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.
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.
telephone number
'die Telefonnummer' and 'die Vorwahl' both belong to making phone calls and consist of numbers. They are confused because both can be dialed when making a call. The telephone number is the whole number at which you can reach a person or a company. The area code is only the first part before the actual number, for example for a city or a country. If you are asking for the complete contact number, you say 'Telefonnummer'. If it is only about the extra part before the number, 'Vorwahl' fits.
Für den Anruf nach Österreich brauche ich zuerst die richtige Vorwahl.
For the call to Austria, I first need the correct area code.
Nach der Nachricht sucht Herr Wolf im Büro die Telefonnummer des Kunden.
After the message, Mr. Wolf looks for the customer's telephone number in the office.