großziehen in 30 Seconds
- Großziehen: to raise children.
- Separable verb: 'ziehen...groß'.
- Focuses on nurturing and development.
- Used for human offspring only.
The German verb großziehen is a fundamental word used to describe the act of raising children. It encompasses the entire process from infancy through childhood and into adolescence, implying care, nurturing, education, and guidance. It's a multifaceted verb that highlights the significant effort and dedication involved in bringing up a child.
- Core Meaning
- To bring up, to raise (children), to rear.
- Nuance
- It implies more than just providing basic needs; it suggests active involvement in a child's development and upbringing.
Germans use großziehen in various contexts related to parenting and family. For instance, parents talk about how they are raising their children, individuals reflect on how they were raised, and societal discussions often revolve around the challenges and joys of raising the next generation. It’s a word that carries emotional weight and speaks to the deep bonds within families.
Meine Eltern haben mich liebevoll großgezogen.
Beyond the immediate family, the concept of raising children is also discussed in broader societal terms. For example, one might hear discussions about the best ways to großziehen children in a modern world, or the support systems available for single parents trying to großziehen their families. The verb is versatile and can be used in both personal narratives and more formal discussions.
Wir möchten unsere Kinder zu selbstständigen Menschen großziehen.
Understanding großziehen is crucial for comprehending everyday conversations about family life, personal histories, and societal values in German-speaking countries. It’s a verb that embodies a fundamental human experience.
- Key Concept
- The verb emphasizes the active, ongoing process of nurturing and guiding a child's growth.
- Common Scenarios
- Parents discussing their children, autobiographical accounts, social commentary on upbringing.
Es ist eine große Verantwortung, Kinder großzuziehen.
The verb großziehen is a separable prefix verb. This means that in many sentence structures, the prefix 'groß-' will detach and move to the end of the clause, especially in the present and simple past tenses. The base verb is 'ziehen', which means 'to pull' or 'to draw', but when combined with 'groß-' (big, large), it takes on the specific meaning of raising.
- Basic Structure (Present Tense)
- Subject + conjugated form of 'ziehen' + ... + 'groß'.
Ich ziehe meine Kinder sorgfältig groß.
In subordinate clauses or with modal verbs, the structure changes. When großziehen is used with a modal verb (like 'können', 'wollen', 'müssen'), the infinitive form 'großziehen' stays together at the end of the clause. Similarly, in relative clauses or after conjunctions like 'dass' (that), the infinitive form is maintained.
- With Modal Verbs
- Subject + modal verb (conjugated) + ... + infinitive 'großziehen'.
Wir wollen unsere Kinder zu guten Menschen großziehen.
The past participle form is großgezogen. This is used in the perfect tenses (Perfekt and Plusquamperfekt) with the auxiliary verb 'haben'.
- Perfect Tense (Perfekt)
- Subject + 'haben' (conjugated) + ... + past participle 'großgezogen'.
Sie hat ihre Tochter allein großgezogen.
In simple past (Präteritum), the structure is similar to the present tense, with the prefix separating:
- Simple Past (Präteritum)
- Subject + conjugated form of 'ziehen' (Präteritum) + ... + 'groß'.
Meine Großeltern zogen meine Mutter im Krieg groß.
Consider sentences that express wishes or plans. The structure will involve 'wollen' or 'möchten' followed by the infinitive.
Sie möchte ihre Kinder zu glücklichen Menschen großziehen.
When talking about the past, the Perfekt tense is very common in spoken German. Remember the auxiliary 'haben' and the past participle 'großgezogen'.
Wir haben zwei Kinder großgezogen.
You will hear großziehen frequently in everyday German conversations, especially in contexts related to family, personal experiences, and societal discussions about children and parenting. It's a core verb for anyone discussing their upbringing or their role as a parent.
- Family Gatherings
- At family dinners or gatherings, older generations often reminisce about how they großgezogen their children. They might share anecdotes about the challenges and joys, comparing their methods to how younger generations are raising their kids.
Meine Mutter erzählt oft, wie sie uns großgezogen hat.
In conversations between friends or colleagues who are parents, großziehen is a natural part of discussing their daily lives. They might talk about the difficulties of balancing work and family, or the pride they feel as their children develop.
- Parenting Discussions
- Parents often use großziehen when discussing their parenting philosophies and strategies. Topics like discipline, education, and instilling values are common when talking about how they großziehen their children.
Es ist nicht einfach, Kinder in der heutigen Zeit großzuziehen.
When people talk about their own childhoods, they will often mention how they were großgezogen by their parents or guardians. This can be in casual conversation or in more formal autobiographical accounts.
- Personal Narratives
- In interviews, biographies, or even casual storytelling, individuals may reflect on their upbringing using großziehen to describe the process.
Ich wurde in einer kleinen Stadt großgezogen.
Societal discussions, such as those in news articles or public forums, also frequently employ großziehen when addressing topics like education policy, child welfare, or the challenges faced by families.
- Media and Public Discourse
- News reports, opinion pieces, and social commentary often use großziehen when discussing the responsibilities of parents and society in raising children.
Die Politik muss mehr tun, um Familien beim Großziehen ihrer Kinder zu unterstützen.
