German word

Oma

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈoːma/

Meaning

  • feminine noungrandma

Example

Die Omas feiern heute im Park.

Grandmas are celebrating in the park today.

Illustration for Oma (grandma)

More examples

Ich habe gestern mit meiner Oma telefoniert.

I spoke to my grandma on the phone yesterday.

Core concept

An older female relative who has a close, affectionate place in family life.

Common phrases

  • bei Oma übernachten

    stay overnight at grandma's

  • mit Oma telefonieren

    talk to grandma on the phone

  • zu Oma gehen

    go to grandma's

Similar words

Großmutter: A neutral or formal name for a grandmother, suitable in formal situations.
Opa: A familiar, affectionate name for a grandfather in family life.
Omi: A cute, childlike name for a grandmother used by children or close family.
Großmama: A warm, colloquial name for a grandmother.

Definition in German

Oma ist die umgangssprachliche Bezeichnung für die Großmutter, meist liebevoll von Enkelkindern gebraucht.

Word origin

Oma belongs to the child-language forms related to Omama and functions as a shortened form of Großmama.

Usage tips

  • Großmutter is the neutral or formal term, whereas Oma is familiar and colloquial.

Opposites

Related words

  • Uromagreat-grandmothernoun
  • Omigrannynoun

Word lists with this word