A Guide to German Pronunciation

A Guide to German Pronunciation

Welcome to the new location of this online guide to German pronunciation, which I originally developed with support from the part of my Ab Initio German Courseintermediate learners of German rather than advanced students of phonetics. The sounds of German are explained with reference to the letters tin German words, and although key German phonemes are explained, a knowledge

of the International Phonetic Alphabet is not a prerequsite for reading this guide. Anyone interested in German phonetics should click German or here for the page on German phonetics on my

This pronunciation guide is subdivided into sections on German consonants, German vowels and pronunciation exercises. Clicking on the links in the tables below will take you to pages in which the sounds associated with each lettsound files to help you practise forming the sounds. Visitors who were familiar with the previous incarnation of this site will note that over a hundred new sound files have now been added to this updated version and that the number of pages on German consonants has been doubled. The voices that you will hear on this site are those of my colleagues Uta Grimm, Markus Spitz and Barbara Arnold. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for theiproject and for their generosity with their time.

As the older version of the site at Exeter has now been removed, please amend your bookmarks for this site to the new URL:

http://userweb.port.ac.uk/~joyce1/abinitio/pronounce/

The letters of the German alphabet

Like English, the German alphabet has 26 letters. The names for each letter are in many cases slightly different to their English equivalents or are pronounced in a different way. and their names are listed in the table below. Click on the sound icon to the right of each letter to hear it being spoken by a native speaker.

ah

deh

geh

1


Welcome to the new location of this online guide to German pronunciation, which I originally developed with support from the University of Exeter. The guide forms

Ab Initio German Course and is aimed therefore at beginners and intermediate learners of German rather than advanced students of phonetics. The sounds of German are explained with reference to the letters that students encounter in German words, and although key German phonemes are explained, a knowledge

of the International Phonetic Alphabet is not a prerequsite for reading this guide. Anyone interested in German phonetics should click here for my PowerPoint letter on the phonemes of

for the page on German phonetics on my German Dialects linklist.

This pronunciation guide is subdivided into sections on German consonants, German vowels and pronunciation exercises. Clicking on the links in the tables below will take you to pages in which the sounds associated with each letter of the German alphabet are explained, accompanied by sound files to help you practise forming the sounds. Visitors who were familiar with the previous incarnation of this site will note that over a hundred new sound files have now been added to this

ated version and that the number of pages on German consonants has been doubled.

The voices that you will hear on this site are those of my colleagues Uta Grimm, Markus Spitz and Barbara Arnold. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for theiproject and for their generosity with their time.

As the older version of the site at Exeter has now been removed, please amend your bookmarks

http://userweb.port.ac.uk/~joyce1/abinitio/pronounce/


Like English, the German alphabet has 26 letters. The names for each letter are in many cases slightly different to their English equivalents or are pronounced in a different way. and their names are listed in the table below. Click on the sound icon to the right of each letter to hear it being spoken by a native speaker.


beh

tseh

eh

eff

hah

eeh


Welcome to the new location of this online guide to German pronunciation, which I . The guide forms

and is aimed therefore at beginners and intermediate learners of German rather than advanced students of phonetics. The

hat students encounter in German words, and although key German phonemes are explained, a knowledge

of the International Phonetic Alphabet is not a prerequsite for reading this guide. Anyone for my PowerPoint letter on the phonemes of

German Dialects linklist.

This pronunciation guide is subdivided into sections on German consonants, German vowels and pronunciation exercises. Clicking on the links in the tables below will take you to pages in which

er of the German alphabet are explained, accompanied by sound files to help you practise forming the sounds. Visitors who were familiar with the previous incarnation of this site will note that over a hundred new sound files have now been added to this

ated version and that the number of pages on German consonants has been doubled.

The voices that you will hear on this site are those of my colleagues Uta Grimm, Markus Spitz and Barbara Arnold. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support on this

As the older version of the site at Exeter has now been removed, please amend your bookmarks

Like English, the German alphabet has 26 letters. The names for each letter are in many cases slightly different to their English equivalents or are pronounced in a different way. These letters and their names are listed in the table below. Click on the sound icon to the right of each letter to

yot

emm

peh

ess

fau

üppsilon

The German alphabet song

To help you remember the letters of the German alphabet, there is a handy rhyme which is sung to the same tune as its English equivalent, although it has to be modified slightly to

rhyme in German. Click either hereby a native speaker. The text of the song is given in the box below:

a, b, c, d, e, f, g

h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p

q, r, s, t, u, v, w

q, r, s, t, u, v, w

x, y, z

Das ist das ganze ABC!

(a, b, c, d, e, f, g

h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p

q, r, s, t, u, v, w

q, r, s, t, u, v, w

x, y, z

This is the whole ABC!)

2

kah

ell

enn

oh

kuh

err

teh

uh

weh

iks

tsett

German umlauts and the eszett

The German alphabet song

To help you remember the letters of the German alphabet, there is a handy rhyme which is to the same tune as its English equivalent, although it has to be modified slightly to

here or on the sound icon on left to listen to this songby a native speaker. The text of the song is given in the box below:

Sounds 2: The German alphabet song

a, b, c, d, e, f, g

h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p

q, r, s, t, u, v, w

q, r, s, t, u, v, w

x, y, z - juchhe!

Das ist das ganze ABC!

(a, b, c, d, e, f, g

h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p

q, r, s, t, u, v, w

q, r, s, t, u, v, w

x, y, z - hooray!

This is the whole ABC!)

To help you remember the letters of the German alphabet, there is a handy rhyme which is to the same tune as its English equivalent, although it has to be modified slightly to

or on the sound icon on left to listen to this song being sung

Alternative version of the song

If you wish to practise this as a group in class, click either for a slower version of the same alphabet song. This version of the rhyme stops after each line to give you time to repeat it before moexercises to help you master the German alphabet and German pronunciation in general.

Alphabet and Pronunciation Exercises

German alphabet and pronunciation exercises

Alphabet exercises

Spelling your name

German abbreviations

MFG - mit freundlichen Grüßen

Pronunciation exercises

Anglicized German words

Similar words in English and German

Anglicized German names

German names for cities

German tongue-twisters

3

Alternative version of the song

If you wish to practise this as a group in class, click either here or on the sound icon on the left for a slower version of the same alphabet song. This version of the rhyme stops after each line to give you time to repeat it before moving on to the next line. And below are a number of further exercises to help you master the German alphabet and German pronunciation in general.

Alphabet and Pronunciation Exercises

man alphabet and pronunciation exercises

Alphabet exercises

Spelling your name Listen to some German names being spelled and see if you can write them down.

German abbreviations Read out some German abbreviations and then hear how they should sound.

freundlichen Grüßen

Watch a video for a German rap video made up of abbrevations and then sing along to the instrumental!

Pronunciation exercises

Anglicized German How to pronounce German words that have made their way into the English language.

English and German

These words in this exercise may look familiar to us, but are spoken very differently in German.

Anglicized German How should the names of these famous people from the German-speaking countries actually be pronounced?

German names for How do native German speakers refer to the following towns and cities?

Listen to and then try to repeat a collection of German tongue-twisters.

or on the sound icon on the left for a slower version of the same alphabet song. This version of the rhyme stops after each line to

ving on to the next line. And below are a number of further exercises to help you master the German alphabet and German pronunciation in general.

Listen to some German names being spelled

Read out some German abbreviations and then

Watch a video for a German rap video made up of abbrevations and then sing along to the

How to pronounce German words that have made their way into the English language.

These words in this exercise may look familiar

people speaking countries actually

How do native German speakers refer to the

Listen to and then try to repeat a collection of

German Consonants

The letter 'b'

'chs' at the start of words

The letter 'd'

The letter 'f'

'gn' and 'ng' sounds

The letter 'h'

The letter 'k'

The letter 'l'

'm' + another consonant

'ng' and 'nk' sounds

'p' + another consonant

The letter 'q'

'r' + another consonant

The letter 's'

'sp' and 'st' sounds

't' + another consonant

The letter 'w'

The letter 'z'

German Vowels

Long vowels

Long and short 'a'

'au', 'äu' and 'eu'

Unstressed '-e' and '

Long and short 'i'

Long and short 'o'

Long and short 'u'

The letter 'y'

4

Index of the German consonant pages

The letters 'ch'

'chs' at the start of words

'chs' and 'ck' sounds

'd' + another consonant

The letter 'g'

'gn' and 'ng' sounds

Loan words containing 'g'

The letter 'j'

'k' + another consonant

The letter 'm'

'm' + another consonant

The letter 'n'

'ng' and 'nk' sounds

The letter 'p'

'p' + another consonant

The 'pf' sound

The consonantal 'r'

'r' + another consonant

The vocalic 'r'

The 'sch' sound

'sp' and 'st' sounds

The letter 't'

't' + another consonant

The letter 'v'

The letter 'y'

Index of the German vowel pages

Short vowels

Long and short 'a'

Long and short 'ä'

Long and short 'e'

e' and '-er'

'ei', 'ey', 'ai' and 'ay'

Long and short 'i'

The letters 'ie'

Long and short 'o'

Long and short 'ö'

Long and short 'u'

Long and short 'ü'

Pronunciation Exercises

The German Consonant 'b'

When the German consonant 'b'

pronounced in a similar way to its English equivalplosive, i.e. in order to make the 'b' sound, both lips must be placed together. The airstream is then stopped as it passes through the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it is released.

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce a number of German words beginning with the letter

the box below along with an English translation:

Baum (tree)

Berg (mountain)

Boot (boat)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce a number of German words in which the letter

themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Liebe (love)

Robben (seals)

But when the German consonantClick either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce a

number of German words in which the letter sound has changed. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

5

'b' appears either at the start or in the middlepronounced in a similar way to its English equivalent. In both languages, the sound is a bilabial plosive, i.e. in order to make the 'b' sound, both lips must be placed together. The airstream is then stopped as it passes through the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it is released.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce a rman words beginning with the letter 'b'. The words themselves are given in


Sounds 1: 'b' in initial position

Bank (bank)

(mountain)

Bier (beer)

Buch (book)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce a number of German words in which the letter 'b' appears in the middle. The words

pplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 2: 'b' in medial position

Baby (baby)

glauben (to believe)

But when the German consonant 'b' appears at the end of a word it is pronounced as a or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce a

in which the letter 'b' appears at the end of a word, and note how the sound has changed. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English

middle of a word, it is ent. In both languages, the sound is a bilabial

plosive, i.e. in order to make the 'b' sound, both lips must be placed together. The airstream is then stopped as it passes through the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it is released.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce a . The words themselves are given in

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce a appears in the middle. The words

of a word it is pronounced as a /p/. or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce a

appears at the end of a word, and note how the sound has changed. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English

Lob (praise)

gab (gave)

This change in sound at the end of the word is not as surprising as it may seem. The phonemes are both bilabial plosives and only differ in that you use your vocal cords to form the sound /b/, i.e. it is 'voiced', whereas we do not use our vocal cords to make the call it 'voiceless'. To put this to the test:

• Put your fingers lightly on your throat such that they rest on your voice box. • Say the German word Bein

initial sound. • Now say the German word

cords this time.