Even in less direct contexts, like when discussing future plans or aspirations, the idea of raising children might be present. For example, someone might express their desire to großziehen children in a particular environment or with specific values.
When learning großziehen, English speakers might make a few common mistakes, primarily related to its separable nature, its specific meaning, and potential confusion with similar-sounding verbs.
- Confusing Separable Prefix Word Order
- The most frequent error is not separating the prefix 'groß-' in main clauses. Learners might say 'Ich großziehe meine Kinder' instead of the correct 'Ich ziehe meine Kinder groß'. This mistake is common with all separable verbs.
Incorrect: Ich großziehe meine Kinder.
Correct: Ich ziehe meine Kinder groß.
Another mistake involves using the infinitive 'großziehen' incorrectly in main clauses where separation is required. Conversely, learners might incorrectly separate the verb in subordinate clauses or when it's used with a modal verb, where the infinitive should remain intact.
- Incorrect Infinitive Usage
- Saying 'Ich ziehe groß meine Kinder' in a subordinate clause or 'Ich will meine Kinder groß ziehen' instead of 'Ich will meine Kinder großziehen'.
Incorrect: Ich will meine Kinder groß ziehen.
Correct: Ich will meine Kinder großziehen.
A more semantic error is using großziehen for things other than children. While 'aufziehen' can mean to raise animals or plants, or even to bring up a topic, großziehen is almost exclusively reserved for human offspring. Using it for pets or plants would sound very unnatural or even humorous.
- Misapplying the Meaning
- Using großziehen for pets or plants. For example, saying 'Ich ziehe meine Katze groß' when 'Ich ziehe meine Katze auf' is appropriate.
Incorrect: Wir ziehen unsere Hühner groß.
Correct: Wir ziehen unsere Hühner auf.
Finally, learners might confuse großziehen with verbs that sound similar but have different meanings, such as 'aufziehen' (to bring up, to raise animals/plants, to assemble, to wind up) or even 'ergreifen' (to seize, to grasp). While 'aufziehen' can sometimes overlap in the sense of 'bringing up', großziehen is more specific to human children and the comprehensive process of their upbringing.
- Confusion with Similar Verbs
- Mistaking großziehen for 'aufziehen' when referring to children, or using it in contexts where 'aufziehen' is more appropriate (e.g., raising a pet).
Incorrect: Sie hat ihr Kind mit viel Liebe aufgezogen.
Correct: Sie hat ihr Kind mit viel Liebe großgezogen.
While großziehen is the most common and direct verb for raising children, German offers other words and phrases that can be used in similar contexts, sometimes with subtle differences in nuance or formality. Understanding these alternatives helps you express yourself more precisely.
- Aufziehen
- Meaning: To raise (animals, plants), to bring up (children), to assemble, to wind up.
Comparison: 'Aufziehen' is more general than 'großziehen'. While it can be used for children, it's more commonly associated with raising animals or plants. When used for children, it might imply a more basic level of care or upbringing, or it can be used more broadly to mean 'bringing up' in a general sense. 'Großziehen' specifically emphasizes the nurturing and developmental aspect of raising children into adulthood.
Wir ziehen unsere Welpen liebevoll auf.
Wir wollen unsere Kinder zu verantwortungsbewussten Bürgern großziehen.
- Erzielen
- Meaning: To achieve, to attain.
Comparison: This verb is not directly related to raising children. It's included here as a potential point of confusion due to the 'ei' sound. It's important to distinguish 'großziehen' (to raise) from 'erzielen' (to achieve).
Sie hat ihre Ziele erzielt.
- Groß werden lassen
- Meaning: To let grow up.
Comparison: This is a more descriptive phrase than a single verb. It emphasizes allowing a child to develop and mature, perhaps with a slightly more passive connotation than 'großziehen', which implies active nurturing. It's less common in everyday speech than 'großziehen' but understandable.
Wir lassen unsere Kinder gerne selbstständig groß werden.
- Erziehen
- Meaning: To educate, to bring up, to discipline.
Comparison: 'Erziehen' is very close in meaning to 'großziehen', but it often carries a stronger emphasis on education, discipline, and moral upbringing. You can 'erziehen' a child to be polite, to study hard, or to have good manners. 'Großziehen' is the broader term for the entire process of raising a child from start to finish, encompassing 'erziehen' as one of its components.
Es ist wichtig, Kinder zu guten Menschen zu erziehen.
Sie hat ihre Kinder mit viel Liebe und Konsequenz großgezogen.
- Aufwachsen
- Meaning: To grow up.
Comparison: This is an intransitive verb describing the child's experience of growing up, not the parent's action of raising them. A child 'wächst auf', while a parent 'zieht ein Kind groß'.
Die Kinder sind schnell aufgewachsen.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The verb 'ziehen' itself has a very broad semantic range in German, meaning 'to pull', 'to move', 'to draw', 'to get (sick)', and even 'to smoke'. When combined with 'groß', it specifically acquires the meaning of raising children, highlighting how prefixes can dramatically alter the meaning of a base verb. The concept of 'pulling' something into existence or growth is a powerful metaphor.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'g' as in 'gem'.
- Using a short 'o' sound.
- Not separating the 'groß' prefix clearly in speech.
- Pronouncing 'z' as in 'zoo' instead of 'ts'.
