wirklich
/ˈvɪʁklɪç/
In German, the English phrase 'really' is translated as wirklich.
The word wirklich is an adverb meaning 'actually'. It can also be used as an interjection to indicate affirmation or agreement, often alongside other words like echt or absolut.
Meaning: actually (adv)
Which one should you use?
While wirklich means 'really' or 'actually', the colloquial word echt is often used in the same way to mean 'really' or 'truly' in casual conversation. Additionally, the exclamation also wirklich! is used as an exclamation to express annoyance or disbelief at someone's behavior, similar to saying 'Honestly!' or 'Really now!' in English.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, the variation wirkli is used as a shortened form of wirklich.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, wirklich does not change its form based on the gender, number or case of the adjective it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvɪʁklɪç/
Did you know?
- The word wirklich shares the same root as the English word 'work', coming from the idea of something being 'effectual' or 'in operation'.
- The phrase also wirklich! is often accompanied by a specific gesture, such as throwing up one's hands or a sharp exhale, to signal moral indignation.
- While wirklich means 'really', the related word Wirklichkeit is the standard German word for 'reality'.
Examples in context
- Er ist es wirklich!It's really him!This sentence shows how to use wirklich to emphasize a person's identity.Tatoeba #1620557 by Sudajaengi, translation #9408753 by BobbyLee
- Es war wirklich gut.It was really good.This sentence demonstrates using wirklich to intensify an adjective.Tatoeba #446439 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #31377 by CK
- Bist du es wirklich?Is it really you?This sentence shows how to use wirklich in a question to express surprise or verification.Tatoeba #3321257 by pne, translation #1886922 by CK
- Ja, das ist wirklich eine gute Idee!Yes, that is really a good idea!
- Ich habe wirklich viel zu tun.I really have a lot to do.
- Es ist tatsächlich der Fall.It is indeed the case.
- Er hat tatsächlich gewonnen!He has actually won!
- Das ist wirklich cool!That's really cool!
- Ich bin wirklich müde.I'm really tired.
- Das schmeckt echt gut!That tastes really good!
- Ich habe echt keine Zeit.I really have no time.
- 3949 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are talking about a surprise party.
- SarahIch habe eine Party geplant.I have planned a party.
- LukasWirklich? Das ist toll!Really? That is great!
- SarahJa, es ist wirklich eine Überraschung.Yes, it is actually a surprise.
- LukasIch kann es kaum erwarten.I can hardly wait.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “really” translations and entries wirklich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries wirklich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