To help you distinguish between the depending on its position in the word, listen to the following pairs of words. In theeach pair, 'b' will be pronounced in each pair, the letter 'b' appears at the either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear these pairs of words which you can read in the box below:

Sounds 4: Distinguishing between

lieben (to love)

rauben (to rob)

Diebe (thieves)

Diebstahl(theft)

6

Sounds 3: 'b' in final position

(praise)

taub (deaf)

Kalb (calf)

This change in sound at the end of the word is not as surprising as it may seem. The phonemes are both bilabial plosives and only differ in that you use your vocal cords to form the

, i.e. it is 'voiced', whereas we do not use our vocal cords to make the call it 'voiceless'. To put this to the test:

Put your fingers lightly on your throat such that they rest on your voice box. Bein (= leg) and feel how your vocal cords vibrate as you form the

Now say the German word Pein (= agony). Note that there is no vibration in your vocal

To help you distinguish between the /b/ and /p/ sounds that the letter depending on its position in the word, listen to the following pairs of words. In the

will be pronounced /b/ as it appears in the middle of the word. In the second word appears at the end of a word, and is therefore pronounced as a

or on the sound icon on the left to hear these pairs of words which you can read in the

Sounds 4: Distinguishing between /b/ and /p/

lieb (kind)

Raub (robbery)

Dieb (thief)

Diebstahl

gelb (yellow)

How to pronounce German 'ch'

This change in sound at the end of the word is not as surprising as it may seem. The /b/ and /p/ phonemes are both bilabial plosives and only differ in that you use your vocal cords to form the

, i.e. it is 'voiced', whereas we do not use our vocal cords to make the /p/ sound i.e. we

Put your fingers lightly on your throat such that they rest on your voice box. and feel how your vocal cords vibrate as you form the

. Note that there is no vibration in your vocal

sounds that the letter 'b' can make depending on its position in the word, listen to the following pairs of words. In the first word of

of the word. In the second word of a word, and is therefore pronounced as a /p/. Click


The German Consonant 'ch'

The consonant sounds represented graphically by the German letters native speakers major problems. This is firstly because the sounds do not occur naturally in the English language and secondly because the articulation of the letterssound depending on their position in the word and the sound which precedes of English mistakenly articulate the sound as a word 'doch' as if it were 'dock', and 1. 'ch' after 'a', 'o', 'u' and 'au'

When the letters 'ch' follow the German 'back' vowels corresponds to the 'ch' heard when Scots talk about 'Lothe back of the tongue close to or touching the soft palate. If this is not a sound with which you are familiar:

• make a 'h' sound, remembering to let the air flow freely. While you are making this sound, reduce the gap between the roof of your mouth and the back of your tongue until friction becomes audible.

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say ten German words containing this form of the sound written as 'ch'. The words themselves are given in


ach (oh!)

Krach (noise)

Tochter (daughter)

Buch (book)

Bauch (stomach)

2. 'ch' after the front vowels 'e', 'ä', 'i', 'ei', 'eu', 'äu' and 'ö', or after a consonantWhen the letters 'ch' follow the front vowels a different sound is required that is articulated much further forward in the mouth. It

resembles the 'h' sound made at the start of English words such as 'huge', 'humour' or 'humane', but the German sound needs to be articulated more vigorously and with the sound drawn out. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear ten German words which contain this

7

e consonant sounds represented graphically by the German letters 'ch' often cause English native speakers major problems. This is firstly because the sounds do not occur naturally in the English language and secondly because the articulation of the letters 'ch' varies considerably in sound depending on their position in the word and the sound which precedes 'ch'

of English mistakenly articulate the sound as a /k/ phoneme, and thus mispronounce the German word 'doch' as if it were 'dock', and 'ich' as if it were 'ick'. This temptation must be resisted.

follow the German 'back' vowels 'a', 'o', 'u' and 'au', the sound produced corresponds to the 'ch' heard when Scots talk about 'Loch Ness'. It is articulated therefore with the back of the tongue close to or touching the soft palate. If this is not a sound with which you

make a 'h' sound, remembering to let the air flow freely. While you are making this between the roof of your mouth and the back of your tongue until

friction becomes audible.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say ten German words containing this form of the sound written as 'ch'. The words themselves are given in


Sounds 1: 'ch' after 'a', 'o', 'u' and 'au'

Bach (stream)

Loch (hole)

(daughter)

mochte (liked)

Tuch (cloth)

(stomach)

Rauch (smoke)

2. 'ch' after the front vowels 'e', 'ä', 'i', 'ei', 'eu', 'äu' and 'ö', or after a consonantfollow the front vowels 'e', 'ä', 'i', 'ei', 'eu', 'äu' and 'ö'

a different sound is required that is articulated much further forward in the mouth. It resembles the 'h' sound made at the start of English words such as 'huge', 'humour' or 'humane',

ds to be articulated more vigorously and with the sound drawn out. or on the sound icon on the left to hear ten German words which contain this

often cause English native speakers major problems. This is firstly because the sounds do not occur naturally in the

varies considerably in 'ch'. Many speakers

phoneme, and thus mispronounce the German 'ich' as if it were 'ick'. This temptation must be resisted.

, the sound produced ss'. It is articulated therefore with

the back of the tongue close to or touching the soft palate. If this is not a sound with which you

make a 'h' sound, remembering to let the air flow freely. While you are making this between the roof of your mouth and the back of your tongue until

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say ten German words containing this form of the sound written as 'ch'. The words themselves are given in

2. 'ch' after the front vowels 'e', 'ä', 'i', 'ei', 'eu', 'äu' and 'ö', or after a consonant 'ö', or a consonant,

a different sound is required that is articulated much further forward in the mouth. It resembles the 'h' sound made at the start of English words such as 'huge', 'humour' or 'humane',

ds to be articulated more vigorously and with the sound drawn out. or on the sound icon on the left to hear ten German words which contain this

version of the German letters 'ch'

with an English translation:

Sounds 2:

Blech (tin)

Bäche (streams)

Bücher (books)

Bräuche (customs)

Mönch (monk)

Next, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the front 'ch' sound appears in medial position. Note that the diminutive

pronounced in this way regardless of whether it follows a front or back vowel:

Sounds 3: Front

Hähnchen(chicken)

Becher (cup, tub)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say seven German words in which the front

themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation.

ich (I)

mich (me)

Milch (milk)

reich (rich)

8

'ch'. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along

nds 2: 'ch' after a front vowel or consonant

Stich (sting)

möchte (would like)

euch (you (informal))

Dolch (dagger)

Storch (stork)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which sound appears in medial position. Note that the diminutive

pronounced in this way regardless of whether it follows a front or back vowel:

Sounds 3: Front 'ch' in medial position

Hähnchen (chicken)

fechten (to fence)

(cup, tub)

stechen (to sting)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say seven German words in which the front 'ch' sound appears at the end of a word. The words


Sounds 4: Front 'ch' in final position

dich (you (informal))

euch (you (informal))

weich (soft)

. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which sound appears in medial position. Note that the diminutive '-chen' is always

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say seven sound appears at the end of a word. The words

Note that the consonant sound in an either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six box below:

richtig (correct)

lustig (funny)

eilig (hurried)

Differentiating between back and front

In phonetics, the two 'ch' sounds are represented by different phonemes.

• The phoneme /x/ is used to represent the sound made when 'ch' follows the back vowels 'a', 'o', 'u' and 'au'.

• The phoneme /ç/ is used to represent the sound made when 'ch' follows the front vowels 'e', 'ä', 'i', 'ei', 'eu', 'äu' and

To practise differentiating between front and back sound icon on the left to hear five pairs of words in which the sounds occur. In each pair,

the back 'ch' of the singular becomes a front articulated in a very different way:

Sounds 6: Differentiating between front and back

Brauch (custom)

Strauch (bush)

Buch (book)

Loch (hole)

Tuch (cloth)

How to pronounce the German sound

9

sound in an -ig suffix is also pronounced as a front or on the sound icon on the left to hear six '-ig' words which you can read in the

Sounds 5: The "-ig" suffix

Honig (honey)

traurig (sad)

fertig (finished)

Differentiating between back and front 'ch'

sounds are represented by different phonemes.

is used to represent the sound made when 'ch' follows the back vowels

is used to represent the sound made when 'ch' follows the front vowels and 'ö', or if it follows a consonant.

To practise differentiating between front and back 'ch' sounds, click either sound icon on the left to hear five pairs of words in which the sounds occur. In each pair,

the back 'ch' of the singular becomes a front 'ch' in the plural, requiring the letters to articulated in a very different way:

nds 6: Differentiating between front and back 'ch' sounds

Bräuche (customs)

Sträucher (bushes)

Bücher (books)

Löcher (holes)

Tücher (cloths)

How to pronounce the German sound 'ch' at the start of words

suffix is also pronounced as a front "ch". Click words which you can read in the

is used to represent the sound made when 'ch' follows the back vowels

is used to represent the sound made when 'ch' follows the front vowels

sounds, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear five pairs of words in which the sounds occur. In each pair,

in the plural, requiring the letters to be

at the start of words

German 'ch' at the start of words

When the letters 'ch' appear at the start of a word, then the sound that is usually produced is the /ç/ phoneme, i.e. the sound that is made when

here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four German words starting with the letters 'ch'. The words themselves are given in the box below along with their English translation:

Chemie (chemistry)

chinesisch(Chinese)

In South Germany and Austria however, this initial 'ch' sound can be pronounced as a phoneme and this articulation is viewed as an acceptable variant to the standard

pronunciation. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear the same 'ch' words in the box above, but this time pronounced as one might expect to hear them in Bavaria.

Imported words beginning with

A number of words beginning in sound to be articulated in the manner that we would be accustomed to hear in France.

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear seven such words. themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 2:

Chef (boss)

Champagner(champagne)

Charme (charm)

Chauvinist(chauvinist)

10

at the start of words

ppear at the start of a word, then the sound that is usually produced phoneme, i.e. the sound that is made when 'ch' follows a front vowel. Click either

on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four German words starting . The words themselves are given in the box below along with their English

Sounds 1: 'ch' in initial position

(chemistry)

China (China)

chinesisch (Chinese)

Chirurg (surgeon)

Austria however, this initial 'ch' sound can be pronounced as a phoneme and this articulation is viewed as an acceptable variant to the standard

or on the sound icon on the left to hear the same 'ch' words in the box above, but this time pronounced as one might expect to hear them in Bavaria.

