das Äffchen
little monkey
A small or young monkey.
EXAMPLE
Im Zoo kletterte ein Äffchen auf den Rücken seiner Mutter.
At the zoo, a little monkey climbed onto its mother's back.
das Äffchen
little monkey
das Äffchen, die Äffchen
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Meanings
das Äffchen
little monkey
An affectionate or playful term for a small child or a person who behaves in a lively, playful way.
EXAMPLE
Unser kleines Äffchen tobt den ganzen Nachmittag durch die Wohnung.
Our little monkey romps around the apartment all afternoon.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Äffchen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Äffchen |
| genitive | des Äffchens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Äffchen | die Äffchen |
| accusative | das Äffchen | die Äffchen |
| dative | dem Äffchen | den Äffchen |
| genitive | des Äffchens | der Äffchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Diminutive suffix
'Äffchen' (little monkey) consists of 'Affe' (monkey) and the suffix '-chen'. This suffix makes a word refer to something smaller or sound more affectionate, so 'Äffchen' can also be a term of endearment.
EXAMPLE
Das Äffchen hielt sich vorsichtig an einem Ast fest.
The little monkey carefully held on to a branch.
Zoo context
In its literal sense, 'Äffchen' (little monkey) often appears in descriptions of animals. Typical verbs are 'klettern' (to climb), 'spielen' (to play), 'springen' (to jump), and 'sich festhalten' (to hold on).
EXAMPLE
Das Äffchen kletterte schnell auf den höchsten Ast.
The little monkey quickly climbed onto the highest branch.
Affectionate form of address
When used for a child or a person, 'Äffchen' (little monkey) is usually affectionate or playful. It often appears with a possessive word and an adjective such as 'klein' (little) or 'süß' (cute).
EXAMPLE
Komm her, mein kleines Äffchen, jetzt wird geschlafen!
Come here, my little monkey, it's time to sleep!
In real life
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