Opa
/ˈoːpʰa/masculine
The English phrase "grandpa" is translated into German as Opa. Wiktionary also lists Opi.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Opa | /ˈoːpʰa/ (standard) /ˈɔpʰa/ (German, Western) |
masculine |
| Opi | /ˈoːpi/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
While Großvater is the formal, standard term for grandfather, Opa is the common informal term. Opi is a more diminutive, used as an affectionate term in informal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, Opa can be used formally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Opa is Opas. All listed forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoːpʰa/
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'grandpa', which is a shortening of 'grandfather', Opa does not derive from the word Großvater.
- German has a specific word, Uropa, for a great-grandfather, which literally translates to 'over-grandpa'.
- The prefix Ur- in Uropa is used across the German language to denote something ancient or the very first of its kind, such as Ursprache for a 'proto-language'.
Examples in context
- Wo lebt dein Opa?Where does your grandpa live?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of someone's Opa.Tatoeba #1096738 by Esperantostern, translation #394891 by Dorenda
- Mein Opa war Franzose.My grandpa was French.This sentence is useful for describing the nationality of one's Opa.Tatoeba #13306786 by Waldelfe, translation #10735799 by ddnktr
- Mein Opa war Walfänger.My grandpa was a whaler.This sentence is useful for describing the former occupation of one's Opa.Tatoeba #8482976 by Luiaard, translation #8482977 by Luiaard
- Ich freue mich, meinen Großvater zu treffen.I am looking forward to seeing my grandfather.
- Darf ich Ihnen meinen Opa vorstellen?May I introduce you to my grandfather?
- Mein Großpapa erzählt immer interessante Geschichten.My grandfather always tells interesting stories.
- Ich liebe dich, Opa!I love you, grandpa!
- Komm her, Opi, ich habe etwas für dich.Come here, grandpa, I have something for you.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are looking at an old family photo.
- FelixWer ist der Mann auf dem Foto?Who is the man in the photo?
- LauraDas ist mein Opa.That is my grandpa.
- FelixEr sieht sehr nett aus.He looks very nice.
- LauraJa, mein Opa ist wirklich lieb.Yes, my grandpa is really sweet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandpa” translations and entries Opa, Opi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