Imported words beginning with 'ch'

A number of words beginning in 'ch' that have been imported from French requiresound to be articulated in the manner that we would be accustomed to hear in France.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear seven such words. themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: 'ch' in initial position in French loan words

Chance (chance)

Champagner (champagne)

Chauffeur (chauffeur)

Chaussee (avenue)

Chauvinist (chauvinist)

ppear at the start of a word, then the sound that is usually produced follows a front vowel. Click either

on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four German words starting . The words themselves are given in the box below along with their English

Austria however, this initial 'ch' sound can be pronounced as a /k/ phoneme and this articulation is viewed as an acceptable variant to the standard

or on the sound icon on the left to hear the same 'ch' words in the box above, but this time pronounced as one might expect to hear them in Bavaria.

that have been imported from French require the 'ch' sound to be articulated in the manner that we would be accustomed to hear in France.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear seven such words. The words

To complicate matters further, other words with 'ch' in initial position have been imported from English and retain the pronunciation that you would expect to hear in English. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four such German imports all of which

begin with an English 'ch' sound:

Sou

chartern (to charter)

Chat (chat)

How to pronounce the German sounds

The German 'chs' sound

The German letters 'chs' 'vixen' and 'oxen'. Click either

say six German words containing the letters six itself. The words themselves are given in the box below along with their English translation:

sechs (six)

Wachs (wax)

Büchse (tin)

The German letters 'ck'

The German letters 'ck' are pronounced in the same way as the letter preceding 'ck' is always short and stressed. Click either

left to hear four words containing the letters below along with their English translation:

Scheck (cheque)

11

further, other words with 'ch' in initial position have been imported from English and retain the pronunciation that you would expect to hear in English. Click

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four such German imports all of which sound:

Sounds 3: English 'ch' in initial position

(to charter)

checken (to check)

Cheeseburger (cheeseburger)

How to pronounce the German sounds 'chs' and 'ck'

are pronounced 'ks' in a similar manner to the English words 'vixen' and 'oxen'. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker

say six German words containing the letters 'chs' - including the German word for the number he words themselves are given in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 1: The German 'chs' sound

Sachsen (Saxony)

wachsen (to grow)

Achsel (shoulder)

are pronounced in the same way as the letter is always short and stressed. Click either here or on the sound icon on the

left to hear four words containing the letters 'ck'. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: The German 'ck' sound

Stück (piece)

further, other words with 'ch' in initial position have been imported from English and retain the pronunciation that you would expect to hear in English. Click

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four such German imports all of which

are pronounced 'ks' in a similar manner to the English words or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker

including the German word for the number he words themselves are given in the box below along with their English translation:

are pronounced in the same way as the letter 'k'. The vowel or on the sound icon on the

. The words themselves are supplied in the box

Glück (happiness)

Differentiating between the German English speakers. To practise the distinction, click either

left to listen to five pairs of words. The first word in each pair contains a second contains a 'ck' sound.

Sounds 3: Differentiating between

Bach (stream)

Mechthild (girl's name)

Buch (book)

roch (smelled)

Ernst Bloch(philosopher)

Next, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following two words which both contain a 'ch' and a

Sou

glücklich (happy)

Finally, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear the following German tongue-twister which contains both

saying it yourself!

Sou

Mechthild und Eckhard machen schrecklich Krach.(Mechthild and Eckhard are making a dreadful din.)

How to pronounce the German consonant

12

(happiness)

Stock (stick)

the German 'ch' sounds and 'ck' is a perennial problem for native English speakers. To practise the distinction, click either here or on the sound icon on the listen to five pairs of words. The first word in each pair contains a 'ch'

nds 3: Differentiating between 'ch' and 'ck'

Backpulver (baking powder)

(girl's name)

meckern (to complain)

Buckel (hunchback)

Rock (skirt)

Ernst Bloch (philosopher)

Schreibblock (writing pad)

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following two words and a 'ck' sound, and try to distinguish between them.

Sounds 4: 'ch' and 'ck' in the same word

schrecklich (dreadful)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear the following German twister which contains both 'ch' and 'ck' sounds. Then see how you cope with

Sounds 5: A 'ch' and 'ck' tongue-twister

hthild und Eckhard machen schrecklich Krach. (Mechthild and Eckhard are making a dreadful din.)

How to pronounce the German consonant 'd'

is a perennial problem for native or on the sound icon on the

sound, while the

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following two words tween them.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear the following German sounds. Then see how you cope with

The German Consonant 'd'

When the German consonant 'd'

pronounced in a similar way to its English equivalent. In both languages, the sounplosive, which means that it is made with the blade of the tongue pressing against the alveolar ridge. The alveolar ridge is the part of the roof of the mouth directly above the teeth. Simultaneously, both sides of the tongue press againstairstream is then stopped as it passes through the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it is released.

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German words all beginning with the letter

along with an English translation:

danke (thank you)

doch (yes (after negative)

dieser (this)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which the letter 'd' appears in the middle. The words themselves are supplied in the box below


Mode (fashion)

Lieder (songs)

wieder (again)

But when the German consonant Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the

letter 'd' appears at the end of a word, and note how the sound has changed. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

13

'd' appears either at the start or in the middlepronounced in a similar way to its English equivalent. In both languages, the sounplosive, which means that it is made with the blade of the tongue pressing against the alveolar ridge. The alveolar ridge is the part of the roof of the mouth directly above the teeth. Simultaneously, both sides of the tongue press against the hard palate and form a closure. The airstream is then stopped as it passes through the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German words all beginning with the letter 'd'. The words themselves are given in the box below

an English translation:

Sounds 1: 'd' in initial position

(thank you)

deutsch (German)

(after negative))

dunkel (dark)

Dusche (shower)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which appears in the middle. The words themselves are supplied in the box below


Sounds 2: 'd' in medial position

(fashion)

Laden (shop)

Feder (feather)

Bruder (brother)

But when the German consonant 'd' appears at the end of a word it is pronounced as a or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the

appears at the end of a word, and note how the sound has changed. The words es are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 3: 'd' in final position

middle of a word, it is pronounced in a similar way to its English equivalent. In both languages, the sound is an alveolar plosive, which means that it is made with the blade of the tongue pressing against the alveolar ridge. The alveolar ridge is the part of the roof of the mouth directly above the teeth.

the hard palate and form a closure. The airstream is then stopped as it passes through the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German . The words themselves are given in the box below


of a word it is pronounced as a /t/. or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the

appears at the end of a word, and note how the sound has changed. The words

Lied (song)

Rad (wheel)

This change in sound at the end of the word is not as surprising as it may seem. The phonemes are both alveolar plosives and only differ in that you use your vocal cords to form the sound /d/, i.e. it is 'voiced', whereas we do not use our vocal cords to make the call it 'voiceless'. To put this to the test:

• Put your fingers lightly on your throat such that they rest on your voice box. • Say the German word Dorf

the initial sound. • Now say the German word

cords this time.

To help you distinguish between the depending on its position in the word, listen to the following pairs of words. In the first word of each pair, 'd' will be pronounced in each pair, the letter 'd' appears at the either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear these pairs of words which you can read in the box below:


Hunde (dogs)

wenden (to turn)

leider (unfortunately)

landen (to land)

baden (to bathe)

How to pronounce German

14

Bad (bath)

Tod (death)

This change in sound at the end of the word is not as surprising as it may seem. The phonemes are both alveolar plosives and only differ in that you use your vocal cords to form the

, i.e. it is 'voiced', whereas we do not use our vocal cords to make the call it 'voiceless'. To put this to the test:

Put your fingers lightly on your throat such that they rest on your voice box. Dorf (= village) and feel how your vocal cords vibrate as you form

Now say the German word Torf (= peat). Note that there is no vibration in your vocal

To help you distinguish between the /d/ and /t/ sounds that the letter depending on its position in the word, listen to the following pairs of words. In the first word of

will be pronounced /d/ as it appears in the middle of the word. In the second word appears at the end of a word, and is therefore pronounced as a


Sounds 4: Distinguishing between /d/ and /t/

Hund (dog)

Wand (wall)

ortunately)

Leid (suffering)

Land (land)

Bad (bath)

How to pronounce German 'd' + another consonant

This change in sound at the end of the word is not as surprising as it may seem. The /d/ and /t/ phonemes are both alveolar plosives and only differ in that you use your vocal cords to form the

, i.e. it is 'voiced', whereas we do not use our vocal cords to make the /t/ sound i.e. we

Put your fingers lightly on your throat such that they rest on your voice box. and feel how your vocal cords vibrate as you form

n in your vocal

sounds that the letter 'b' can make depending on its position in the word, listen to the following pairs of words. In the first word of

of the word. In the second word f a word, and is therefore pronounced as a /t/. Click


The German consonant 'd'

The German consonant /d/

is used in combination with other consonants. Click either left to hear four words where the letter start of a word. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1:

drei (three)

Drama (drama)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in the middle of which the letter

are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sou

Kinder (children)

Bilder (pictures)

Note that the German consonant cluster most frequently in the word

icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce the words below:

Stadt (city)

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear how the word spoken. The consonant cluster in the middle of this word can cause difficulties for non

native speakers.

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which

15

+ another consonant

/d/ retains its sound at the start or in the middle of a word when it d in combination with other consonants. Click either here or on the sound icon on the

left to hear four words where the letter 'd' forms part of a consonant cluster that apstart of a word. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English

Sounds 1: 'd' + consonant in initial position

draußen (outside)

drehen (to turn)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in the middle of which the letter 'd' appears as part of a consonant cluster. The words themselves

are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 2: 'd' + consonant in medial position

(children)

wandern (to wander)

niedrig (low)

Note that the German consonant cluster '-dt' is also pronounced as a /t/ phoneme. It occurs most frequently in the word Stadt and its compounds. Click either here

icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce the words below:

Sounds 3: The consonant cluster 'dt'

Städte (cities)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear how the word Mädchenspoken. The consonant cluster in the middle of this word can cause difficulties for non

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which

of a word when it or on the sound icon on the

forms part of a consonant cluster that appears at the start of a word. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in the cluster. The words themselves

is also pronounced as a /t/ phoneme. It occurs or on the sound

Mädchen should be spoken. The consonant cluster in the middle of this word can cause difficulties for non-

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which

the letter 'd' appears as part of a consonant cluster at the end of a word. As before, whenever the German consonant 'd' appears at the

Sou

Deutschland(Germany)

Geld (money)

Herd (cooker)

The German Consonant 'f'

The German consonant 'f' should cause relatively few difficulties for native English speakers. In both languages, the upper front teeth and the lower lip come together to form a narrowing through which the air passes with a trace of a hiss. It is called a 'frimeans that is articulated by forcing air through a narrow gap in the vocal tract in such a way that friction The /f/ phoneme is thus formed in the same manner and the same place as the German difference is that you use your vocal cords to make the To feel the difference between the two consonants, place your hands over your ears and repeat the German words fein and WeinWhen you say fein, the only thing that should hear is the airstream passing out through your mouth. But when you say Wein



Familie (family)

Fernseher (television set)

Fuß (foot)

16

appears as part of a consonant cluster at the end of a word. As before, whenever the appears at the end of a word, it is pronounced as a /t/ phoneme.

Sounds 4: Consonant + 'd' in final position

tschland (Germany)

Kind (child)

Bild (picture)

Bord (board)

How to pronounce German 'f'

should cause relatively few difficulties for native English speakers. In both languages, the upper front teeth and the lower lip come together to form a narrowing through which the air passes with a trace of a hiss. It is called a 'fricative' consonant, which means that is articulated by forcing air through a narrow gap in the vocal tract in such a way that

is audible.

phoneme is thus formed in the same manner and the same place as the German t you use your vocal cords to make the /v/ sound, but not when you articulate

To feel the difference between the two consonants, place your hands over your ears and repeat Wein (which begins with the /v/ phoneme, despite its

, the only thing that should hear is the airstream passing out through your Wein, you should be able to feel your entire head vibrate.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German words all beginning with the letter 'f'. The words themselves are given in the box below


Sounds 1: 'f' in initial position

Fahrrad (bicycle)

(television set)

fünf (five)

Fehler (mistake)

appears as part of a consonant cluster at the end of a word. As before, whenever the phoneme.

should cause relatively few difficulties for native English speakers. In both languages, the upper front teeth and the lower lip come together to form a narrowing

cative' consonant, which means that is articulated by forcing air through a narrow gap in the vocal tract in such a way that

is audible.

phoneme is thus formed in the same manner and the same place as the German /v/. The sound, but not when you articulate /f/.

