In German
Opa
Meaning: grandpa
Formal or informal? “Opa” is the everyday word. The formal term is “Großvater”, used in writing and official forms.
Example sentences
MeinOpaerzähltgernGeschichten.
My grandpa likes telling stories.
Opa,wiealtbistdu?
Grandpa, how old are you?
DerGroßvatermeinerFreundinlebtinBayern.
My friend's grandfather lives in Bavaria.
Grammar note
“Der Opa” is masculine and a noun, so it's always capitalised. With a possessive: “mein Opa”.
Common mistake
Don't use “Opa” for a great-grandfather; that's “Urgroßvater”, or “Uropa” in everyday speech.
Quick check
Which is the everyday German word for grandpa?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the formal term for grandpa?
“Großvater”.
What is great-grandfather?
“Urgroßvater”, or the everyday “Uropa”.