Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Enkel | /ˈɛŋkəl/ | masculine |
| Enkelsohn | masculine | |
| Großsohn | masculine | |
| Grosssohn | masculine |
All these terms refer to the son of one's child. While Enkel is the most common term for a grandson, it can also serve as a gender-neutral term for 'grandchild' in certain contexts, despite being grammatically masculine. For a granddaughter, you would use the feminine form Enkelin.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Enkelsohn is a compound made of Enkel (grandchild) and Sohn (son).
Which one should you use?
Enkel is the most common term for grandson. Enkelsohn is a more specific compound form. Both Großsohn and Grosssohn are also used to mean grandson.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Enkel is a masculine noun. In its plural form, it remains Enkel, so the distinction between one grandson and multiple grandchildren is often indicated by the article or the context of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛŋkəl/
Did you know?
- The word Enkel has a surprising linguistic twin: it is a cognate of the English word 'ankle'.
- Depending on the region, Großsohn may be spelled with a double s as Grosssohn.
Examples in context
- Tom ist Marys Enkel.Tom is Mary's grandson.This sentence shows how to use Enkel to identify a grandson.Tatoeba #1602324 by Sudajaengi, translation #1028540 by CK
- Wo ist dein Enkelsohn?Where's your grandson?This sentence demonstrates the use of Enkelsohn in a question.Tatoeba #8100268 by Luiaard, translation #7453442 by CK
- Mein Enkel ist noch ein Baby.My grandson is still a baby.This sentence shows Enkel used when describing a grandson as a baby.Tatoeba #814625 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #814624 by brauliobezerra
- Herr Müller, Ihr Enkel ist gerade angekommen.Mr. Müller, your grandson just arrived.
- Was möchtest du machen, mein süßer Enkelsohn?What would you like to do, my sweet grandson?
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are looking at old family photos.
- FelixIst das dein Enkel?Is that your grandson?
- LauraJa, das ist mein Enkel Lukas.Yes, that is my grandson Lukas.
- FelixEr sieht sehr süß aus.He looks very sweet.
- LauraDanke, er ist auch sehr lieb.Thank you, he is also very lovely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandson” translations and entries Enkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Enkel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