- Using an English 's' sound for 'ß'.
Difficulty Rating
Understanding 'großziehen' in written texts is generally straightforward once its separable nature is understood. Texts discussing family, personal histories, or societal issues will frequently use it. The complexity arises from the surrounding sentence structure and vocabulary rather than the verb itself.
Using 'großziehen' correctly in writing requires attention to word order, especially the separation of the prefix in main clauses and the intact infinitive in subordinate clauses or with modal verbs. Mastering its past participle and perfect tense forms is also important.
Spoken German often uses the Perfekt tense, making 'großgezogen' common. The separable nature can be tricky in real-time conversation, but with practice, learners can master the correct placement of the prefix. The context of family discussions makes it a natural verb to use.
Recognizing 'großziehen' when spoken is relatively easy once familiar with its sound and the context of family or parenting discussions. The separable prefix can sometimes make it sound like two words, 'ziehen' and 'groß', which learners should listen for.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Separable Prefix Verbs
In main clauses, the prefix 'groß-' separates from 'ziehen' and moves to the end: 'Ich ziehe meine Kinder groß.' In subordinate clauses or with modal verbs, it stays together: 'Ich möchte meine Kinder großziehen.'
Perfect Tense (Perfekt)
The past participle is 'großgezogen'. It's used with the auxiliary verb 'haben': 'Sie hat ihre Tochter großgezogen.'
Modal Verbs
When used with modal verbs like 'wollen' or 'können', the infinitive 'großziehen' remains intact at the end of the clause: 'Wir wollen unsere Kinder großziehen.'
Nominalized Infinitives
The infinitive 'großziehen' can be used as a noun, often preceded by 'das': 'Das Großziehen von Kindern ist eine Kunst.'
Passive Voice
The passive voice is formed with 'werden' and the past participle: 'Kinder werden liebevoll großgezogen.'
Examples by Level
Meine Eltern ziehen mich groß.
My parents are raising me.
Ich ziehe meine Kinder groß.
I am raising my children.
Sie ziehen ihre Tochter groß.
They are raising their daughter.
Wir ziehen unsere Kinder gut groß.
We are raising our children well.
Er zieht seine Söhne groß.
He is raising his sons.
Die Großeltern ziehen die Enkelkinder groß.
The grandparents are raising the grandchildren.
Ich möchte meine Kinder großziehen.
I want to raise my children.
Infinitive form with modal verb 'möchten'.
Sie hat ihre Kinder großgezogen.
She has raised her children.
Perfect tense.
Meine Eltern haben mich mit viel Liebe großgezogen.
My parents raised me with a lot of love.
Perfekt tense of 'großziehen'.
Es ist eine große Verantwortung, Kinder großzuziehen.
It is a big responsibility to raise children.
Infinitive form used as a subject.
Wir möchten unsere Kinder zu selbstständigen Menschen großziehen.
We want to raise our children to be independent people.
Infinitive form with modal verb 'möchten'.
In meiner Kindheit haben meine Großeltern mich großgezogen.
In my childhood, my grandparents raised me.
Perfekt tense.
Wie hast du deine Kinder großgezogen?
How did you raise your children?
Question in Perfekt tense.
Sie hat ihre Tochter allein großgezogen.
She raised her daughter alone.
Perfekt tense, emphasizing single parenthood.
Man muss viel Geduld haben, um Kinder großzuziehen.
One must have a lot of patience to raise children.
Infinitive form after 'um zu'.
Die Geschichte handelt davon, wie sie ihre Familie großgezogen hat.
The story is about how she raised her family.
Subordinate clause with Perfekt tense.
Die Herausforderungen, Kinder in der heutigen Zeit großzuziehen, sind vielfältig.
The challenges of raising children in today's world are diverse.
Infinitive as a noun phrase (nominalized infinitive).
Er erzählte uns, wie er seine drei Kinder alleine großgezogen hatte.
He told us how he had raised his three children alone.
Plusquamperfekt tense in a subordinate clause.
Viele Eltern bemühen sich, ihren Kindern Werte zu vermitteln, während sie sie großziehen.
Many parents strive to impart values to their children while they are raising them.
Present tense in a subordinate clause ('während').
Der Film porträtiert das Leben einer Frau, die ihre behinderte Tochter mit enormer Kraft großzieht.
The film portrays the life of a woman who is raising her disabled daughter with enormous strength.
Present tense in a relative clause.
Man kann nicht pauschal sagen, wie man Kinder am besten großzieht; es hängt von vielen Faktoren ab.
One cannot generally say how best to raise children; it depends on many factors.
Infinitive phrase used as the subject.
Die Gesellschaft hat eine Mitverantwortung dafür, wie die nächste Generation großgezogen wird.
Society shares a responsibility for how the next generation is raised.
Passive voice ('großgezogen wird') in a subordinate clause.
Obwohl es schwierig war, hat sie es geschafft, ihre Kinder erfolgreich großzuziehen.
Although it was difficult, she managed to successfully raise her children.
Infinitive phrase after 'geschafft'.
Die Traditionen des Landes beeinflussen stark, wie junge Menschen großgezogen werden.
The country's traditions strongly influence how young people are raised.
Passive voice ('großgezogen werden') in a subordinate clause.
