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Affe
/ˈafə/
monkey
Der Affe kletterte schnell auf den Baum.
The monkey climbed quickly up the tree.
general
a small to medium-sized primate with a long tail, often kept as a pet or seen in zoos
Im Zoo haben wir viele verschiedene Affenarten gesehen.
At the zoo, we saw many different species of monkeys.
Can also refer to a mischievous or silly person in informal contexts (e.g., 'Du kleiner Affe!' = 'You little monkey!').
informal
a term of endearment or mild reproach for a person, especially a child
Komm her, du kleiner Affe!
Come here, you little monkey!
Often used affectionately or playfully, similar to 'rascal' or 'scamp' in English.
Collocations
Affe mit Brillemonkey wearing glasses (slang for someone who pretends to be smart)Affenhitzescorching heat
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Gender and Plural
'Affe' is masculine (der Affe), and its plural is 'Affen'.
Gold Rule
Avoid Offensive Usage
While 'Affe' can be used affectionately, avoid using it to describe people in a negative or mocking way, as it may be considered rude or insensitive.
Word Origin
From Middle High German *affe*, from Old High German *affo*, from Proto-Germanic *apô, ultimately from a non-Indo-European substrate language (possibly from Latin *simia* via a pre-Latin source).
Usage Notes
The word 'Affe' is commonly used in German to refer to monkeys, but it can also carry a playful or mildly negative connotation when addressing people, especially children. Avoid using it in formal contexts unless referring to the animal.
Word Breakdown
Affe
monkey
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