German · People & Family
"Grandfather" in German: Großvater
der Großvater
Note: everyday: der Opa
Grandfather in German is der Großvater. In daily talk most families say der Opa. Formal writing and introductions still use Großvater.
Family intro
Das ist mein Großvater aus München.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Großvater
Say it
GROHS-fah-ter
/ˈɡʁoːsfaːtɐ/
GROHS-fah-ter. The ß is a sharp s. Stress Groß-; the a in Vater is ah.
"Grandfather" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| der Großvater | the grandfather Standard and slightly formal. | Standard and slightly formal. |
| der Opa | grandpa Warm everyday word. | Warm everyday word. |
| Opa | grandpa (vocative) What kids call him. | What kids call him. |
| Großeltern | grandparents Both together. | Both together. |
How to use Großvater in real life
- 1Family intro
Das ist mein Großvater aus München.
This is my grandfather from Munich.
Mein Großvater for introductions.
- 2Weekend plan
Am Sonntag besuchen wir meinen Großvater.
On Sunday we're visiting my grandfather.
Meinen is accusative masculine.
- 3Story time
Mein Großvater erzählt gern alte Geschichten.
My grandfather likes telling old stories.
Headword Großvater, not only Opa.
Mistakes English speakers make with Großvater
Incorrect: Die Großvater kommt.
Correct: Der Großvater kommt.
Großvater is masculine: der Großvater.
Incorrect: Mein Großvaterin wohnt hier.
Correct: Mein Großvater wohnt hier. / Meine Großmutter…
Großvater is male; grandmother is Großmutter or Oma.
Good to know
Opa is what you hear at the playground and in WhatsApp chats. Großvater shows up on forms, obituaries, and when you want a bit more respect. Many families mix both in the same conversation.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Planning a birthday call
ChatPal
Ruft ihr euren Großvater heute an?
Are you calling your grandfather today?
You
Ja. Mein Großvater wird achtzig.
Yes. My grandfather turns eighty.
ChatPal
Schön! Sag ihm von mir Hallo.
Nice! Say hello from me.
You
Mach ich. Der Großvater freut sich über Anrufe.
Will do. Grandfather loves getting calls.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Grandfather" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Grandfather" in German
Should I say Großvater or Opa?
Opa with family and friends. Großvater for the clear dictionary word or a formal tone.
What about grandmother?
Die Großmutter, or everyday die Oma.
How do you say grandparents?
Die Großeltern.
Is Großvater always capitalized?
Yes—all German nouns are capitalized, including Großvater.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
