extended family / large family
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extended family
A family that consists of several generations, e.g. grandparents, parents, children, uncles, and aunts, and often lives under one roof or in close proximity.
Früher war es üblich, dass drei Generationen als Großfamilie auf einem Bauernhof lebten.
In the past, it was common for three generations to live as an extended family on a farm.
The word consists of 'groß' (big/large) and 'Familie' (family). Here, 'groß' can refer to two aspects: the number of generations living together or the high number of children.
Sie hat eine Großfamilie und immer viel zu tun.
She has a large family and is always very busy.
Which meaning is intended often becomes clear from the context. If people mention 'mehrere Generationen' (several generations) or 'Großeltern' (grandparents), it refers to a multigenerational family. If a specific number of children is mentioned, it is about the size of the family.
Zur Großfamilie gehörten auch die Onkel und Tanten.
The extended family also included the uncles and aunts.
The model of the 'Großfamilie' (extended family), in which several generations live together, is often associated today with the past or with rural regions. In many cultures, however, it is still common today.
Meine Großmutter ist noch in einer Großfamilie auf einem Bauernhof aufgewachsen.
My grandmother still grew up in an extended family on a farm.
family
'die Familie' and 'die Großfamilie' both mean a family group. 'Familie' is the general word and can be small or large. 'Großfamilie' is more precise when several generations or a very large number of children are included. It often brings to mind grandparents, parents, children, uncles, and aunts who live closely together or have a lot to do with one another. The words can be confused because every 'Großfamilie' is also a 'Familie'. But not every 'Familie' is a 'Großfamilie'. When the size is important, 'Großfamilie' is more precise.
Sofia ist in einer Großfamilie mit vier Geschwistern und den Großeltern aufgewachsen.
Sofia grew up in a large family with four siblings and her grandparents.
Am Wochenende bleibe ich zu Hause, weil meine Familie Besuch bekommt.
I'm staying home this weekend because my family is having visitors.