In German
Großvater
Meaning: grandfather (formal)
Example sentences
MeinGroßvaterwarLehrer.
My grandfather was a teacher.
DerGroßvaterspieltmitdenEnkeln.
The grandfather plays with his grandchildren.
Grammar note
“Der Großvater” is masculine, literally “big father” — the formal, written counterpart to “[Opa](/german/how-to-say/grandpa)”, the everyday word Germans actually use, the same formal/casual split as “Großmutter”/“Oma”.
Common mistake
Don't use “Großvater” in casual conversation expecting it to sound natural — it's correct but formal/written; “Opa” is what Germans actually call their grandfather day to day.
Quick check
Which German word is the formal word for “grandfather”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Do Germans actually say “Großvater” out loud?
Rarely in casual speech — “Opa” is the everyday word; “Großvater” is the more formal, written equivalent.
How is “Großvater” built?
Literally “big father” — “groß” (big) + “Vater” (father).