Die psychologischen Auswirkungen der Erziehungsmethoden auf die Persönlichkeitsentwicklung der Kinder, die man großzieht, sind ein wichtiges Forschungsfeld.
The psychological effects of upbringing methods on the personality development of the children one is raising are an important field of research.
Complex sentence structure with relative clause and nominalized infinitive.
Angesichts der ökonomischen Unsicherheiten sehen sich viele junge Paare gezwungen, die Entscheidung, Kinder großzuziehen, immer weiter hinauszuzögern.
In view of the economic uncertainties, many young couples find themselves forced to postpone the decision to raise children further and further.
Infinitive phrase as object, complex sentence structure.
Die Art und Weise, wie jemand seine Kinder großzieht, spiegelt oft seine eigenen Lebenserfahrungen und Werte wider.
The way someone raises their children often reflects their own life experiences and values.
Complex sentence structure with nominalized infinitive.
In vielen Kulturen ist die Großfamilie maßgeblich daran beteiligt, die jüngeren Generationen großzuziehen.
In many cultures, the extended family plays a significant role in raising the younger generations.
Prepositional phrase emphasizing the role of the extended family.
Es ist eine Kunst für sich, Kinder so großzuziehen, dass sie sowohl resilient als auch empathisch werden.
It is an art in itself to raise children in such a way that they become both resilient and empathetic.
Infinitive phrase with adverbial clause.
Die Debatte darüber, ob staatliche Interventionen beim Großziehen von Kindern wünschenswert sind, dauert an.
The debate about whether state interventions in raising children are desirable continues.
Nominalized infinitive as the object of a preposition.
Die Entscheidung, ein Kind großzuziehen, ist eine der persönlichsten und prägendsten im Leben eines Menschen.
The decision to raise a child is one of the most personal and formative in a person's life.
Infinitive phrase as subject.
Die gesellschaftlichen Erwartungen an das Großziehen von Kindern haben sich im Laufe der Zeit erheblich verändert.
Societal expectations for raising children have changed significantly over time.
Nominalized infinitive as the object of a preposition.
Die anthropologische Betrachtung des Großziehens von Kindern offenbart universelle Muster menschlicher Fürsorge, die sich jedoch kulturell diversifizieren.
The anthropological perspective on raising children reveals universal patterns of human care, which, however, diversify culturally.
Nominalized infinitive used in a complex sentence with subordinate clauses.
Die ethischen Implikationen der genetischen Selektion beim Großziehen von Kindern werfen Fragen bezüglich der Autonomie und Würde des Individuums auf.
The ethical implications of genetic selection in raising children raise questions regarding the autonomy and dignity of the individual.
Nominalized infinitive as part of a prepositional phrase.
Die Erziehungsphilosophien, die dem Großziehen von Kindern zugrunde liegen, sind oft ein Spiegelbild der sozioökonomischen und politischen Verhältnisse einer Gesellschaft.
The educational philosophies that underlie the raising of children are often a reflection of the socioeconomic and political conditions of a society.
Nominalized infinitive as part of a prepositional phrase.
Die Fähigkeit, Kinder resilient und adaptiv großzuziehen, erfordert eine kontinuierliche Auseinandersetzung mit sich wandelnden externen Faktoren.
The ability to raise children resiliently and adaptively requires continuous engagement with changing external factors.
Nominalized infinitive used as the subject of the sentence.
Die Debatte um die Rolle des Staates beim Großziehen von Kindern reicht von minimaler Intervention bis hin zu umfassenden Unterstützungsangeboten.
The debate surrounding the role of the state in raising children ranges from minimal intervention to comprehensive support services.
Nominalized infinitive as the object of a preposition.
Die emotionalen und psychologischen Kosten, die mit dem Großziehen eines Kindes mit besonderen Bedürfnissen verbunden sind, sind immens und erfordern ein starkes Unterstützungssystem.
The emotional and psychological costs associated with raising a child with special needs are immense and require a strong support system.
Nominalized infinitive as part of a prepositional phrase.
Die Vermittlung von Werten und moralischen Prinzipien beim Großziehen von Kindern ist eine zentrale Aufgabe der Elternschaft.
The transmission of values and moral principles in raising children is a central task of parenthood.
Nominalized infinitive as the object of a preposition.
Die intergenerationale Weitergabe von Traumata kann die Art und Weise, wie die nächste Generation großgezogen wird, tiefgreifend beeinflussen.
The intergenerational transmission of trauma can profoundly influence the way the next generation is raised.
Passive voice ('großgezogen wird') in a subordinate clause.
Die Soziogenese des Großziehens als kulturelle Praxis offenbart eine komplexe Interaktion zwischen biologischen Imperativen und gesellschaftlichen Konstruktionen.
The sociogenesis of child-rearing as a cultural practice reveals a complex interplay between biological imperatives and societal constructs.
Nominalized infinitive as the subject of a complex sentence.
Die deontologischen und teleologischen Perspektiven auf das Großziehen von Kindern beleuchten die unterschiedlichen ethischen Begründungen für elterliche Pflichten und Ziele.
The deontological and teleological perspectives on raising children illuminate the different ethical justifications for parental duties and goals.
Nominalized infinitive as the object of a preposition.