To feel the difference between the two consonants, place your hands over your ears and repeat (which begins with the /v/ phoneme, despite its spelling).

, the only thing that should hear is the airstream passing out through your , you should be able to feel your entire head vibrate.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German e given in the box below

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear five German words in which the letter 'f' appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Seife (soap)

hoffen (to hope)

Prüfung (examination)

Finally, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words iwhich the letter 'f' appears at the end of a word. The words themselves are supplied in the

box below along with their English translation:

Einkauf (purchase)

doof (stupid)

The German 'ph' sound

As in English, the letters 'ph'

words that originally contained the letters are now spelled with an 'f'. You would now write and Fotografie rather than Photographie

however, a number of 'ph' words remain, sometimes as the sole acceptable spelling of a lexical item, sometimes as an accepted variant icon on the left to hear the correct pronunciation of four words with the

Philosophie(philosophy)

Physik (physics)


17

or on the sound icon on the left to hear five German words in which appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box with an English translation:

Sounds 2: 'f' in medial position

Telefon (telephone)

kaufen (to buy)

(examination)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words iappears at the end of a word. The words themselves are supplied in the


Sounds 3: 'f' in final position

(purchase)

Schlaf (sleep)

tief (deep)

'ph' are pronounced as an /f/ phoneme in German. In fact, many words that originally contained the letters 'ph' have now been Germanified such that they

. You would now write Telefon, for example, rather than Photographie. Even after the recent German spelling reforms

words remain, sometimes as the sole acceptable spelling of a lexical item, sometimes as an accepted variant to the spelling with 'f'. Click either hereicon on the left to hear the correct pronunciation of four words with the /ph/ spelling:

Sounds 4: The German 'ph' sound

Philosophie (philosophy)

Phrase (phrase)

Phonetik (phonetics)

How to pronounce the German consonant 'g'

or on the sound icon on the left to hear five German words in which appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in appears at the end of a word. The words themselves are supplied in the

phoneme in German. In fact, many have now been Germanified such that they

for example, rather than Telephon, . Even after the recent German spelling reforms

words remain, sometimes as the sole acceptable spelling of a lexical here or on the sound spelling:

The German Consonant 'g'

The German consonant 'g' is most often pronounced in the same way as the initial letter of the English word 'gone'. The /g/ phoneme is a velar plosive, which means that it is articulated in the soft palate or velum towards the back of the vocal tract. The closure is thus formed further back in the oral passage than with other consonants. The vocal cords vibrate asarticulated, which makes /g/ a 'voiced' sound.



gestern (yesterday)

ganz (quite)

geben (to give)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which the letter 'g' appears in the middle. The words themselves are supplied in the box below


Vogel (bird)

sagen (to say)

Auge (eye)

But when the German consonant phoneme. Click either here

which the letter 'g' appears at the end of a word, and note how ththemselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

18

is most often pronounced in the same way as the initial letter of the phoneme is a velar plosive, which means that it is articulated in the

soft palate or velum towards the back of the vocal tract. The closure is thus formed further back in the oral passage than with other consonants. The vocal cords vibrate as

a 'voiced' sound.

on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German words all beginning with the letter 'g'. The words themselves are given in the box below


Sounds 1: 'g' in initial position

(yesterday)

gut (good)

Gold (gold)

Gier (greed)



Sounds 2: 'g' in medial position

Fliege (fly)

Lage (situation)

zeigen (to show)

But when the German consonant 'g' appears at the end of a word it here or on the sound icon on the left to hear five German words in

appears at the end of a word, and note how the sound has changed. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

is most often pronounced in the same way as the initial letter of the phoneme is a velar plosive, which means that it is articulated in the

soft palate or velum towards the back of the vocal tract. The closure is thus formed further back the consonant is

on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German . The words themselves are given in the box below


of a word it hardens to a /k/ or on the sound icon on the left to hear five German words in

e sound has changed. The words

klug (intelligent)

Katalog (catalogue)

Krieg (war)

This change in sound at the end of the word is not as surprising as it may seem. The phonemes are both velar plosives, the difference being that you use your vocal cords to form the sound /g/, i.e. it is 'voiced', whereas we do not use our vocal cords to make the call it 'voiceless'. To put this to the test:

• Put your fingers lightly on your throat such that they rest on your voice box. • Say the German word Gabel

the initial sound. • Now say the German word

cords this time.

To help you distinguish between the depending on its position in the word, listen to the following pairs of words. In the first word of each pair, 'g' will be pronounced in each pair, the letter 'g' appears at the either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear these pairs of words which you can read in the box below:

Sou

bürgen (to vouch for)

Jürgen (Jürgen)

tagen (to meet (of government)

fliegen (to fly)

19

Sounds 3: 'g' in final position

(intelligent)

Sieg (victory)

(catalogue)

Zug (train)

This change in sound at the end of the word is not as surprising as it may seem. The phonemes are both velar plosives, the difference being that you use your vocal cords to form the

whereas we do not use our vocal cords to make the call it 'voiceless'. To put this to the test:

Put your fingers lightly on your throat such that they rest on your voice box. Gabel (= fork) and feel how your vocal cords vibrate as you form

Now say the German word Kabel (= cable). Note that there is no vibration in your vocal

To help you distinguish between the /g/ and /k/ sounds that the letter depending on its position in the word, listen to the following pairs of words. In the first word of

will be pronounced /g/ as it appears in the middle of the word. In the second word appears at the end of a word, and is therefore pronounced as a

icon on the left to hear these pairs of words which you can read in the

Sounds 4: Distinguishing between /g/ and /k/

(to vouch for)

Burg (castle)

Jörg (Jörg)

(of government))

Tag (day)

Flug (flight)

This change in sound at the end of the word is not as surprising as it may seem. The /g/ and /k/ phonemes are both velar plosives, the difference being that you use your vocal cords to form the

whereas we do not use our vocal cords to make the /k/ sound i.e. we

Put your fingers lightly on your throat such that they rest on your voice box. and feel how your vocal cords vibrate as you form

. Note that there is no vibration in your vocal

sounds that the letter 'g' can make depending on its position in the word, listen to the following pairs of words. In the first word of

of the word. In the second word of a word, and is therefore pronounced as a /k/. Click

icon on the left to hear these pairs of words which you can read in the

The '-ig' ending

When 'g' forms part of an discussed elsewhere on this site

six '-ig' words listed in the box below:

richtig (correct)

lustig (funny)

eilig (hurried)

In other parts of Germany however, you may hear the consonant in an pronounced in a way that is closer to the

icon on the left to listen to the words in the box above pronounced in this way.


The German 'g' in consonant clusters

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which the letter 'g' appears as the first letter in a consonant cluster at the beginning of a word. The

words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English

Sounds 1:

Glas (glass)

Glück (happiness)

groß (big)

Note in particular that the initial this occurs at the start of a

following words by either clicking sound with how this would be pronounced in English:

20

forms part of an -ig suffix it is pronounced as -ich using the elsewhere on this site. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear

words listed in the box below:

Sounds 5: The "-ig" suffix

Honig (honey)

traurig (sad)

fertig (finished)

In other parts of Germany however, you may hear the consonant in an pronounced in a way that is closer to the /-ig/ phoneme. Click either here

icon on the left to listen to the words in the box above pronounced in this way.

How to pronounce German 'gn' and 'ng'

in consonant clusters

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which the appears as the first letter in a consonant cluster at the beginning of a word. The

words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1: 'g' + consonant in initial position

gleich (same, equal)

(happiness)

grau (grey)

grün (green)

Note in particular that the initial 'g' in a 'gn-' consonant cluster is pronounced even when this occurs at the start of a word. This is also true of the 'kn-' cluster. Listen to the

following words by either clicking here or on the sound icon on the left and contrast the initial how this would be pronounced in English:

using the /ç/ phoneme or on the sound icon on the left to hear

In other parts of Germany however, you may hear the consonant in an -ig suffix here or on the sound

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which the appears as the first letter in a consonant cluster at the beginning of a word. The

translation:

consonant cluster is pronounced even when cluster. Listen to the

or on the sound icon on the left and contrast the initial

Sounds 2:

Gnom (gnome)

Knie (knee)

Kneipe (pub)

The consonant sound 'ng'

The '-ng' consonant combination is pronounced in a manner that is similar to its English equivalent in words such as 'thing' and 'bring'. Althoughthe alphabet, '-ng' constitutes a distinct consonant, and it is described as a means that it is formed in the soft palate (velum) towards the back of the vocal tract, with the back of the tongue pressed against the velum. It is described as 'nasal' because the sound is expelled through the nasal cavity and not the oral tract.

This sound can cause difficulties for native English speakers because, although English also has the 'ng' consonant, there are two varieties of this in English. There is a noticeable difference in the way that the words 'finger' and 'ringer' are pronounced in English. If you say them to yourself, you will notice that these two words do not quite rhyme. There is an extra 'g''finger' (and words such as 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger') that is not articulated in 'ringer' (and words such as 'singer' and 'longing').

Only one form of the '-ng' consonant sound exists in German however. It does not have the extra /g/ phoneme that we find in 'finger', 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger', which means that care needs to be taken with the pronunciation of their German equivalents "Finger", "jünger", "länger" and "Hunger".

It is when the '-ng' consonant sound appears in the middle of a word that English speakers need to pay the most attention. Click either

five German words in which the how you might articulate the word in English. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English tran

Hunger (hunger)

singen (to sing)

Menge (amount)

21

Sounds 2: 'gn' and 'kn' in initial position

Gnade (mercy)

Knecht (vassal)

Knopf (button)

consonant combination is pronounced in a manner that is similar to its English equivalent in words such as 'thing' and 'bring'. Although it is not represented by a single letter of

constitutes a distinct consonant, and it is described as a velar nasalmeans that it is formed in the soft palate (velum) towards the back of the vocal tract, with the

e pressed against the velum. It is described as 'nasal' because the sound is expelled through the nasal cavity and not the oral tract.

This sound can cause difficulties for native English speakers because, although English also has re are two varieties of this in English. There is a noticeable difference in

the way that the words 'finger' and 'ringer' are pronounced in English. If you say them to yourself, you will notice that these two words do not quite rhyme. There is an extra 'g''finger' (and words such as 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger') that is not articulated in 'ringer' (and words such as 'singer' and 'longing').

consonant sound exists in German however. It does not have the extra neme that we find in 'finger', 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger', which means that care needs

to be taken with the pronunciation of their German equivalents "Finger", "jünger", "länger" and

consonant sound appears in the middle of a word that English speakers need to pay the most attention. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear

five German words in which the 'ng' sounds appears in the middle of a word, and compare it to how you might articulate the word in English. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 3: 'ng' in medial position

abhängig (dependent)

Finger (finger)

consonant combination is pronounced in a manner that is similar to its English it is not represented by a single letter of

velar nasal. This means that it is formed in the soft palate (velum) towards the back of the vocal tract, with the

e pressed against the velum. It is described as 'nasal' because the sound is

This sound can cause difficulties for native English speakers because, although English also has re are two varieties of this in English. There is a noticeable difference in

the way that the words 'finger' and 'ringer' are pronounced in English. If you say them to yourself, you will notice that these two words do not quite rhyme. There is an extra 'g' sound in 'finger' (and words such as 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger') that is not articulated in 'ringer' (and

consonant sound exists in German however. It does not have the extra neme that we find in 'finger', 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger', which means that care needs

to be taken with the pronunciation of their German equivalents "Finger", "jünger", "länger" and

consonant sound appears in the middle of a word that English speakers on the sound icon on the left to hear

sounds appears in the middle of a word, and compare it to how you might articulate the word in English. The words themselves are supplied in the box

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which the sound '-ng' occurs in final position. The words

below along with their English translation:

lang (long)

Meldung (announcement)

Frühling (spring)


The German consonant 'g'

The 'g' consonant retains its oimported from other languages. This is particularly true of loan words taken from French.

