In German
Großmutter
Meaning: grandmother (formal)
Example sentences
MeineGroßmutterwohntaufdemLand.
My grandmother lives in the countryside.
DieGroßmuttererzähltgernGeschichten.
The grandmother likes to tell stories.
Grammar note
“Die Großmutter” is feminine, literally “big mother” (“groß” + “Mutter”) — the formal, written word for grandmother. In everyday speech, Germans almost always say “die [Oma](/german/how-to-say/grandma)” instead, the same way English speakers say “grandma” far more than “grandmother” out loud.
Common mistake
Don't use “Großmutter” in casual conversation expecting it to sound natural — it's correct but formal/written; “Oma” is what Germans actually call their grandmother day to day.
Quick check
Which German word is the formal word for “grandmother”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Do Germans actually say “Großmutter” out loud?
Rarely in casual speech — “Oma” is the everyday word; “Großmutter” is the more formal, written equivalent.
How is “Großmutter” built?
Literally “big mother” — “groß” (big) + “Mutter” (mother).