Both sides of the family were of German origin but had lived for several generations in Sweden. Gösta's grandfather on his father's side was a sail maker who, like his son would do, served for a time as a member of parliament.
Ang bawat panig ng pamilya ng German ay pinagmulan ngunit may buhay para sa ilang henerasyon sa Sweden. Gösta's lolo sa kanyang ama ay bahagi ng isang manggagawa na layag, tulad ng kanyang anak na lalaki would gawin, nagsilbi para sa isang panahon bilang isang miyembro ng parlyamento.