bedstemor
/ˈbɛsdəˌmoːɐ̯/
The Danish word for grandma is bedstemor.
Bedstemor is used to refer to a grandmother. It is an informal term.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bedstemor refers to a grandmother, the term bedstefar is used for a grandfather.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In many Danish families, a more specific and common informal term is mormor, which literally means 'mother-mother' and refers specifically to a maternal grandmother.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bedstemor is bedstemødre.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɛsdəˌmoːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- The word bedste in bedstemor means 'best', making the literal translation 'best-mother'.
- Similarly, a paternal grandmother is often called farmor, which literally translates to 'father-mother'.
- Danes typically avoid using bedstemor in direct conversation and instead use the specific mormor or farmor to identify which side of the family the grandmother is on.
Examples in context
- Bedstemor kan lide at se tv.Grandma likes watching TV.This sentence shows how to use bedstemor when discussing someone's hobbies.Tatoeba #7562518 by danepo, translation #838811 by Scott
- Din gamle bedstemor danser godt.Your old grandma dances well.This sentence uses bedstemor to describe someone's physical qualities.Tatoeba #5679568 by sifhg, translation #5679571 by sifhg
- Min bedstemor har ikke internet.My grandma doesn't have the internet.This sentence uses bedstemor in the context of technology ownership.Tatoeba #10660663 by danepo, translation #8465237 by Luiaard
- Hvordan har din bedstemor det?How is your grandmother doing?
- Min mormor har det godt, tak fordi du spørger.My grandma is doing well, thank you for asking.
- Kære Bedstemor,Dear Grandma
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Freja and Mikkel are talking about a family visit.
- FrejaSkal vi besøge din bedstemor i weekenden?Shall we visit your grandma this weekend?
- MikkelJa, det ville hun blive glad for.Yes, she would be happy about that.
- FrejaHvad skal vi købe med til hende?What should we buy for her?
- MikkelMin bedstemor elsker friske blomster.My grandma loves fresh flowers.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bedstemor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
