area code / primary
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area code
A sequence of digits that you have to dial before the actual phone number when making a call in order to connect to another city (local area code) or another country (country code).
Ich kenne seine Nummer, aber ich weiß die Vorwahl von Hamburg nicht.
I know his number, but I don't know the area code for Hamburg.
primary election
An election that takes place before the actual main election in order to determine the candidates of a party or political group. This procedure is especially known from U.S. election campaigns.
Der Kandidat konnte sich bereits in der ersten Vorwahl gegen seine Konkurrenten durchsetzen.
The candidate was already able to prevail over his competitors in the first primary election.
The word is made up of 'vor' (before) and 'Wahl' (choice/election). So it literally describes something that you do or need 'vor der eigentlichen Wahl' (before the actual choice/election), whether it is a sequence of digits or a political vote.
Ohne die richtige Vorwahl kommt der Anruf nicht an.
Without the correct area code, the call won't go through.
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. If it is about telephones, numbers, or countries, the sequence of digits is meant. If it is about politics, parties, or candidates, the political election is meant.
Für einen Anruf nach Österreich braucht man die Vorwahl 0043.
For a call to Austria, you need the country code 0043.
In connection with making phone calls, the Vorwahl (area code) is usually 'gewählt' (dialed). You can also 'kennen' (know), 'wissen' (know), 'brauchen' (need), or 'nachschauen' (look up) an area code.
Kannst du bitte die Vorwahl von Berlin für mich nachschauen?
Can you please look up the area code for Berlin for me?
In a political context, people talk about 'winning' or 'losing' a Vorwahl (primary election). Candidates 'take part in the primary election' or 'run in the primary election.'
Der Senator hat die Vorwahl in seinem Heimatstaat klar gewonnen.
The senator clearly won the primary election in his home state.
prefix
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.
Für den Anruf nach München muss ich zuerst die Vorwahl wählen.
To call Munich, I first have to dial the area code.
Das Präfix steht in dieser technischen Beschreibung vor der eigentlichen Telefonnummer.
In this technical description, the prefix comes before the actual telephone number.