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear seven German words in which the letters '-age' appear. The words themselves are given in the box below along with their English translation:

Garage (garage)

Etage (floor of building)

Blamage (embarrassment)

Engagement(commitment)

This sound is also maintained in a number of words of French origin that contain the letters 'gi-'. Listen to the following imported

icon on the left.

22

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which occurs in final position. The words themselves are supplied in the box


Sounds 4: 'ng' in final position

Wohnung (apartment)

(announcement)

Ring (ring)

streng (severe)

How to pronounce German 'g' in loan words

in French loan words

consonant retains its original pronunciation in a number of words that have been imported from other languages. This is particularly true of loan words taken from French.

the sound icon on the left to hear seven German words in which the letters appear. The words themselves are given in the box below along with their English

Sounds 1: Imported '-age' words

Reportage (report)

(floor of building)

Passage (passage)

(embarrassment)

Rage (rage)

Engagement (commitment)

This sound is also maintained in a number of words of French origin that contain the letters . Listen to the following imported 'gi-' words by either clicking here

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which themselves are supplied in the box

riginal pronunciation in a number of words that have been imported from other languages. This is particularly true of loan words taken from French.

the sound icon on the left to hear seven German words in which the letters appear. The words themselves are given in the box below along with their English

This sound is also maintained in a number of words of French origin that contain the letters here or on the sound

Regie (direction (film)

Regime (regime)

It is not always easy to distinguish between words that begin with deceptively different pronunciations. Note the different ways in which the first syllable of

the following words is articulated by clicking either first word in each pair retains its initial French consonant sound after being imported into German, whereas the second word in each pair starts withare given in the box below along with their English translation:

Genie (genius)

Gelee (jelly)

Genre (genre)

The consonant sound 'g' in English loan words

A further group of German words have been imported from English and thus retain the English pronunciation of the

left to hear three such words:

Sounds 4: Loan words with English

Manager (manager)

Teenager (teenager)

23

Sounds 2: Imported '-gi' words

(film))

Regisseur (director)

It is not always easy to distinguish between words that begin with 'Ge-'deceptively different pronunciations. Note the different ways in which the first syllable of

the following words is articulated by clicking either here or on the sound icon on the left. The first word in each pair retains its initial French consonant sound after being imported into German, whereas the second word in each pair starts with a /g/ phoneme. The words themselves are given in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 3: Imported 'ge-' words

genial (inspired)

Gel (gel)

Gen (gene)

in English loan words

A further group of German words have been imported from English and thus retain the English pronunciation of the 'g' consonant. Click either here or on the sound icon on the

Sounds 4: Loan words with English 'g' sounds

Management (management)

How to pronounce German 'h'

', but which have deceptively different pronunciations. Note the different ways in which the first syllable of

or on the sound icon on the left. The first word in each pair retains its initial French consonant sound after being imported into

phoneme. The words themselves

A further group of German words have been imported from English and thus retain the or on the sound icon on the

The German 'h' sound

When the German letter 'h'manner that corresponds to the initial sound in the English words

In English as in German, a slight narrowing of the speech organs takes place in the glottis, causing friction to the airstream. The German Unlike in many English dialects however, this the start or middle of words. The Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six words featuring the close attention to the final two words in which

Haus (house)

Heim (home)

Bahnhof (station)

But the letter 'h' is not pronouncedvowel is a long one. Click either

which the letter 'h' is not articulated. Note in particular the length of the vowel that it follows.

Sounds 2: Words in which

stehen (to stand)

fahren (to travel)

The consonant cluster 'th' of whether 'th' appears at the beginning, middle or end of a word. Click either

the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce German words which contain The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Theater (theatre)

Theorie (theory)

24

'h' appears at the beginning of a word, it is pronounced in a t corresponds to the initial sound in the English words 'house',

In English as in German, a slight narrowing of the speech organs takes place in the glottis, causing friction to the airstream. The German 'h' sound is therefore called a Unlike in many English dialects however, this 'h' sound can never be 'dropped' the start or middle of words. The 'h' sound is never used in final position in German.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six words featuring the close attention to the final two words in which 'h' is used in medial position.

Sounds 1: The 'h' glottal fricative

hier (here)

Haupt (head)

Hochhaus (block of flats)

not pronounced at all if it used merely to indicate that the preceding vowel is a long one. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four words in

is not articulated. Note in particular the length of the vowel that it follows.

nds 2: Words in which 'h' is not pronounced

(to stand)

gehen (to go)

(to travel)

Lehrer (teacher)

is always pronounced as the phoneme /t/. This is true regardless appears at the beginning, middle or end of a word. Click either

n the left to hear a native speaker pronounce German words which contain The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 3: The 'th' consonant cluster

Thema (theme)

sympathisch (pleasant)

appears at the beginning of a word, it is pronounced in a , 'hall' or 'history'.

In English as in German, a slight narrowing of the speech organs takes place in the glottis, glottal fricative.

sound can never be 'dropped' - i.e. omitted - at sound is never used in final position in German.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six words featuring the 'h' sound. Pay

at all if it used merely to indicate that the preceding or on the sound icon on the left to hear four words in

is not articulated. Note in particular the length of the vowel that it follows.

. This is true regardless appears at the beginning, middle or end of a word. Click either here or on

n the left to hear a native speaker pronounce German words which contain 'th'. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Apotheke (chemist's)

Methode (method)

Psychopath(psychopath)


words that originally contained the letters are now spelled with an 'f'. You would now write and Fotografie rather than Photographie

however, a number of 'ph' words remain, sometimes as the sole acceptable spelling of a lexical item, sometimes as an accepted variant to the spelling with icon on the left to hear the correct pronunciation of four words with the

Sounds 4: The German


Physik (physics)

The German Consonant 'j'

The German consonant 'j' 'y' sound that in words such as 'yes', 'yellow' or 'yard'. It is formed when the middle of the

tongue makes contact with the hard palate and it is a 'voiced' sound i.e. you can feel you vocal cords vibrate when the sound is ahear eight German words which all start with the letter

Sounds 1: Words starting with the letters

ja (yes)

jetzt (now)

Jubel (jubilation)

Jacke (jacket)

25

(chemist's)

Mathematik (mathematics)

Athlet (athlete)

Psychopath (psychopath)

'ph' are pronounced as an /f/ phoneme in German. In fact, many words that originally contained the letters 'ph' have now been Germanified such that they

. You would now write Telefon, for example, rather than Photographie. Even after the recent German spelling reforms

words remain, sometimes as the sole acceptable spelling of a lexical item, sometimes as an accepted variant to the spelling with 'f'. Click either hereicon on the left to hear the correct pronunciation of four words with the /ph/ spelling:

Sounds 4: The German 'ph' consonant cluster


Phrase (phrase)


How to pronounce German 'j'

is almost always pronounced in the same manner as the English sound that in words such as 'yes', 'yellow' or 'yard'. It is formed when the middle of the

tongue makes contact with the hard palate and it is a 'voiced' sound i.e. you can feel you vocal cords vibrate when the sound is articulated. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear eight German words which all start with the letter 'j'.

Sounds 1: Words starting with the letters 'j'

jung (young)

jeder (each)

(jubilation)

Jugend (youth)

Jahr (year)


, for example, rather than Telephon, Even after the recent German spelling reforms

words remain, sometimes as the sole acceptable spelling of a lexical here or on the sound spelling:

the same manner as the English sound that in words such as 'yes', 'yellow' or 'yard'. It is formed when the middle of the

tongue makes contact with the hard palate and it is a 'voiced' sound i.e. you can feel you vocal or on the sound icon on the left to

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear two words which contain the German letter 'j' in medial position. The spelling of the German word Germanified as part of the recent spelling reforms in the German

Sounds 2: Imported words with

Majonäse(mayonnaise)

The proximity of German imported from English that

'j'. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six such imported German words which all start with the German letter

Sou

Jacht (yacht)

Jo-Jo (yo-yo)

Jod (iodine)

There is an ever-growing number of exceptions to this rule however. The influx of English terms beginning with the letter

retention of the English 'j' sound in spoken German. Click either left to hear eight German words which start with the letter

Sounds 4: Words starting with an 'English' letter

Job (job)

Jet (jet)

Jeans (jeans)

Jackpot (jackpot)

To complicate matters yet further, a further set of words beginning in imported from French and thus require the

would be accustomed to hear in France. Click either

26

or on the sound icon on the left to hear two words which contain the in medial position. The spelling of the German word

part of the recent spelling reforms in the German-speaking countries.

nds 2: Imported words with 'j' in medial position

onäse (mayonnaise)

Boje (buoy)

The proximity of German 'j' to English 'y' can be seen by the fact that many words imported from English that originally began with a 'y' are spelled in German with an initial

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six such imported German words l start with the German letter 'j' in German.

Sounds 3: Imported words starting with 'j'

Joghurt (yoghurt)

jodeln (to yodel)

Jota (iota)

growing number of exceptions to this rule however. The influx of English terms beginning with the letter 'j' into the German language has been accompanied by the

sound in spoken German. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear eight German words which start with the letter 'j' articulated as it would be in English.

Sounds 4: Words starting with an 'English' letter 'j'

Jazz (jazz)

Jeep (jeep)

Jumper (jumper)

(jackpot)

joggen (to jog)

To complicate matters yet further, a further set of words beginning in imported from French and thus require the 'j' sound to be articulated in the manner that we

would be accustomed to hear in France. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear

or on the sound icon on the left to hear two words which contain the in medial position. The spelling of the German word Majonäse was

speaking countries.

can be seen by the fact that many words are spelled in German with an initial

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six such imported German words

growing number of exceptions to this rule however. The influx of English into the German language has been accompanied by the

or on the sound icon on the articulated as it would be in English.

To complicate matters yet further, a further set of words beginning in 'j' have been sound to be articulated in the manner that we

or on the sound icon on the left to hear

four such words. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 5: Words starting with a 'French' letter

Journalist (male journalist)

Journalistin(female journalist)


The German Consonant 'k'

The German consonant 'k' is most often pronounced in the same way as the final letter of the English word 'cook'. The /k/ phoneme is a velar plosive, which means that it is articulated in the soft palate or velum towards the back of in the oral passage than with other consonants. Unlike the phoneme vibrate as the consonant is articulated, which makes



kalt (cold)

Kino (common)

Kuchen (cake)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the letter 'k' appears as the first letter in a consonant cluster at the beginning of a word. The


Sounds 1:

klein (small)

krank (ill)

27

four such words. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English

Sounds 5: Words starting with a 'French' letter 'j'

(male journalist)

Journal (journal)

rnalistin (female journalist)

Jalousie (blind)

How to pronounce the German consonant 'k'

is most often pronounced in the same way as the final letter of the phoneme is a velar plosive, which means that it is articulated in the

soft palate or velum towards the back of the vocal tract. The closure is thus formed further back in the oral passage than with other consonants. Unlike the phoneme /g/, the vocal cords do not vibrate as the consonant is articulated, which makes /k/ a 'voiceless' consonant.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German ng with the letter 'k'. The words themselves are given in the box below


Sounds 1: 'k' in initial position

Kaffee (coffee)

(common)

kommen (to come)

kein (not a, none)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which appears as the first letter in a consonant cluster at the beginning of a word. The


Sounds 1: 'k' + consonant in initial position

klasse! (great!)