Die neurobiologischen Korrelate der Bindung, die beim Großziehen von Säuglingen entstehen, sind entscheidend für die affektive und kognitive Entwicklung des Kindes.
The neurobiological correlates of attachment that arise during the raising of infants are crucial for the child's affective and cognitive development.
Nominalized infinitive as part of a subordinate clause.
Die postmoderne Dekonstruktion traditioneller Familienmodelle stellt die Annahmen über das ideale Großziehen von Kindern radikal in Frage.
The postmodern deconstruction of traditional family models radically questions the assumptions about the ideal raising of children.
Nominalized infinitive as the object of a preposition.
Die hermeneutische Analyse der elterlichen Diskurse über das Großziehen von Kindern offenbart tiefgreifende kulturelle Narrative und Wertvorstellungen.
The hermeneutic analysis of parental discourses about raising children reveals profound cultural narratives and value systems.
Nominalized infinitive as the object of a preposition.
Die Phänomenologie des Großziehens von Kindern betont die subjektive Erfahrungswelt sowohl des Erziehenden als auch des Erzogenen.
The phenomenology of raising children emphasizes the subjective world of experience of both the caregiver and the child being raised.
Nominalized infinitive as the subject of the sentence.
Die ökonomische Theorie des Humankapitals betrachtet das Großziehen von Kindern als eine Investition mit langfristigen Erträgen für Individuum und Gesellschaft.
The economic theory of human capital views raising children as an investment with long-term returns for the individual and society.
Nominalized infinitive as the object of the verb 'betrachtet'.
Die kritische Theorie der Erziehung hinterfragt die Machtdynamiken, die implizit im Prozess des Großziehens von Kindern wirken.
Critical pedagogy questions the power dynamics implicitly at work in the process of raising children.
Nominalized infinitive as the object of a preposition.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The act of raising children from infancy to adulthood.
Es ist eine lebenslange Aufgabe, Kinder großzuziehen.
— To have raised someone (referring to a child).
Meine Eltern haben mich großgezogen und mir viel beigebracht.
— It is difficult to raise children.
Viele Eltern sagen, es ist schwer, Kinder großzuziehen, aber es ist auch erfüllend.
— To prepare oneself for raising children.
Sie informieren sich, wie sie sich am besten darauf vorbereiten, Kinder großzuziehen.
— The art of raising children, implying skill and expertise.
Manche sagen, Kinder großzuziehen sei eine Kunst.
— The responsibility involved in raising children.
Die Verantwortung, Kinder großzuziehen, ist enorm.
— How one raises children.
Es gibt viele Meinungen darüber, wie man Kinder großzieht.
— To raise alone (as a single parent).
Es ist eine Herausforderung, Kinder allein großzuziehen.
— To raise someone to become something (e.g., a good person).
Wir möchten unsere Kinder zu unabhängigen Menschen großziehen.
Often Confused With
'Aufziehen' can also mean to raise, but it's more commonly used for animals or plants. When used for children, it can imply a more general 'bringing up' or basic care, whereas 'großziehen' specifically denotes the comprehensive process of raising children into adulthood.
'Erziehen' focuses more on education, discipline, and moral upbringing. While closely related, 'großziehen' is the overarching term for the entire journey of raising a child.
'Groß' is an adjective meaning 'big' or 'tall'. It's part of the verb 'großziehen' but can also be used independently. For example, 'Das Kind ist schon sehr groß' (The child is already very big).
Idioms & Expressions
— This idiom means to take a calculated risk, often when the outcome is uncertain. While not directly using 'großziehen', it relates to decisions made during the process of raising children, where risks are sometimes taken for their benefit.
Manchmal muss man ein Kind in den Brunnen fallen lassen, um ihm Selbstständigkeit beizubringen.
Idiomatic— To give someone everything they could possibly want; to spoil someone. This can be a consequence of how someone is 'großgezogen', perhaps excessively indulgent.
Sie hat ihren Sohn so verwöhnt, dass sie ihm die Welt zu Füßen gelegt hat, und jetzt ist er unselbstständig.
Figurative— To exaggerate a small problem. This can relate to parenting styles where minor issues are blown out of proportion, affecting how a child is 'großgezogen'.
Sei nicht so streng mit ihm wegen der kleinen Sache, mach nicht aus einer Mücke einen Elefanten, wenn du ihn großziehst.
Figurative— To initiate something, to start a project or organization. This is a different meaning of 'aufziehen' and should not be confused with 'großziehen'.
Sie hat einen erfolgreichen Online-Shop aufgezogen.
Informal— To make someone fall in love with you, or to confuse someone. While not directly about raising children, it can be a part of social development that parents guide.
Die junge Frau hat dem neuen Nachbarn den Kopf verdreht.
Figurative— To be willing to listen. A crucial aspect of successfully 'großziehen' children is having an open ear for their problems and concerns.
Als Eltern ist es wichtig, ein offenes Ohr für die Sorgen der Kinder zu haben.
Figurative— To stop something before it can develop; to nip something in the bud. This can relate to addressing behavioral issues early when raising children.
Man sollte schlechtes Benehmen sofort im Keim ersticken.
Figurative— To be very close; to have a deep bond. This describes the ideal relationship parents aim for with their children as they 'großziehen' them.
Die Geschwister sind ein Herz und eine Seele.
