der Großvater
grandfather
The father of one's own father or mother.
EXAMPLE
Mein Großvater erzählt mir oft Geschichten aus seiner Jugend.
My grandfather often tells me stories from his youth.
der Großvater
grandfather
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is simply made up of 'groß' (big/great) and 'Vater' (father). 'Groß-' is used here in the sense of 'one generation before,' not in the sense of physical size.
EXAMPLE
Mein Großvater ist kleiner als mein Vater.
My grandfather is shorter than my father.
Colloquial language
In everyday life, and especially when talking with family, the short form 'Opa' (grandpa) is almost always used. 'Großvater' (grandfather) is more formal and is used more in written language.
EXAMPLE
Am Sonntag besuchen wir Opa und Oma.
On Sunday we are visiting Grandpa and Grandma.
Word family
The prefix 'Groß-' refers to your parents' parents' generation. It also works for other family members, for example 'die Großmutter' (grandmother/grandma) and 'die Großeltern' (grandparents; grandma and grandpa together).
EXAMPLE
Meine Großeltern leben auf dem Land.
My grandparents live in the countryside.
Compare with
Großvater vs Opa
grandpa
„Opa“ and „Großvater“ can both refer to the father of one of a person's parents. „Opa“ sounds familiar and colloquial, while „Großvater“ sounds more neutral or formal. „Opa“ is often appropriate in family conversations, while „Großvater“ is more likely in an official context.
Großvater
Im Formular trage ich den Geburtsort meines Großvaters ein.
I enter my grandfather's place of birth on the form.
Opa
Am Sonntag besuche ich meinen Opa im Nachbardorf.
On Sunday, I am visiting my grandpa in the neighboring village.
In real life
Loading video examples...