bei vielen Menschen das Fieber.
The treatment is effective and lowers the fever in many people.
Der Wirkstoff ist im Labor aktiv und zeigt dort eine biologische Wirkung.
The active ingredient is active in the laboratory and shows a biological effect there.