Figurative— To give someone advice that they should remember. Parents often do this when raising their children.
Ich schreibe dir das ins Stammbuch: Sei immer ehrlich.
Figurative— To be extremely happy, often in love. This is a state that parents might wish for their children as they grow up.
Seit sie verheiratet sind, schweben sie auf Wolke sieben.
FigurativeEasily Confused
Both 'großziehen' and 'aufziehen' can translate to 'to raise' or 'to bring up'.
'Großziehen' is specifically for human children and emphasizes the entire developmental process from infancy to adulthood. 'Aufziehen' is more versatile: it can mean to raise animals or plants, to assemble something, or to bring up a topic. When referring to children, 'aufziehen' might imply a less comprehensive or less focused aspect of upbringing compared to 'großziehen'.
Wir <strong>ziehen</strong> unsere Welpen liebevoll <strong>auf</strong>. (We lovingly raise our puppies.) vs. Wir wollen unsere Kinder zu unabhängigen Menschen <strong>großziehen</strong>. (We want to raise our children to be independent people.)
'Erziehen' is also about raising children and imparting values.
'Erziehen' often has a stronger connotation of education, discipline, and moral guidance. It's about shaping behavior and character. 'Großziehen' is the broader, more encompassing term for the entire process of nurturing a child from birth to adulthood, which includes 'erziehen' as one component.
Man muss Kinder zu Höflichkeit <strong>erziehen</strong>. (One must educate children to be polite.) vs. Sie hat ihre Kinder mit viel Liebe und Konsequenz <strong>großgezogen</strong>. (She raised her children with a lot of love and consistency.)
This phrase also relates to allowing children to grow up.
'Groß werden lassen' implies a more passive approach, focusing on allowing a child to develop and mature independently. 'Großziehen' implies active involvement, nurturing, and guidance from the parent's side. It's about actively participating in the child's development.
Wir lassen unsere Kinder gerne selbstständig <strong>groß werden</strong>. (We like to let our children grow up independently.) vs. Wir <strong>ziehen</strong> unsere Kinder zu verantwortungsbewussten Erwachsenen <strong>groß</strong>. (We are raising our children to be responsible adults.)
Both relate to the process of growing up.
'Aufwachsen' is an intransitive verb meaning 'to grow up'. It describes the child's experience. 'Großziehen' is a transitive verb meaning 'to raise children', describing the parent's action. A child 'wächst auf', while a parent 'zieht ein Kind groß'.
Die Kinder <strong>sind</strong> schnell <strong>aufgewachsen</strong>. (The children grew up quickly.) vs. Ihre Eltern <strong>haben</strong> sie schnell <strong>großgezogen</strong>. (Their parents raised them quickly.)
'Großziehen' is composed of 'groß' and 'ziehen'.
'Ziehen' on its own has many meanings: to pull, to move, to draw, to smoke, etc. 'Großziehen' is a specific compound verb with a distinct meaning related to raising children. You cannot use 'ziehen' alone to mean 'raise children'.
Der LKW <strong>zieht</strong> den Anhänger. (The truck is pulling the trailer.) vs. Wir <strong>ziehen</strong> unsere Kinder <strong>groß</strong>. (We are raising our children.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + ziehen (conjugated) + Object + groß.
Ich <strong>ziehe</strong> meine Tochter <strong>groß</strong>.
Subject + haben (conjugated) + Object + großgezogen.
Sie <strong>hat</strong> ihre Söhne <strong>großgezogen</strong>.
Subject + modal verb (conjugated) + Object + großziehen.
Wir <strong>wollen</strong> unsere Kinder <strong>großziehen</strong>.
Subordinate clause: ...dass + Subject + ziehen (conjugated) + Object + groß.
Er sagt, dass er seine Kinder <strong>groß</strong> <strong>zieht</strong>.
Subordinate clause: ...weil + Subject + ziehen (conjugated) + Object + groß.
Ich bin müde, weil ich meine Kinder <strong>groß</strong> <strong>ziehe</strong>.
Subordinate clause with modal verb: ...dass + Subject + ... + großziehen.
Sie hofft, dass sie ihre Kinder gut <strong>großziehen</strong> kann.
Präteritum (main clause): Subject + zog + Object + groß.
Meine Eltern <strong>zogen</strong> mich <strong>groß</strong>.
Plusquamperfekt: Subject + hatten + Object + großgezogen.
Er <strong>hatte</strong> seine Kinder allein <strong>großgezogen</strong>.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High, especially in contexts related to family and personal life.
-
Not separating the prefix 'groß-' in main clauses.
→
Ich <strong>ziehe</strong> meine Kinder <strong>groß</strong>.
Learners often forget that 'großziehen' is a separable verb. In a simple main clause, the prefix must move to the end. Incorrect: 'Ich großziehe meine Kinder.'
-
Separating the prefix in subordinate clauses or with modal verbs.
→
Ich möchte meine Kinder <strong>großziehen</strong>.
In subordinate clauses or when used with modal verbs, the infinitive 'großziehen' remains intact. Incorrect: 'Ich möchte meine Kinder groß ziehen.'
-
Using 'großziehen' for animals or plants.
→
Wir <strong>ziehen</strong> unsere Katze <strong>auf</strong>.
