prefix
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prefix
A syllable or word part (morpheme) that is added to the beginning of a word in order to change or specify its meaning. In German, 'un-', 'ver-', and 'be-' are typical prefixes.
Das Präfix 'un-' in 'unglücklich' kehrt die Bedeutung des Wortes um.
The prefix 'un-' in 'unglücklich' reverses the meaning of the word.
prefix
In technical contexts, a sequence of characters placed before another piece of information in order to identify or classify it. This is used, for example, with telephone numbers or in computer science.
Für einen Anruf nach Deutschland muss man das Präfix +49 vorwählen.
To call Germany, you have to dial the prefix +49.
The word comes from Latin. 'Prä-' means 'before' and 'fix' means 'attached'. So a 'Präfix' (prefix) is something that is 'attached' to the front of a word.
Das Präfix „re-“ in „rekonstruieren“ deutet auf eine Wiederholung hin.
The prefix 're-' in 'rekonstruieren' indicates repetition.
You can tell from context whether the linguistic or technical meaning is intended. Words like 'Verb' (verb), 'Bedeutung' (meaning), or 'Silbe' (syllable) point to linguistics. Words like 'Telefonnummer' (telephone number), 'Code' (code), or 'wählen' (to dial) point to technology.
Das Präfix „ver-“ kann die Bedeutung eines Verbs stark verändern.
The prefix 'ver-' can strongly change the meaning of a verb.
In a linguistic context, people often speak of 'trennbaren' (separable) and 'untrennbaren' (inseparable) prefixes. Typical verbs are 'anfügen' (to attach), 'voranstellen' (to place before), or 'bilden' (to form).
Im Deutschen gibt es viele Verben, die mit einem Präfix gebildet werden.
In German, there are many verbs that are formed with a prefix.
In the technical meaning, 'Präfix' (prefix) is often combined with 'wählen' (to dial), 'eingeben' (to enter), or 'voranstellen' (to place before). A common example is the country calling code, which is also called an 'internationales Präfix' (international prefix).
Jede Datei in diesem System hat ein spezielles Präfix im Dateinamen.
Every file in this system has a special prefix in the file name.
area code / primary
Both words can refer to a sequence of characters at the beginning of a telephone number. „Die Vorwahl“ is the usual term for an area code or country code, while „das Präfix“ is the broader technical term for a sequence of characters placed at the beginning. In everyday telephone conversations, „Vorwahl“ is usually the better choice; in a technical description, „Präfix“ is more appropriate.
Das Präfix steht in dieser technischen Beschreibung vor der eigentlichen Telefonnummer.
In this technical description, the prefix comes before the actual telephone number.
Für den Anruf nach München muss ich zuerst die Vorwahl wählen.
To call Munich, I first have to dial the area code.
