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.
validity
In the legal sense, the state in which a legal act (e.g., a contract or law) becomes legally valid and binding.
Der Vertrag erlangt erst mit der Unterschrift beider Parteien seine volle Wirksamkeit.
The contract only attains its full validity once both parties have signed it.
'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
Wirkung and Wirksamkeit both relate to the result of a measure or remedy. Wirkung refers to the effect that occurs, while Wirksamkeit refers to how strongly and reliably the desired result is achieved. When talking about the effect itself, Wirkung is suitable; when evaluating that effect, Wirksamkeit is suitable.
Die Wirksamkeit des Medikaments wurde in einer Untersuchung mit vielen Patienten geprüft.
The effectiveness of the medication was tested in a study involving many patients.
Die Wirkung des Medikaments setzte bei der Patientin nach einer Stunde ein.
The medication began to take effect in the patient after an hour.