Krieg (war)

four such words. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English

is most often pronounced in the same way as the final letter of the phoneme is a velar plosive, which means that it is articulated in the

the vocal tract. The closure is thus formed further back , the vocal cords do not

a 'voiceless' consonant.


or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which appears as the first letter in a consonant cluster at the beginning of a word. The


Next, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the letter 'k' appears in medial position. The words themselves are given in thealong with their English translation:

Theke (bar; counter)

Socke (sock)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce four German words in which the letter

themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation. Note how the letters 'k' and 'g' are pronounced in the same way, i.e. as the phoneme /k/, when they appear at the end of a word.

Streik (strike)

Rock (skirt; rock music)


The German sound 'k' in consonant clusters

Click either here or on the sound icon on the lefletter 'k' appears as the first letter in a consonant cluster at the beginning of a word. The


Sounds 1:

klein (small)

krank (ill)

When 'k' appears as the second element in an initial consonant cluster, it retains its phoneme. Click either here

which the letter 'k' appears after 's'

28

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which appears in medial position. The words themselves are given in the

along with their English translation:

Sounds 3: 'k' in medial position

(bar; counter)

Paket (packet)

lecker (tasty)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce four German words in which the letter 'k' appears at the end of a word. The words

pplied in the box below along with an English translation. Note how the letters are pronounced in the same way, i.e. as the phoneme /k/, when they appear at the end

Sounds 3: 'k' in final position

Kuckuck (cuckoo)

(skirt; rock music)

Glück (happiness)

How to pronounce German 'k' in consonant clusters

in consonant clusters

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the appears as the first letter in a consonant cluster at the beginning of a word. The


Sounds 1: 'k' + consonant in initial position

klasse! (great!)

Krieg (war)

appears as the second element in an initial consonant cluster, it retains its here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in

's'.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which appears in medial position. The words themselves are given in the box below

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce appears at the end of a word. The words

pplied in the box below along with an English translation. Note how the letters are pronounced in the same way, i.e. as the phoneme /k/, when they appear at the end

t to hear four German words in which the appears as the first letter in a consonant cluster at the beginning of a word. The


appears as the second element in an initial consonant cluster, it retains its /k/ or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in

Sou

Skandal (scandal)

Skelett (skeleton)

But be careful of the pronunciation of the German word alternate version of the word, and often catches out learners of German. Click either

or on the sound icon on the left to hear how the word should be spoken.

Ski fahren(to ski)

The consonant cluster 'nk'

In the consonant cluster written as nasal "ng" heard at the end of English words such as 'thing' and bring', followed by the

phoneme /k/. This is less complicated than it words such as 'thin-king. Click either words in which this sound combsupplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 4: The

sinken (to sink)

Enkel (grandchild)

Now click here to listen to a similar set of speaker. In each case, the sound produced is the same as in the table above:

Sounds 5: The

trinken (to drink)

denken (to think)

29

Sounds 2: The 'sk' sound in initial position

Sklave (slave)

(skeleton)

Skulptur (sculpture)

pronunciation of the German word Ski! It is pronounced as alternate version of the word, and often catches out learners of German. Click either

und icon on the left to hear how the word should be spoken.

Sounds 3: How to pronounce 'Ski'

fahren

ich fahre Ski (I am skiing)

In the consonant cluster written as "-nk", the sound produced is a combination of the velar nasal "ng" heard at the end of English words such as 'thing' and bring', followed by the

. This is less complicated than it sounds, equating to how we pronounce English king. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German

words in which this sound combination appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 4: The 'nk' consonant cluster in initial position

trinken (to drink)

(grandchild)

Onkel (uncle)

to listen to a similar set of '-nk' words spoken by a different native German speaker. In each case, the sound produced is the same as in the table above:

nds 5: The 'nk' consonant cluster in initial position

danken (to thank)

Frankreich (France)

! It is pronounced as "Schi", an alternate version of the word, and often catches out learners of German. Click either here

, the sound produced is a combination of the velar nasal "ng" heard at the end of English words such as 'thing' and bring', followed by the

sounds, equating to how we pronounce English or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German

ination appears in medial position. The words themselves are

words spoken by a different native German speaker. In each case, the sound produced is the same as in the table above:

This consonant cluster is also heard when own or followed by a further consonant. Click either to hear four German words in which the letters

lexical items.

Sou

Punkt (point)

sinkt (sinks)

To distinguish between the German icon on the left to hear three pairs of words in which the different sounds occur:


singen (to sing)

Engel (angel)

Finger (finger)

The German Consonant 'l'

The pronunciation of the German consonant first language is English. This is because th

• 1) the so-called clear 'l' or 'land', 'like')

• 2) the dark 'l' or back 'l' which is found only at the end of words or syllables (i.e. 'tackle', 'will').

German, on the other hand, uses the for English speakers to resist the temptation to articulate words or syllables whe You should therefore practise the formation of the German consonant, which means air escapes laterally in its production, because the sides of the tongue

30

is also heard when 'nk' appears as the end of a word, either on its own or followed by a further consonant. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left

German words in which the letters 'nk' appear in final position in German

Sounds 6: The sound 'nk' in final position

winkt (waves)

trinkt (drinks)

the German 'nk' and 'ng' sounds, click either hereicon on the left to hear three pairs of words in which the different sounds occur:

Sounds 7: Distinguishing between 'ng' and 'nk' sounds

sinken (to sink)

Enkel (grandchild)

Finken (finches)

How to pronounce German 'l'

The pronunciation of the German consonant 'l' often proves difficult for language learners whose first language is English. This is because the English consonant system contains

or front 'l' which is found at the beginning of words (i.e.

which is found only at the end of words or syllables (i.e.

German, on the other hand, uses the clear 'l' sound in all positions. It can prove difficult therefore for English speakers to resist the temptation to articulate dark 'l' consonants at the end of German words or syllables where a clear 'l' sound should be employed.

You should therefore practise the formation of the German clear 'l' (front 'l') sound. It is a consonant, which means air escapes laterally in its production, because the sides of the tongue

appears as the end of a word, either on its or on the sound icon on the left

appear in final position in German

here or on the sound icon on the left to hear three pairs of words in which the different sounds occur:

often proves difficult for language learners whose e English consonant system contains two 'l' sounds:

which is found at the beginning of words (i.e. 'lamp',

which is found only at the end of words or syllables (i.e. 'rattle',

positions. It can prove difficult therefore consonants at the end of German

sound should be employed.

(front 'l') sound. It is a lateral consonant, which means air escapes laterally in its production, because the sides of the tongue

stay down while the blade of the tongue makes contact with the alveolar ridge of the mouth. To feel the movement of air for yourself, trying forming a will feel a stream of cold air moving along both sides of the tongue and pal

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear ten German wGerman clear 'l'. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English

translation:

Sou

alleine (alone)

wild (wild)

Polen (Poland)

Unheil (disaster)

Leute (people)

As it is the end of words where native English speakers are most tempted to use a dark click either here or on the sound icon on the left to practise the following German words,

all of which contain a final consonant which must be pronounced as a supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

viel (much)

Stil (style)

Kiel (Kiel)

The clear 'l' is also used in final raise the back of your tongue when articulating these sounds, as we do for example in

English 'cattle', 'subtle' or 'scuttle'. Click either German words which all end in a clear

Sou

Schlüssel

31

the blade of the tongue makes contact with the alveolar ridge of the mouth. To feel the movement of air for yourself, trying forming a clear 'l' but then breathe in quickly will feel a stream of cold air moving along both sides of the tongue and pal

or on the sound icon on the left to hear ten German words containing the . The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English

Sounds 1: The German clear or front 'l'

hell (bright)

Fräulein (young lady)

Teil (part)

Schal (shawl)

lallen (to babble)

words where native English speakers are most tempted to use a dark or on the sound icon on the left to practise the following German words,

ich contain a final consonant which must be pronounced as a clear 'l'supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: 'l' in final position

Ventil (valve; outlet)

Nil (Nile)

subtil (subtle)

is also used in final '-el' syllables. Make sure that you do not unconsciously raise the back of your tongue when articulating these sounds, as we do for example in

English 'cattle', 'subtle' or 'scuttle'. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words which all end in a clear '-el'.

Sounds 3: German '-el' in final position

Schlüssel

Mittel

the blade of the tongue makes contact with the alveolar ridge of the mouth. To but then breathe in quickly - you

will feel a stream of cold air moving along both sides of the tongue and palate.

ords containing the . The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English

words where native English speakers are most tempted to use a dark 'l', or on the sound icon on the left to practise the following German words,

clear 'l'. The words are

syllables. Make sure that you do not unconsciously raise the back of your tongue when articulating these sounds, as we do for example in

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four

(key)

Apfel (apple)

Finally, click either here pronounce four German words ending in

clear 'l' (front 'l') as opposed to a dark

Sounds 4: German

wandeln (to change)

angeln (to fish)

The German Consonant 'm'

The German 'm' is a nasal consonant, which means that when it is made, the airsream escapes through the nose and not the mouth. To prove this to yourself, try making an extended sound and then squeezing your nose with your fingers. The air can no longesound cannot be articulated. Note too that your vocal cords vibrate when the consonant is formed, which means that /m/ is a 'voiced/ sound.

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German words that begin with the letter


Mann (man)

Musik (music)

Minute (minute)

32

(means)

Wandel (change)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce four German words ending in '-eln'. These too need to be articulated with a

s opposed to a dark 'l'.

