In German
groß
Meaning: tall (same word as “big”)
Example sentences
MeinBruderistsehrgroß.
My brother is very tall.
DerBaumistgroßundalt.
The tree is tall and old.
Wiegroßbistdu?
How tall are you?
Grammar note
German has no separate word for “tall” — “groß” covers both “big” and “tall”. Context tells you which: “ein großer Baum” (a tall/big tree), “Wie groß bist du?” (How tall are you?).
Common mistake
Don't look for a different word for “tall” — there isn't one. “Groß” does the job of both English “big” and “tall”; see our “big” page for the wider range of its uses.
Quick check
Which German word means “tall”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate word for “tall” in German?
No — “groß” covers both “big” and “tall”.
How do you ask someone's height?
“Wie groß bist du?”, literally “How big/tall are you?”