noun
grandfather, grandpa
A1
Großvater: masculine noun meaning 'grandfather' or 'grandpa'. Use der Großvater (singular), plural Großväter (note the Umlaut change and -er ending). Regular German noun declension applies (genitive des Großvaters). Not reflexive; no specific preposition. Very common informal alternative: 'Opa'. Used in formal and informal contexts.
Examples
Mein Großvater erzählt oft Geschichten von früher.
My grandfather often tells stories about the old days.
Der Junge besuchte den Großvater, der früher als Lehrer arbeitete, obwohl die Fahrt lang war.
The boy visited his grandfather, who had worked as a teacher before, although the journey was long.
Der Großvater liest der Familie eine Geschichte vor.
The grandfather reads a story to the family.
Details
Mnemonics
picture an older man with a walking stick: your grandfather
der (masculine) — like 'Vater' which is masculine
Notes
Informal alternative: 'Opa'.