Opa
familiar
In Austrian German children call their grandfather Opa or Opi. The formal word is Großvater.
Meaning: grandfather (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Opa | familiar |
| Großvater | formal |
| Opi | affectionate |
Opa is the everyday word. Opi is a softer, child-like version. Großvater appears in writing and formal speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, der Opa. The plural is Opas, and both grandparents are Großeltern.
Did you know?
- In German the small ending -i as in Opi and Omi adds a cuddly tone used for family members.
Examples in context
- Mein Opa war Bergführer.My grandpa was a mountain guide.
- Opi, spielst du mit mir?Grandpa, will you play with me?
- Mein Großvater wohnt in Wien.My grandfather lives in Vienna.
Example conversation
Paul visits his grandfather Opa in a village in Carinthia.
- PaulServus, Opa!Hi, Grandpa!
- OpaServus, Paul! Schön, dass du da bist.Hi, Paul! Nice that you are here.
- PaulGehen wir spazieren?Shall we go for a walk?