Sounds 4: German '-eln' in final position

(to change)

sammeln (to collect)

Kartoffeln (potatoes)

How to pronounce German 'm'

is a nasal consonant, which means that when it is made, the airsream escapes through the nose and not the mouth. To prove this to yourself, try making an extended sound and then squeezing your nose with your fingers. The air can no longesound cannot be articulated. Note too that your vocal cords vibrate when the consonant is

is a 'voiced/ sound.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German words that begin with the letter 'm'. The words themselves are given in the box below

th an English translation:

Sounds 1: 'm' in initial position

Maus (mouse)

mehr (more)

modern (modern)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker . These too need to be articulated with a

is a nasal consonant, which means that when it is made, the airsream escapes through the nose and not the mouth. To prove this to yourself, try making an extended 'mmmmm' sound and then squeezing your nose with your fingers. The air can no longer escape and the sound cannot be articulated. Note too that your vocal cords vibrate when the consonant is


Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which the letter 'm' appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

kommen (to come)

Sommer (summer)

Zimmer (room)

Finally, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words iwhich the letter 'm' appears at the end of a word. As before, the words are supplied in the


Lamm (lamb)

Baum (tree)


The German 'm' sound in consonant clusters

The German 'm' sound is also used in consonant clusters and retains its bilbial nasal sound. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four German

words that begin with consonant clusters that contain the letter given in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1:

Schmuck (jewellery)

Schmerz (pain)

33

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box


Sounds 2: 'm' in medial position

(to come)

Name (name)

(summer)

Bäume (trees)

Riemen (strap)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words iappears at the end of a word. As before, the words are supplied in the


Sounds 3: 'd' in final position

Dom (cathedral)

Reichtum (wealth)

How to pronounce German 'm' + another consonant

sound in consonant clusters

sound is also used in consonant clusters and retains its bilbial nasal sound. or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four German

words that begin with consonant clusters that contain the letter 'm'. The words themsegiven in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1: 'm' + another consonant in initial position

(jewellery)

schmal (narrow)

Smaragd (emerald)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in appears at the end of a word. As before, the words are supplied in the

sound is also used in consonant clusters and retains its bilbial nasal sound. or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four German

. The words themselves are

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the letter 'm' appears in a consonant cluster in medial position. given in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: Clusters with

Lampe (lamp)

Ampel (traffic light)

Finally, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to three German words in which the letter 'm' appears in a final consonant cluster. As before, the words are supplied

in the box below along with their English translation:

Amt (office)

plump (clumsy)

How to pronounce the German

The German Consonant 'n'

The German 'n' is a nasal consonant, which means that it is articulated with air escaping through the nose and not the vocal tract. It is articulated in a different position however, with the tip or blade of the tongue pressed firmly against the alveoli or toothwhich is the part of the mouth immediately behind the top teeth. This combination of manner and place of aticulation means that the German vocal cords vibrate when the consonant is formed, which means that

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say eight German words that begin with the letter


Nacht (night)

Nebel

34

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which appears in a consonant cluster in medial position. The words themselves are

given in the box below along with their English translation:

nds 2: Clusters with 'm' in medial position

Tempel (temple)

fic light)

Rampe (ramp)

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to three German words in appears in a final consonant cluster. As before, the words are supplied

in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 3: 'm' in final position

(office)

Hemd (shirt)

(clumsy)

How to pronounce the German 'n' consonant

is a nasal consonant, which means that it is articulated with air escaping through the nose and not the vocal tract. It is articulated in a different position in the mouth to however, with the tip or blade of the tongue pressed firmly against the alveoli or toothwhich is the part of the mouth immediately behind the top teeth. This combination of manner and place of aticulation means that the German /n/ is called an alveolar nasal. Note too that your vocal cords vibrate when the consonant is formed, which means that /m/ is a 'voiced/ sound.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say eight German words that begin with the letter 'n'. The words themselves are given in the box below along

Sounds 1: 'n' in initial position

Nase (nose)

neu

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which The words themselves are

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to three German words in appears in a final consonant cluster. As before, the words are supplied

is a nasal consonant, which means that it is articulated with air escaping through in the mouth to /m/

however, with the tip or blade of the tongue pressed firmly against the alveoli or tooth-ridge, which is the part of the mouth immediately behind the top teeth. This combination of manner and

. Note too that your is a 'voiced/ sound.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say eight German . The words themselves are given in the box below along

(fog)

nicht (not)

noch (still)

The German 'n' sound is also used in consonant clusters in which it retains its alveolar nasal sound. Click either here

four German words that begin with the in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: The

Schnee (snow)

Schneider(tailor)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the letter 'n' appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box


Tunnel (tunnel)

Linie (line)

Finally, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the letter 'n' appears at the end of a word. As before, the words


schön (beautiful)

braun (brown)


35

(new)

niemand (no-one)

Nummer (number)

sound is also used in consonant clusters in which it retains its alveolar here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say

four German words that begin with the 'schn' consonant cluster. The words themselves are given below along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: The 'schn' cluster in initial position

schnell (quick)

Schneider

Schnaps (schnaps)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box

with their English translation:

Sounds 3: 'n' in medial position

genug (enough)

Miene (expression)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in appears at the end of a word. As before, the words are supplied in the


Sounds 4: 'n' in final position

(beautiful)

essen (to eat)

sein (his; to be)

How to pronounce German 'ng' + 'nk'

sound is also used in consonant clusters in which it retains its alveolar or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say

consonant cluster. The words themselves are given

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in are supplied in the

The German Consonant Clusters

The '-ng' consonant combination is pronounced in a manner that is similar to its English equivalent in words such as 'thing' and 'bring'. Although it is not represented by a single letter of the alphabet, '-ng' constitutes a distinct means that it is formed in the soft palate (velum) towards the back of the vocal tract, with the back of the tongue pressed against the velum. It is described as 'nasal' because the sound is expelled through the nasal cavity and not the oral tract.

This sound can cause difficulties for native English speakers because, although English also has the 'ng' consonant, there are two varieties of this in English. There is a noticeable difference in the way that the words 'finger' and 'ringer' are pronounced in English. If you say them to yourself, you will notice that these two words do not quite rhyme. There is an extra 'g' sound in 'finger' (and words such as 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger') that is not artiwords such as 'singer' and 'longing').

Only one form of the '-ng' consonant sound exists in German however. It does not have the extra /g/ phoneme that we find in 'finger', 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger', which means that care nto be taken with the pronunciation of their German equivalents "Finger", "jünger", "länger" and "Hunger".

It is when the '-ng' consonant sound appears in the middle need to pay the most attention. Click either

five German words in which the how you might articulate the word in English. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Hunger (hunger)

singen (to sing)

Menge (amount)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which the sound '-ng' occurs in final position. The words themselves are supplied in the box


36

The German Consonant Clusters 'ng' and 'nk'


constitutes a distinct consonant, and it is described as a velar nasalmeans that it is formed in the soft palate (velum) towards the back of the vocal tract, with the back of the tongue pressed against the velum. It is described as 'nasal' because the sound is

rough the nasal cavity and not the oral tract.

This sound can cause difficulties for native English speakers because, although English also has the 'ng' consonant, there are two varieties of this in English. There is a noticeable difference in

t the words 'finger' and 'ringer' are pronounced in English. If you say them to yourself, you will notice that these two words do not quite rhyme. There is an extra 'g' sound in 'finger' (and words such as 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger') that is not articulated in 'ringer' (and words such as 'singer' and 'longing').

consonant sound exists in German however. It does not have the extra /g/ phoneme that we find in 'finger', 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger', which means that care nto be taken with the pronunciation of their German equivalents "Finger", "jünger", "länger" and

consonant sound appears in the middle of a word that English speakers need to pay the most attention. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear

five German words in which the 'ng' sounds appears in the middle of a word, and compare it to how you might articulate the word in English. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1: 'ng' in medial position

abhängig (dependent)

Finger (finger)


ith their English translation:


velar nasal. This means that it is formed in the soft palate (velum) towards the back of the vocal tract, with the back of the tongue pressed against the velum. It is described as 'nasal' because the sound is

This sound can cause difficulties for native English speakers because, although English also has the 'ng' consonant, there are two varieties of this in English. There is a noticeable difference in

t the words 'finger' and 'ringer' are pronounced in English. If you say them to yourself, you will notice that these two words do not quite rhyme. There is an extra 'g' sound in

culated in 'ringer' (and

consonant sound exists in German however. It does not have the extra /g/ phoneme that we find in 'finger', 'younger', 'longer' and 'hunger', which means that care needs to be taken with the pronunciation of their German equivalents "Finger", "jünger", "länger" and

of a word that English speakers or on the sound icon on the left to hear

s in the middle of a word, and compare it to how you might articulate the word in English. The words themselves are supplied in the box


lang (long)

Meldung (announcement)

Frühling (spring)

The consonant cluster 'nk'

In the consonant cluster written as nasal "ng" heard at the end of English words such as 'thing' and bring', followed by the

phoneme /k/. This is less complicated than it sounds, equating to how we pronounce English words such as 'thin-king. Click either words in which this sound combination appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 3: The

sinken (to sink)

Enkel (grandchild)

Now click here to listen to a similar set of

Sounds 4: The

trinken (to drink)

denken (to think)

This consonant cluster is also heard when own or followed by a further consonant. Click either

to hear four German words in which the letters items.

37

Sounds 2: 'ng' in final position

Wohnung (apartment)

(announcement)

Ring (ring)

streng (severe)

In the consonant cluster written as "-nk", the sound produced is a combination of the velar "ng" heard at the end of English words such as 'thing' and bring', followed by the . This is less complicated than it sounds, equating to how we pronounce English

king. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which this sound combination appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:


trinken (to drink)

(grandchild)

Onkel (uncle)

to listen to a similar set of '-nk' words spoken by a differen


danken (to thank)

Frankreich (France)

This consonant cluster is also heard when 'nk' appears as the end of a word, either on its own or followed by a further consonant. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left

to hear four German words in which the letters 'nk' appear in final position in German lexical

, the sound produced is a combination of the velar "ng" heard at the end of English words such as 'thing' and bring', followed by the . This is less complicated than it sounds, equating to how we pronounce English

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which this sound combination appears in medial position. The words themselves are

words spoken by a different speaker:

appears as the end of a word, either on its or on the sound icon on the left

appear in final position in German lexical

Sounds 5: The sound

Punkt (point)

sinkt (sinks)

To distinguish between the German icon on the left to hear three pairs of words in which the different sounds occur:


singen (to sing)

Engel (angel)

Finger (finger)


The German Consonant 'p'

The German consonant 'p' is pronounced in a similar manner to its English equivalent, regardless of whether it appears at the beginning, middle or end of a word. In both languages, the sound is a bilabial plosive, i.e. in order to make the airstream is then stopped as it passes through the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it is released. The vocal cords do not vibrate when this sound is made, which means that it is a 'voiceless' consonan

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six Gwords beginning with the letter


Park (park)

Pullover (pullover)

Person (person)

38

Sounds 5: The sound 'nk' in final position

winkt (waves)

trinkt (drinks)

the German 'nk' and 'ng' sounds, click either hereicon on the left to hear three pairs of words in which the different sounds occur:

nds 6: Distinguishing between 'ng' and 'nk' sounds

sinken (to sink)

Enkel (grandchild)

Finken (finches)

How to pronounce the German consonant 'p'

is pronounced in a similar manner to its English equivalent, regardless of whether it appears at the beginning, middle or end of a word. In both languages, the sound is a bilabial plosive, i.e. in order to make the 'p' sound, both lips must be placed together. The airstream is then stopped as it passes through the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it is released. The vocal cords do not vibrate when this sound is made, which means that it is a 'voiceless' consonan

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six Gwords beginning with the letter 'p'. The words themselves are given in the box below along

Sounds 1: 'p' in initial position

Pause (pause)

(pullover)

Post (post office)

Punkt (point)

here or on the sound icon on the left to hear three pairs of words in which the different sounds occur:

is pronounced in a similar manner to its English equivalent, regardless of whether it appears at the beginning, middle or end of a word. In both languages, the sound is a

und, both lips must be placed together. The airstream is then stopped as it passes through the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it is released. The vocal cords do not vibrate when this sound is made, which means that it is a 'voiceless' consonant.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German . The words themselves are given in the box below along

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronouncesix German words in which the letter are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Papier (paper)

Lippe (lip)

Papagei (parrot)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker recite foGerman words in which the letter

are supplied in the box below along with an English translation. Note how the letters are both pronounced in the same way, i.e. as the phoneme word.

