Opa
/ˈoːpʰa/
Opa is the German phrase for grandfather.
Opa is used to refer to one's grandfather in an informal way, similar to the English word 'grandpa'.
Which one should you use?
While Opa is the standard informal term, the formal term for grandfather is Großvater. For a more affectionate or diminutive feel, particularly in many German regions, you can use Opi. If you want to refer to both grandparents together, you can say Omi-Opi. For an even more affectionate combination used between grandchildren and their grandparents, Opi-Schatz is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Opa is an informal term. In formal settings, use Großvater.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The diminutive form Opi is common in many different German regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of Opa, add an -s to the end to get Opas. To indicate possession, such as 'grandpa's car', also add an -s to the end of Opa.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoːpʰa/
Did you know?
- The affectionate term Opi-Schatz combines Opi with Schatz, a word meaning 'treasure' that is commonly used for romantic partners and children.
- While Opa is the standard term, some families use the word Großpapa to create a linguistic middle ground between the formal Großvater and the casual Opa.
- The word Opa is a direct linguistic relative of the Dutch word opa, which is also used for 'grandpa'.
Examples in context
- Mein Opa ist sehr lustig.My grandpa is very funny.
- Wo ist Opa?Where is Grandpa?
- Ich habe ein Geschenk für Opa gekauft.I bought a gift for Grandpa.
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are talking about their family visit.
- JuliaKommst du heute zu Opa?Are you coming to Grandpa's today?
- LukasJa, ich besuche ihn heute.Yes, I am visiting him today.
- JuliaOpa freut sich bestimmt sehr.Grandpa will surely be very happy.
- LukasDas hoffe ich auch.I hope so too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Opa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Opa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
