Affe

/ˈafə/
nounBeginner
informal

monkey (general term for primates with tails, often used for larger species)

Der Affe kletterte schnell durch die Bäume.

The monkey climbed quickly through the trees.

Affen sind sehr intelligente Tiere.

Monkeys are very intelligent animals.

💡

In German, 'Affe' is commonly used for larger monkeys like baboons or macaques, while 'Affe' can also refer to apes in some contexts.

Collocations

ein Affe seinto be a monkey (informal, often derogatory)Affenliebemonkey love (figurative, intense but superficial affection)

Synonyms

Related Phrases

Affenhitzephrase
extreme heat (literally 'monkey heat')
Affenarschslang
idiot (literally 'monkey's ass')

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

In German, 'Affe' is more commonly used for monkeys, while 'Menschenaffe' (ape) is used for great apes like gorillas or chimpanzees.

Gold Rule

Avoid Offense

While 'Affe' is a common term, be mindful of its colloquial uses, as it can sometimes be derogatory when applied to people.

📖Word Origin

From Middle High German 'affe,' from Old High German 'affo,' possibly related to Latin 'apus' (ape).

📝Usage Notes

'Affe' is a common term for monkeys in German, but it can sometimes be used colloquially to refer to apes. In informal contexts, it can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is foolish or clumsy.

Word Breakdown

Affe
monkey
root
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