01
groß
big / large
Describes above-average physical extent, height, or area.
example
Der Elefant ist ein sehr großes Tier.
The elephant is a very large animal.
groß
big / great
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Capitalization
As an adjective, 'groß' (big) is written with a lowercase letter. But when it is used as a noun (often after 'etwas' (something), 'nichts' (nothing), 'alles' (everything)), it is capitalized. This rule is important for correct spelling.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein wirklich großes Haus.
That is a really big house.
Word family
'Groß' (big) is a basic word for many other German words. If you recognize 'groß', you can often understand the meaning of words like 'die Größe' (size), 'vergrößern' (to enlarge), or 'Großeltern' (grandparents) more easily.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie das Bild bitte etwas vergrößern?
Could you please enlarge the picture a little?
Context clue
The literal meaning 'groß' (big) refers to the physical size of objects or people. In figurative meanings, it describes importance, intensity, or age, which becomes clear from the context.
EXAMPLE
Ein großer Baum spendet viel Schatten.
A big tree provides a lot of shade.
Typical collocations
To express importance or quality, 'groß' (great) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical phrases are 'ein großer Erfolg' (a great success), 'eine große Ehre' (a great honor), or 'ein großer Unterschied' (a big difference).
EXAMPLE
Seine Erfindung hat einen großen Unterschied gemacht.
His invention made a big difference.
Feelings and states
To describe the intensity of a feeling or state, 'groß' (great/big) is used frequently. Typical combinations are 'großen Hunger haben' (to be very hungry), 'in großer Eile sein' (to be in a great hurry), or 'große Freude empfinden' (to feel great joy).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung hatte ich großen Hunger.
After the long hike, I was very hungry.
Use in family contexts
In the context of family and age, 'groß' (older) is used to distinguish older siblings from younger ones. It then stands directly before the noun.
EXAMPLE
Meine große Schwester studiert in Berlin.
My older sister is studying in Berlin.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'im Großen und Ganzen' (by and large) is a fixed unit. It often stands at the beginning of a sentence and means 'considered as a whole'.
EXAMPLE
Im Großen und Ganzen bin ich mit dem Ergebnis zufrieden.
By and large, I am satisfied with the result.
Compare with
groß vs lang
long
'lang' and 'groß' both describe a kind of size, but they do not mean the same thing. 'lang' is used for extension in one direction, for example with a path, a table, or also a duration of time. 'groß' describes more the overall size, height, or area of something. Learners easily confuse the words because in other languages a similar word is often used for both. In German, you say: 'ein langer Film' (a long movie), 'ein langer Weg' (a long way), but 'ein großes Haus' (a big house) or 'ein großer Mensch' (a tall person).
groß
Herr Meier sucht für seine Familie eine größere Wohnung.
Mr. Meier is looking for a bigger apartment for his family.
lang
Der Weg zum See ist lang, deshalb nehmen wir die Fahrräder.
The way to the lake is long, so we are taking the bikes.
In real life
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