der
Affe
🐒 What does "der Affe" mean?
The German word der Affe primarily refers to a mammal from the order of primates, which includes various species like chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, but also smaller monkeys like macaques or baboons. It's a general term.
In a figurative sense, "Affe" can also be used derogatorily for a person behaving foolishly, clumsily, or stupidly (a "fool" or "idiot"). It can also describe someone who imitates others (a "copycat").
🚨 Attention: Using it as an insult can be very offensive.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Large animals → mostly masculine.
Grammar Deep Dive: Der Affe
"Affe" is a masculine noun and belongs to the weak N-declension. This means it takes an "-n" ending in all cases except the nominative singular.
Declension Singular
| Case | Masculine |
|---|---|
| Nominative | der Affe |
| Genitive | des Affen |
| Dative | dem Affen |
| Accusative | den Affen |
Declension Plural
| Case | Plural |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Affen |
| Genitive | der Affen |
| Dative | den Affen |
| Accusative | die Affen |
Example Sentences
- Im Zoo kletterte der Affe geschickt auf den Baum. (In the zoo, the monkey skillfully climbed the tree.)
- Das Gehege des Affen wird gerade gereinigt. (The monkey's enclosure is currently being cleaned.)
- Die Pflegerin gibt dem Affen eine Banane. (The keeper gives the monkey a banana.)
- Wir beobachten den Affen beim Spielen. (We are watching the monkey play.)
- Die Affen schaukeln von Ast zu Ast. (The monkeys swing from branch to branch.)
Using "der Affe" in Context 🐒
Biological Context:
- In zoology and biology, der Affe is used as a general term for primates (excluding prosimians and humans). Example: "Die Evolution der Affen ist ein faszinierendes Forschungsfeld." (The evolution of monkeys/apes is a fascinating field of research.)
- A distinction is often made between Altweltaffen (Old World monkeys) and Neuweltaffen (New World monkeys).
Colloquial / Figurative Context:
- As an insult or mocking term: "Mach dich nicht zum Affen!" (Don't make a fool of yourself!) or "Du bist ja ein komischer Affe!" (You're a strange bird/fellow!).
- Imitation: "Er macht alles nach wie ein Affe." (He copies everything like a monkey.)
- Idioms: "Ich glaub, mich laust der Affe!" (I don't believe it! / Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!), "sich einen Affen holen/antrinken" (to get drunk), "Affentheater" (monkey business, unnecessary fuss).
Comparison: While "Affe" is general, words like Gorilla, Schimpanse, Orang-Utan refer to specific types of great apes.
Memory Aids for "der Affe"
Article Mnemonic (der):
Imagine: THE strongest, male ape (DER Boss Affe) swings through the jungle. Masculine strength -> der Affe. (Think of 'der' as often linked to male beings).
Meaning Mnemonic (Animal & Fool):
An Ape (Affe) frequently fools around. -> Connect the animal with the idea of 'fooling around', linking to the figurative meaning of 'fool'.
Word Field: Affe
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- For the animal: Primat (primate), (Menschenaffe - great ape, e.g., Gorilla, Schimpanse), Kletterkünstler (climbing artist - colloquial)
- For the person (figurative, derogatory): Narr (fool), Dummkopf (idiot), Tölpel (clumsy person), Hanswurst (buffoon), Spaßvogel (joker - depending on context), Nachahmer (imitator)
Similar but Different Words
- Halbaffe: Prosimian (e.g., lemurs), a different suborder of primates, not considered true monkeys or apes.
- Mensch: Human/person. Biologically also a primate (hominid/great ape), but clearly distinguished from "Affe" in common usage.
A Little Monkey Joke 😄
DE: Fragt ein Affe den anderen: "Warum kraulst du dich eigentlich ständig?" Sagt der andere: "Weil nur ich weiß, wo es juckt!"
EN: One monkey asks another: "Why are you always scratching yourself?" The other says: "Because only I know where it itches!"
An Ape in Rhyme
DE:
Der Affe, schlau und voller List,
zeigt dir, wie Klettern möglich ist.
Von Ast zu Ast, ein schneller Schwung,
hält er sich ewig frisch und jung.
Manchmal macht er Faxen, klar,
ist eben ein Primat, fürwahr!
EN:
The ape, so clever, full of guile,
Shows you how to climb in style.
From branch to branch, a rapid swing,
Forever fresh, like early spring.
Sometimes makes faces, it is true,
A primate's life, for me and you!
Little Monkey Riddle 🤔
DE:
Ich schwinge mich von Baum zu Baum,
erfülle manchen Kindertraum.
Bananen sind mein Leibgericht,
hab oft ein lustiges Gesicht.
Manchmal macht man sich zu mir,
wenn man sich blamiert vor dir.
Wer bin ich?
EN:
I swing myself from tree to tree,
Fulfilling many a child's plea.
Bananas are my favourite treat,
My funny face can't be beat.
Sometimes people make themselves like me,
When embarrassed for all to see.
Who am I?
(Solution: der Affe / the monkey/ape)
More about "der Affe"
Common Idioms
- Sich zum Affen machen: To make a fool of oneself.
- Ich glaub, mich laust der Affe: (Literally: I think the monkey is delousing me) Expression of great surprise or disbelief (like "I'll be a monkey's uncle!").
- Einen Affen sitzen haben / Einen Affen kriegen: (Literally: To have/get a monkey) To be drunk.
- Affentheater: (Monkey theatre) Unnecessary fuss, commotion, monkey business.
- Affenzahn: (Monkey tooth) A very high speed (e.g., "Er fuhr mit einem Affenzahn davon." - He sped off at breakneck speed.).
Word Origin (Etymology)
The word "Affe" comes from the Old High German word "affo" and is similar in many Germanic languages (compare English "ape"). The exact origin before that is uncertain.
Summary: is it der, die or das Affe?
The German word for "monkey" or "ape" is der Affe. It is a masculine noun and follows the N-declension pattern.