es funktioniert
In German, 'it works' is expressed as es funktioniert.
es funktioniert is used to describe the functionality of machines, systems or abstract processes. It is not used to describe a person's job performance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of es, meaning 'it' and funktioniert, which is the third-person singular form of funktionieren, meaning 'to function' or 'to work'.
Which one should you use?
While es funktioniert refers to technical or mechanical functionality, the informal phrase es klappt is used to say a plan or an arrangement is succeeding or working out.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb funktionieren is an intransitive verb and does not take a direct object in this context.
Did you know?
- The phrase es klappt comes from the verb klappen, which refers to the way a folding object or a flap moves. It suggests that a plan has 'snapped' or 'clicked' into place perfectly.
- When a technical process is working perfectly, a German might describe it as einwandfrei, a word that literally translates to 'without a seam'.
- If a German says das funktioniert nicht about a person, they are not critiquing their job performance, but suggesting the person is not cooperating or is 'malfunctioning' as a social partner.
Examples in context
- Ich glaube, es funktioniert.I think it works.This sentence is useful for expressing a belief about whether something works using es funktioniert.Tatoeba #2110756 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2032688 by Amastan
- Es funktioniert ziemlich gut.It works pretty well.This sentence is useful for describing how well something works using es funktioniert.Tatoeba #10133365 by wolfgangth, translation #4502969 by CK
- Verstehst du, wie es funktioniert?Do you understand how it works?This sentence is useful for asking about the mechanism of how something works using es funktioniert.Tatoeba #3987117 by Esperantostern, translation #2951795 by CK
- Es funktioniert gut. Ich habe das Problem behoben.It works well. I fixed the problem.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian is helping Laura fix her laptop.
- JulianProbier es jetzt noch einmal.Try it one more time now.
- LauraOh, es funktioniert wieder!Oh, it works again!
- JulianSuper, was war das Problem?Great, what was the problem?
- LauraIch weiß es nicht, aber es funktioniert.I don't know, but it works.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
