der Ahn
Translation
ancestor, forefather
Examples
Er forscht über seine Ahnen.
He is researching his ancestors.
Goethe gilt als ein Ahn der deutschen Literatur.
Goethe is considered a forefather of German literature.
Grammar Patterns
der Ahn ((of sb.)) the ancestor ((of sb.)) He is a direct ancestor of the royal family.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Vorfahr (ancestor); Antonyms: Nachkomme (descendant)
Etymology
From Old High German 'ano' (grandfather, ancestor).
Memory Tips
It sounds a bit like 'on'. Your ancestors came 'on' before you did.