Schwarzer Affe
/ˈʃvaʁt͡sɐ ˈafə/word by word
The German phrase for "black monkey" is Schwarzer Affe.
This phrase is used to describe a monkey that has black fur.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective schwarz takes the -er ending in the nominative masculine singular form Schwarzer Affe because Affe is a masculine noun. The phrase changes to Schwarzen Affen when it is used as the direct object (accusative case) of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃvaʁtsɐ ˈafə/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word Affe refers to being drunk, a meaning that likely spread from the Czech word opice for monkey and the verb opít se meaning 'to get drunk'.
- The connection between monkeys and intoxication may stem from an old belief that a monkey is a type of possessing demon.
- The German word Affe and the English word 'ape' are linguistic cousins, both descending from the Proto-Germanic root *apô.
Examples in context
- Ich habe einen schwarzen Affen im Zoo gesehen.I saw a black monkey at the zoo.
- Der schwarze Affe im Zoo ist so niedlich!The black monkey at the zoo is so cute!
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are looking at animals in a book.
- JulianSchau mal, Laura, ein schwarzer Affe!Look, Laura, a black monkey!
- LauraEr sieht wirklich lustig aus.He looks really funny.
- JulianIst ein schwarzer Affe selten?Is a black monkey rare?
- LauraJa, das glaube ich schon.Yes, I believe so.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Schwarzer, Affe) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Affe, Schwarzer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
