Affe
/ˈafə/masculine
The German word for monkey is Affe. Wiktionary also lists Äffin.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Affe | /ˈafə/ | masculine |
| Äffin | feminine |
The term refers to the primate. While Affe is the standard and most common word, you may also encounter the diminutive Äffchen, which is an affectionate term used to describe a little monkey.
Which one should you use?
Affe is the masculine form and the most common way to say monkey. Äffin is the feminine form. If you wish to be affectionate or describe a small monkey, use Äffchen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Affe is Affen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈafə/
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, Affe can refer to a state of drunkenness. This usage likely comes from a linguistic overlap between the Czech word for 'monkey' and the phrase 'to get drunk'.
- The expression Affentheater literally translates to 'monkey theater' and is used to describe a chaotic or ridiculous situation.
- While describing a person as an Affe is common, using the feminine Äffin to describe a woman can be perceived as quite insulting or derogatory.
Examples in context
- Das ist ein Affe.That's a monkey.This sentence shows how to identify a single Affe.Tatoeba #13052728 by mhr, translation #13179338 by araneo
- Der Affe kam herunter.The monkey came down.This sentence describes the movement of an Affe.Tatoeba #942042 by Espi, translation #53937 by CM
- Der Affe ist im Käfig.The monkey is in the cage.This sentence describes the location of an Affe.Tatoeba #2290353 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2268395 by _undertoad
- Der Affe klettert geschickt von Baum zu Baum.The monkey skillfully climbs from tree to tree.
- In einem Zoo können Sie verschiedene Primaten, wie den Menschenaffen, beobachten.In a zoo, you can observe various primates, such as the great apes.
- Schau dir dieses süße Äffchen an! Es spielt so fröhlich im Baum.Look at this cute little monkey! It's playing so happily in the tree.
- Hast du das Affenkind im Zoo gesehen? Es ist wirklich niedlich!Have you seen the baby monkey at the zoo? It's really adorable!
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are visiting a zoo.
- LauraSchau mal, der Affe ist so lustig!Look, the monkey is so funny!
- MaximilianJa, er isst gerade eine Banane.Yes, he is eating a banana right now.
- LauraWelcher Affe ist dein Lieblingstier?Which monkey is your favorite animal?
- MaximilianIch mag den kleinen Schimpansen dort.I like the little chimpanzee over there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries Affe, Äffin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Affe, Äffin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
