In German
groß
Meaning: big
Formal or informal? “Groß” means big or tall. It's written with “ß”, the standard spelling. The Swiss spelling “gross” is different.
Example sentences
DasisteingroßesHaus.
That is a big house.
MeineSchwesteristgrößeralsich.
My sister is taller than me.
EristdergrößteSpielerimTeam.
He is the best player in the team.
Grammar note
Before a noun, “groß” takes agreeing endings: “ein großer Mann” (masculine), “eine große Stadt” (feminine), “ein großes Haus” (neuter). Comparative: “größer”, superlative: “am größten”.
Common mistake
Write “groß” with ß, not “gross” with ss, in standard German. Also keep the ending: “ein großes Haus”, not “ein groß Haus”.
Quick check
Which German word means “big”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the comparative of “groß”?
“Größer” (bigger or taller), and the superlative is “am größten”.
Why is the spelling “groß” with ß?
Standard German uses ß after a long vowel. Swiss German writes “gross”.