overgrootvader
The Dutch phrase for "great grandfather" is overgrootvader.
overgrootvader refers to the father of one's grandparent.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of over (over/above), groot (grand/big) and vader (father).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of overgrootvader is overgrootvaders, which is created by adding an -s.
Did you know?
- If you were to describe a 'great-great-grandfather', you would simply add another over to the front, creating overovergrootvader.
- While overgrootvader is the official term, most Dutch people use the much more affectionate overopa in daily conversation.
- The prefix over in overgrootvader does not mean 'over' in the sense of 'above' or 'across' a physical object, but rather acts as a mathematical multiplier to indicate an additional generation.
Examples in context
- Ik zal waarschijnlijk overgrootvader zijn wanneer ik 75 ben.I'll probably be a great-grandfather by the time I'm 75.This sentence is useful for expressing a prediction about one's future age and status as an overgrootvader.Tatoeba #13124364 by PaulP, translation #2537270 by CK
- Yesterday, I learned a lot about my family tree from my overgrootvader.Yesterday, I learned a lot about my family tree from my great grandfather.
- Mijn overgrootvader was een zeer goede zeeman.My great grandfather was a very good sailor.
- Ik heb een oude foto van mijn overgrootvader.I have an old photo of my great grandfather.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a family photo album.
- JuliaWie is deze man op de foto?Who is this man in the photo?
- NoahDat is mijn overgrootvader.That is my great grandfather.
- JuliaHij ziet er heel vriendelijk uit.He looks very friendly.
- NoahJa, hij was een geweldige man.Yes, he was a great man.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