'Großziehen' is specifically for human children. For animals or plants, use 'aufziehen'. Incorrect: 'Wir ziehen unsere Katze groß.'
-
Confusing 'großziehen' with 'groß werden lassen'.
→
Wir <strong>ziehen</strong> unsere Kinder zu selbstständigen Menschen <strong>groß</strong>.
'Großziehen' implies active parental involvement. 'Groß werden lassen' means 'to let grow up', suggesting a more passive approach. The former emphasizes the parent's action, the latter the child's process.
-
Incorrect past participle form in Perfekt tense.
→
Sie hat ihre Kinder <strong>großgezogen</strong>.
The past participle is 'großgezogen', not 'großgezogen' or 'großgezogen'. Ensure the correct form is used with the auxiliary 'haben'. Incorrect: 'Sie hat ihre Kinder großgezogen.'
Tips
Mastering Separable Verbs
The key to using 'großziehen' correctly is understanding its separable nature. Remember: in simple main clauses, the prefix 'groß-' goes to the end. In subordinate clauses or with modal verbs, the infinitive 'großziehen' stays together. Practice creating sentences in different structures to solidify this rule.
The 'ß' Sound
The 'ß' in 'groß' is a sharp 's' sound, similar to the 'ss' in 'hiss'. Practice saying 'groß' clearly. Also, remember the 'z' sounds like 'ts' in 'cats'.
Nuance with 'Erziehen'
While 'großziehen' covers the entire scope of raising a child, 'erziehen' focuses more on education and discipline. Think of 'großziehen' as the marathon and 'erziehen' as specific training within that marathon.
Visual Association
Imagine a parent actively 'pulling' their child upwards, helping them to become 'big' (groß). This visual connection between the action ('ziehen') and the result ('groß') can help you remember the meaning and the verb itself.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using 'großziehen' in different tenses and structures. Try describing how you were raised, how you would raise children, or discussing the challenges of parenting. This active practice is crucial for retention.
Cultural Significance
Understanding 'großziehen' also means understanding the cultural importance placed on family and upbringing in German-speaking countries. It's a concept deeply rooted in societal values.
Past Participle Practice
The past participle 'großgezogen' is very common, especially in spoken German (Perfekt tense). Practice forming sentences like 'Meine Eltern haben mich großgezogen' to get comfortable with this form.
Expanding Your Range
Once you are comfortable with 'großziehen', explore related verbs like 'erziehen' and 'aufziehen' to express more nuanced ideas about child-rearing and development.
Active Listening
When listening to German audio, actively try to identify 'großziehen' and its variations. Pay attention to the context to understand how it's being used and whether the prefix is separated or not.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a parent 'pulling' their child 'big' (groß). Picture a parent physically pulling their child upwards, helping them grow taller and stronger. The 'ziehen' (pulling) action leads to 'groß' (big).
Visual Association
Visualize a small seedling being carefully 'pulled' upwards by a gardener's hands, helping it grow into a large, strong tree. The 'pulling' action (ziehen) leads to 'big' (groß) growth.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'großziehen' in at least three different sentence structures today: a simple present tense sentence, a sentence with a modal verb, and a sentence in the perfect tense. This will help you internalize its separable nature and different grammatical uses.
Word Origin
The verb 'großziehen' is a compound verb formed from the adjective 'groß' (big, large) and the verb 'ziehen' (to pull, to draw, to move). The combination implies 'to draw something to be big' or 'to pull something up to be large'. This metaphorical extension from physical pulling to nurturing growth is common in language development.
Original meaning: Literally 'to pull big' or 'to draw large'.
GermanicCultural Context
When discussing 'großziehen', it's important to be mindful that parenting experiences can vary greatly. Some individuals may have had positive experiences, while others may have faced significant challenges or trauma. Using the term respectfully and acknowledging the complexity of upbringing is key.
While English has 'to raise' or 'to bring up', the German 'großziehen' carries a similar weight of comprehensive care and commitment. The separable nature of the verb in German is a key grammatical feature that distinguishes its usage from English.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Family discussions and anecdotes.
- Meine Eltern haben mich... großgezogen.
- Wir möchten unsere Kinder... großziehen.
- Wie hast du deine Kinder großgezogen?
Personal reflections on upbringing.
- Ich wurde in... großgezogen.
- Die Art, wie ich großgezogen wurde, hat mich geprägt.
- Es war nicht einfach, mich großzuziehen.
Societal discussions about parenting.
- Kinder großzuziehen ist eine Herausforderung.
- Die Gesellschaft muss beim Großziehen helfen.
- Die Verantwortung, Kinder großzuziehen.
Talking about future plans or desires.
- Ich freue mich darauf, Kinder großzuziehen.
- Sie planen, ihre Familie großzuziehen.
Describing parenting styles or challenges.
- Wir ziehen unsere Kinder nach diesen Werten groß.
- Es ist schwer, Kinder allein großzuziehen.
Conversation Starters
"Was sind die größten Herausforderungen beim Großziehen von Kindern heute?"
"Wie wurden Sie als Kind großgezogen, und welche Werte wurden Ihnen vermittelt?"
"Wenn Sie Kinder hätten, wie würden Sie sie gerne großziehen?"
"Welche Ratschläge würden Sie jemandem geben, der plant, Kinder großzuziehen?"
