Oma
/ˈoːma/
The German phrase for grandma is Oma. Wiktionary also lists Omi.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| Oma | /ˈoːma/ (standard) /ˈɔma/ (German, Western) |
| Omi | /ˈoːmi/ |
Oma is an informal way to say grandma.
Which one should you use?
While Oma is the standard informal term, Omi is a more diminutive and even more affectionate form, similar to the English 'granny' or 'nana'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Oma is used in informal settings. Omi is a familiar, highly affectionate term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Omi is commonly used in Southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In certain parts of Bavaria and Austria, you may occasionally encounter the term Omama.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Oma is Omas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoːma/
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'grandma' can be a generic term for any elderly woman, using Oma for a stranger in German can be seen as overly familiar or presumptuous.
- The term Oma is not just a German word but is a cognate of the Dutch word oma, meaning the two languages share this specific root for grandmother.
- Because Oma is so common, it is frequently used in compound words to describe grandmotherly traits, such as Oma-Wissen meaning 'grandmotherly wisdom'.
Examples in context
- Gib der Oma einen Kuss!Give grandma a kiss.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use Oma when giving a kiss.Tatoeba #7770669 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7762370 by karloelkebekio
- Oma sieht allzu gern fern.Grandma really loves watching TV.This sentence shows how to use Oma when describing a preference for television.Tatoeba #10006397 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10006290 by ddnktr
- Oma schaut gerne Fernsehen.Grandma likes watching TV.Tatoeba #860319 by Esperantostern, translation #838811 by Scott
- Guten Tag, Großmutter! Wie geht es Ihnen heute?Good day, grandmother! How are you today?
- Hallo, Oma! Wie war dein Tag?Hello, grandma! How was your day?
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- MaximilianBesuchst du am Sonntag deine Oma?Are you visiting your grandma on Sunday?
- HannahJa, ich fahre mit meiner Oma spazieren.Yes, I am going for a walk with my grandma.
- MaximilianDas ist schön. Grüß sie von mir!That's nice. Say hello to her for me!
- HannahDas mache ich, Hannah. Danke!I will do that, Hannah. Thanks!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandma” translations and entries Oma, Omi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Oma, Omi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
