primate / primacy
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primate
A mammal from the order of primates, which includes monkeys, apes, and humans, among others.
Schimpansen sind hochentwickelte Primaten, die Werkzeuge benutzen können.
Chimpanzees are highly developed primates that can use tools.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Primat' (primate / primacy) from the context. If it is about biology or animals, it means a mammal. In discussions about politics, economics, or philosophy, it means 'Vorrang' (priority). In a religious context, it refers to the pope.
Der Mensch gehört zur Ordnung der Primaten.
Humans belong to the order of primates.
In the meaning 'Vorrang' (priority), 'Primat' (primacy) often appears with a genitive or the preposition 'vor'. Typical patterns are 'der Primat des/der [something in the genitive]' or 'der Primat von [something] vor [something else]'.
Hier gilt der Primat des Datenschutzes.
Here, the primacy of data protection applies.
The use of 'Primat' (primacy) in the sense of 'Vorrang' (priority) is typical of formal written language, especially in academic, political, or journalistic texts.
Der Autor stellt den Primat der individuellen Freiheit infrage.
The author questions the primacy of individual freedom.
monkey / ape
'der Affe' and 'der Primat' both belong to the area of animals and biology. 'Affe' is the normal everyday word for certain primates, for example animals in the zoo or in the rainforest. 'Primat' is more general and more scientific: it includes monkeys, apes, and humans. Learners may confuse the words because every Affe is a primate, but not every primate is an Affe. In everyday language, people usually say 'Affe'. 'Primat' is more appropriate in biology, research, or factual texts.
Im Biologiekurs lernt Noah, dass auch der Mensch ein Primat ist.
In biology class, Noah learns that humans are also primates.
Im Zoo kletterte ein Affe schnell von Ast zu Ast.
At the zoo, a monkey quickly climbed from branch to branch.