"Wie hat sich die Art und Weise, wie Kinder großgezogen werden, Ihrer Meinung nach in den letzten Jahrzehnten verändert?"
Journal Prompts
Beschreiben Sie, wie Ihre Eltern Sie großgezogen haben. Welche Erinnerungen sind Ihnen am wichtigsten?
Wenn Sie selbst Kinder haben, welche Erziehungsmethoden möchten Sie anwenden, um sie großzuziehen?
Was bedeutet es für Sie, Kinder großzuziehen? Welche Hoffnungen und Ängste haben Sie damit verbunden?
Denken Sie an eine Lektion, die Sie durch das Großziehen von Kindern gelernt haben (oder lernen würden).
Wie wichtig ist die Rolle der Großeltern oder anderer Familienmitglieder beim Großziehen von Kindern in Ihrer Kultur?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'großziehen' is a separable prefix verb. In main clauses in the present and simple past tenses, the prefix 'groß-' separates from the verb 'ziehen' and moves to the end of the clause. For example: 'Ich ziehe meine Kinder groß.' (I am raising my children.) However, in subordinate clauses or when used with modal verbs, the infinitive 'großziehen' remains together. For example: 'Ich möchte meine Kinder großziehen.' (I want to raise my children.)
The past participle of 'großziehen' is 'großgezogen'. It is used to form the perfect tenses (Perfekt and Plusquamperfekt) with the auxiliary verb 'haben'. For example: 'Sie hat ihre Tochter großgezogen.' (She has raised her daughter.)
No, 'großziehen' is almost exclusively used for raising human children. For pets and plants, the verb 'aufziehen' is typically used. For example: 'Wir ziehen unsere Welpen auf.' (We are raising our puppies.) Using 'großziehen' for animals or plants would sound very unnatural.
'Großziehen' refers to the entire process of raising a child from infancy to adulthood, encompassing all aspects of care, nurturing, and guidance. 'Erziehen' focuses more specifically on education, discipline, and moral upbringing – shaping a child's character and behavior. You 'großziehen' a child, and as part of that process, you 'erziehen' them.
'Großziehen' is a neutral verb and can be used in most contexts, from informal family conversations to more formal discussions about parenting and society. While there might be more formal or descriptive phrases, 'großziehen' is the standard and most common verb for this concept.
You would use the passive voice in the perfect tense. The structure is: 'Ich bin + [location/circumstance] + großgezogen worden.' For example: 'Ich bin in einer kleinen Stadt großgezogen worden.' (I was raised in a small town.)
Yes, absolutely. You can say 'Sie hat ihre Kinder allein großgezogen' (She raised her children alone) or 'Er zog seinen Sohn allein groß' (He raised his son alone). The verb itself doesn't imply the number of parents involved.
The infinitive form is 'großziehen'. This form is used in subordinate clauses or with modal verbs, and it remains intact (not separated).
Yes, related nouns include 'Erziehung' (upbringing, education, discipline) and 'Aufzucht' (rearing, often used for animals or plants, but can sometimes refer to the upbringing of children in a more general sense). The adjective form is 'großgezogen' (raised).
The pronunciation is roughly /ˈɡroːsˌtsiːən/. The stress is on the first syllable 'groß'. The 'ß' has a sharp 's' sound, and the 'z' is pronounced like 'ts' in 'cats'. The 'ie' is a long 'ee' sound.
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Großziehen is the primary German verb for 'to raise children', emphasizing the complete process of nurturing, educating, and guiding them into adulthood. Remember its separable nature in main clauses.
- Großziehen: to raise children.
- Separable verb: 'ziehen...groß'.
- Focuses on nurturing and development.
- Used for human offspring only.
Mastering Separable Verbs
The key to using 'großziehen' correctly is understanding its separable nature. Remember: in simple main clauses, the prefix 'groß-' goes to the end. In subordinate clauses or with modal verbs, the infinitive 'großziehen' stays together. Practice creating sentences in different structures to solidify this rule.
Context is Key
While 'großziehen' specifically means raising children, pay attention to the context. If someone is talking about raising animals or plants, they will likely use 'aufziehen'. Using 'großziehen' for non-human offspring sounds quite strange.
The 'ß' Sound
The 'ß' in 'groß' is a sharp 's' sound, similar to the 'ss' in 'hiss'. Practice saying 'groß' clearly. Also, remember the 'z' sounds like 'ts' in 'cats'.
Nuance with 'Erziehen'
While 'großziehen' covers the entire scope of raising a child, 'erziehen' focuses more on education and discipline. Think of 'großziehen' as the marathon and 'erziehen' as specific training within that marathon.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More family words
Abstammung
B1the origin or background of a person in terms of family or nationality.
adoptieren
B1To adopt; to legally take another's child as one's own.
adoptiert
B1Having been adopted, legally taken as one's own child.
Adoption
B1the legal process of becoming the parent of a child not biologically one's own.
Adoptiveltern
A2adoptive parents
Adoptivkind
A2adopted child
Ahn
B1a person from whom one is descended, especially if more remote than a grandparent.
Ahne
B1An ancestor or forefather.
ähneln
B1To look or be like someone or something else.
Ahnen
B1Ancestors; a person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended.
