Schimpanse
/ʃɪmˈpanzə/masculine
The English phrase chimpanzee is translated into German as Schimpanse. Wiktionary also lists Schimpansenmännchen and Schimpansen-Männchen.
Meaning: any hominid of the genus Pan (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schimpanse | /ʃɪmˈpanzə/ | masculine |
| Schimpansenmännchen | masculine, neuter | |
| Schimpansen-Männchen | neuter | |
| Schimpansin | feminine | |
| Schimpansenweibchen | neuter | |
| Schimpansen-Weibchen | neuter |
The term refers to any hominid of the genus Pan.
Which one should you use?
While Schimpanse is the general term, Schimpansenmännchen is used specifically to denote a male chimpanzee. For a female chimpanzee, you can use the specific feminine form Schimpansin or the alternative Schimpansenweibchen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Schimpanse is Schimpansen. When using the masculine noun Schimpanse in the accusative case, it takes the ending -en, becoming einen Schimpansen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɪmˈpanzə/
Did you know?
- The German word Schimpanse is a linguistic traveler that likely entered the language through French. It originates from a Bantu language, though the exact source remains a mystery to linguists.
- The German term Schimpansenweibchen uses the diminutive suffix -chen, which literally means 'little female chimpanzee'.
- While Schimpanse is the specific term, Germans often use the broader word Affe in casual speech to refer to any primate.
Examples in context
- Der Schimpanse ist der nächste lebende Verwandte des Menschen.The chimpanzee is man's closest living relative.The sentence is useful for describing the relationship between the Schimpanse and humans.Tatoeba #6173524 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10647881 by DJ_Saidez
- Der Schimpanse ist ein freundliches und kluges Tier, das viele Dinge rasch nachmachen und lernen kann.The chimpanzee is a friendly and clever animal that can quickly imitate and learn many things.The sentence is useful for describing the qualities and learning abilities of the Schimpanse.Tatoeba #4443842 by al_ex_an_der, translation #6168638 by carlosalberto
- Ich habe gestern einen Schimpansen im Zoo gesehen.I saw a chimpanzee at the zoo yesterday.
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are watching a nature documentary at home.
- JuliaSchau mal, dieser Schimpanse ist sehr groß.Look, that chimpanzee is very large.
- JulianJa, er sieht sehr stark aus.Yes, he looks very strong.
- JuliaGlaubst du, er ist hungrig?Do you think he is hungry?
- JulianWahrscheinlich sucht er gerade nach Obst.Probably he is looking for fruit right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chimpanzee” translations and entries Schimpanse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schimpanse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
