effectiveness / validity
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effectiveness
The extent to which a measure, remedy, or action achieves the desired result or intended effect. Synonym of efficacy.
Die Wirksamkeit des neuen Medikaments gegen Kopfschmerzen wurde in Studien nachgewiesen.
The effectiveness of the new medication against headaches was demonstrated in studies.
'Wirksamkeit' (effectiveness) is a noun derived from the adjective 'wirksam' (effective). The suffix '-keit' forms abstract nouns from adjectives. The stem 'wirk-' is also found in the verb 'wirken' (to have an effect).
Die Regierung prüft die Wirksamkeit der neuen Gesetze.
The government is examining the effectiveness of the new laws.
You can recognize the legal meaning from words like 'Vertrag' (contract), 'Gesetz' (law), or 'Kündigung' (termination/notice). The general meaning 'Effektivität' (effectiveness) is usually used in connection with 'Medikament' (medication), 'Maßnahme' (measure), or 'Therapie' (therapy).
Die Wirksamkeit des Impfstoffs ist sehr hoch.
The effectiveness of the vaccine is very high.
In the sense of 'Effektivität' (effectiveness), effectiveness is often 'nachgewiesen' (demonstrated), 'bewiesen' (proven), 'bestätigt' (confirmed), 'erhöht' (increased), or 'überprüft' (reviewed/tested).
Eine neue Studie hat die Wirksamkeit dieser Methode bestätigt.
A new study has confirmed the effectiveness of this method.
In a legal context, there are fixed expressions such as 'Wirksamkeit erlangen' (to become valid / to take effect) or 'seine Wirksamkeit verlieren' (to become invalid / to lose validity).
Dieses Gesetz hat mit seiner Veröffentlichung sofort Wirksamkeit erlangt.
This law took effect immediately upon its publication.
effect / impact
'die Wirkung' and 'die Wirksamkeit' are easy to confuse because both have to do with a result. 'Wirkung' describes the effect itself: What happens because of a remedy, an action, or an event? 'Wirksamkeit' describes how well something works and whether it achieves the desired goal. With a medication, for example, you can feel the 'Wirkung' (effect), but test the 'Wirksamkeit' (effectiveness) in a study. Memory tip: 'Wirkung' is the effect; 'Wirksamkeit' is the strength or success of that effect.
Die Ärztin spricht mit der Familie über die Wirksamkeit der neuen Therapie.
The doctor talks with the family about the effectiveness of the new therapy.
Die Wirkung der Tablette war am Morgen schon schwächer.
By morning, the effect of the tablet was already weaker.