noun
reality, actuality
B1
Wirklichkeit: a feminine noun meaning 'reality' or 'actuality'. Plural: Wirklichkeiten; genitive singular: der Wirklichkeit. Regular plural formation -en. Notable fixed phrase: 'in Wirklichkeit' meaning 'in reality' or 'actually'. Used to contrast appearances with what is real; common in discussions about truth or perception.
Examples
Der Bericht beschrieb die Wirklichkeit der Flüchtlinge, nachdem mehrere Interviews geführt worden waren.
The report described the reality of the refugees after several interviews had been conducted.
In der Wirklichkeit ist das Problem komplizierter als in der Theorie.
In reality the problem is more complicated than in theory.
Die Wirklichkeit der Stadt hat mich überrascht.
The actuality of the city surprised me.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture the word 'real' stamped on a scene — that stamp represents 'Wirklichkeit'.
Sounds like 'work-lich-keit' — imagine 'the work-like state' to link to 'reality'.
Die Wirklichkeit — 'die' (female) like 'die' for a scene (think of 'the scene' as feminine).
Notes
Always feminine: die Wirklichkeit. Plural 'Wirklichkeiten' used when contrasting different realities or perspectives.