Tipp (tip)

Mopp (mop)


The German consonant 'p'

The German consonant consonants. Click either here

four words in which the letter 'p'

themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1:

Platz (room, space)

prima (fantastic)

39

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronouncesix German words in which the letter 'p' appears in medial position. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 2: 'p' in medial position

Puppe (doll)

Gruppe (group)

kaputt (broken)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker recite foGerman words in which the letter 'p' appears at the end of a word. The words themselves

are supplied in the box below along with an English translation. Note how the letters are both pronounced in the same way, i.e. as the phoneme /p/, when they appear at the end of a

Sounds 3: 'p' in final position

Galopp (gallop)

stopp! (stop!)

How to pronounce German 'p' with other consonants

+ another consonant

The German consonant 'p' retains its sound when used in combination with other here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker recite

'p' appears in a consonant cluster at the beginning. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1: 'p' + consonant in initial position

(room, space)

plötzlich (suddenly)

Problem (problem)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce appears in medial position. The words themselves

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker recite four appears at the end of a word. The words themselves

are supplied in the box below along with an English translation. Note how the letters 'p' and 'b' they appear at the end of a

ination with other or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker recite

luster at the beginning. The words

Attention should be paid however to the German consonant clusters all of the clusters, the 'p' sound is spoken at the beginning of the word in German, whereas it is silent in similar English constructions. Click either

left to hear a native speaker say six words that begin with the consonant clusters 'pt-'. Note in particular the way in wh

Sounds 2: Consonant clusters

Psychologie(psychology)

Psychothriller(psychothriller)

pneumatisch(psychothriller)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronouncethree German words in the middle of which the letter

cluster. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 3:

Lampe (lamp)

Waspe (wasp)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which the letter 'p' appears as part of a consonant cluster at the end of a word. The words


Sou

Haupt (head)

Schnaps (schnaps)

The German 'ph' sound


words that originally contained the letters are now spelled with an 'f'. You would now write

40

paid however to the German consonant clusters 'psy'sound is spoken at the beginning of the word in German, whereas

it is silent in similar English constructions. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six words that begin with the consonant clusters

. Note in particular the way in which the letter 'y' is pronounced in 'psy' clusters:

nds 2: Consonant clusters 'psy', 'pn' and 'pt'

Psychologie (psychology)

psychisch (psychic)

Psychothriller (psychothriller)

Psychiatrie (psychiatry)

umatisch (psychothriller)

Pterodaktylus (pterodactyl)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronouncethree German words in the middle of which the letter 'p' appears as part of a consonant


Sounds 3: 'p' + consonant in medial position

Tempel (temple)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which appears as part of a consonant cluster at the end of a word. The words

supplied in the box below along with an English translation.

Sounds 4: 'p' + consonant in final position

klappt (functions)

(schnaps)

Schlips (tie)

'ph' are pronounced as an /f/ phoneme in German. In fact, many words that originally contained the letters 'ph' have now been Germanified such tha

. You would now write Telefon, for example, rather than

'psy', 'pn' and 'pt'. In sound is spoken at the beginning of the word in German, whereas

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six words that begin with the consonant clusters 'psy-', 'pn-' and

clusters:

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce appears as part of a consonant


or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words in which appears as part of a consonant cluster at the end of a word. The words


, for example, rather than Telephon,

and Fotografie rather than Photographie

however, a number of 'ph' words remain, sometimes as the sole acceptaitem, sometimes as an accepted variant to the spelling with icon on the left to hear the correct pronunciat



Physik (physics)


The German 'pf' sound

Although the German 'pf' sound is sound. It is called an affricate, which meansthe sound's articulation - the 'p' stage stage.

This sound is far more common in German than it is in English, where we normally hear it only in compound nouns such as

another begins. In German however, it is quite possible to find this sound at the starend of words. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear eight words featuring the 'pf' sound in a variety of positions.

Pfund (pound)

Pferd (horse)

Pfeil (arrow)

Kopf (head)

Care should be taken in distinguishing the either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear three pairs of words which display the

difference in pronunciation of these two sounds:

41

Photographie. Even after the recent German spelling reforms words remain, sometimes as the sole acceptable spelling of a lexical

item, sometimes as an accepted variant to the spelling with 'f'. Click either hereicon on the left to hear the correct pronunciation of four words with the /ph/ spelling:

Sounds 5: The German 'ph' consonant cluster


Phrase (phrase)


How to pronounce the German 'pf' sound

sound is written as two letters, it should be articulatedsound. It is called an affricate, which means that is made up of an quick explosion at the start of

stage -, immediately followed by a slow fricative closure

is sound is far more common in German than it is in English, where we normally hear it only in compound nouns such as stepfather at the point where one syllable ends and

another begins. In German however, it is quite possible to find this sound at the staror on the sound icon on the left to hear eight words featuring the

sound in a variety of positions.

Sounds 1: The 'pf' affricate sound

Pfennig (pfennig)

Pfingsten (Whitsun)

Pfirsich (peach)

Tropfen (drop)

Care should be taken in distinguishing the 'pf' sound from the German /f/or on the sound icon on the left to hear three pairs of words which display the

difference in pronunciation of these two sounds:

. Even after the recent German spelling reforms ble spelling of a lexical

here or on the sound spelling:

articulated as one single that is made up of an quick explosion at the start of

, immediately followed by a slow fricative closure - the 'f'

is sound is far more common in German than it is in English, where we normally hear it at the point where one syllable ends and

another begins. In German however, it is quite possible to find this sound at the start, middle and or on the sound icon on the left to hear eight words featuring the

/f/ phoneme. Click or on the sound icon on the left to hear three pairs of words which display the


Pfund (pound)

Pfand (deposit)

Pflug (plough)

Finally, try to distinguish between the to the following four German words which contain both sounds. Click either

sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce these words, which are supplbox below.

Sounds 3:

Pfeffer (pepper)

Pfeife (pipe)

The German Consonant 'q'

As in English, the German consonant is pronounced however in a very different manner. It should be spoken as a only familiar to us from words such as 'kvetch', which is itself a loan word from Yiddish.

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce six German words beginning with the letter

below along with an English translation:

Quittung (receipt)

quer (diagonally)

Quiz (quiz)

42

Sounds 2: Distinguishing between 'pf' and 'f'

Fund (discovery)

Fand (found)

Flug (flight)

Finally, try to distinguish between the 'pf' and 'f' sounds within the same word by listening following four German words which contain both sounds. Click either

sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce these words, which are suppl

Sounds 3: 'pf' and 'f' sounds in the same word

Pfiff (whistle)

Pfaffe (cleric)

How to pronounce German 'q'

As in English, the German consonant 'q' is always followed by the letter 'u' when it is written. It is pronounced however in a very different manner. It should be spoken as a 'kv'

ds such as 'kvetch', which is itself a loan word from Yiddish.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce six German words beginning with the letter 'q'. The words themselves are given in the box

below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1: 'q' in initial position

Quelle (source)

(diagonally)

Qualität (quality)

quietschen (to squeak)

sounds within the same word by listening following four German words which contain both sounds. Click either here or on the

sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce these words, which are supplied in the

when it is written. It 'kv' sound, which is

ds such as 'kvetch', which is itself a loan word from Yiddish.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce six . The words themselves are given in the box

In a small number of words imported from French, such as /k/ phoneme if the letter occurs in medial and final exceptions. The 'kv' sound is found in medial position in most other imported words German word Aquarium.


The German Consonant 'r'

The German consonant 'r' is one of the most difficult sounds to master. Not only will you hear a vast range of variants in the Germanbut all of the German 'r' sounds differ from their English equivalents. As it is beyond the scope of this guide to examine all of the regional variants, we shall instead concentrate on two forms:

• 1) the vocalic 'r' which is • 2) the consonantal 'r' which is used in all other positions.

The consonantal 'r'

The German consonantal 'r' is described as a 'roll' or 'trill', by which we mean that the speech organs strike each other several times in quick succession in the articulation of this sound. In northern and central Germany, this sound is made towards the back of the vocal tract, with the back of the tongue raised towards the uvula in order to create a narrow pasairstream moves through this passage, the friction thus created causes the tongue to touch the uvula either once (uvular flap) or several times (rasping throat-clearing quality which can be equaproduced when gargling.

The sound called the 'uvular fricative'time there is no contact with the uvula when the back of the tonge is raised and nor does tuvula vibrate as it would if you were gargling. The best way to reproduce this sound is to form an 'ach' sound, remembering to articulate it right at the back of the mouth. If you gradually start to vibrate the vocal cords while forming this sound, thenAlthough originally used in informal contexts, this variant of as the most common pronunciation of the sound in Germany.

In South Germany and Austria, on the other hand, the in the mouth. With the alveolar rolland repeatedly.

Which variant of the German consonantal 'r'the region of the German-speaking world that you visit or live in. While it is probably advisable for beginners to adopt an uvular important thing is to be consistent and not mix and match different t

43

In a small number of words imported from French, such as Boutique, the letter /k/ phoneme if the letter occurs in medial and final position. But these words are very much the

sound is found in medial position in most other imported words

How to pronounce the German consonant 'r'

is one of the most difficult sounds to master. Not only will you hear a vast range of variants in the German-speaking country depending on region, co

sounds differ from their English equivalents. As it is beyond the scope of this guide to examine all of the regional variants, we shall instead concentrate on two forms:

which is used in unstressed prefixes and suffixes and after long vowels which is used in all other positions.

is described as a 'roll' or 'trill', by which we mean that the speech ke each other several times in quick succession in the articulation of this sound. In

northern and central Germany, this sound is made towards the back of the vocal tract, with the back of the tongue raised towards the uvula in order to create a narrow pasairstream moves through this passage, the friction thus created causes the tongue to touch the

) or several times (uvular roll). The 'r' sound thus created has a clearing quality which can be equated to a less extreme version of the sound

'uvular fricative' is similar to the uvular sounds outlined above, but this time there is no contact with the uvula when the back of the tonge is raised and nor does tuvula vibrate as it would if you were gargling. The best way to reproduce this sound is to form

sound, remembering to articulate it right at the back of the mouth. If you gradually start to vibrate the vocal cords while forming this sound, then the uvular fricative Although originally used in informal contexts, this variant of consonantal 'r' is slowly emerging as the most common pronunciation of the sound in Germany.

In South Germany and Austria, on the other hand, the 'r' sound is formed much further forward alveolar roll or apical roll, the tongue touches the alveolar ridge quickly

consonantal 'r' you adopt will depend either on your teacher or on speaking world that you visit or live in. While it is probably advisable

for beginners to adopt an uvular 'r', as it less easy to confuse this sound with English important thing is to be consistent and not mix and match different types of consonantal

, the letter 'q' is spoken as a position. But these words are very much the

sound is found in medial position in most other imported words - e.g. in the

is one of the most difficult sounds to master. Not only will you hear a speaking country depending on region, context and style,

sounds differ from their English equivalents. As it is beyond the scope of this guide to examine all of the regional variants, we shall instead concentrate on two forms:

used in unstressed prefixes and suffixes and after long vowels

is described as a 'roll' or 'trill', by which we mean that the speech ke each other several times in quick succession in the articulation of this sound. In

northern and central Germany, this sound is made towards the back of the vocal tract, with the back of the tongue raised towards the uvula in order to create a narrow passage. When the airstream moves through this passage, the friction thus created causes the tongue to touch the

sound thus created has a ted to a less extreme version of the sound

is similar to the uvular sounds outlined above, but this time there is no contact with the uvula when the back of the tonge is raised and nor does the uvula vibrate as it would if you were gargling. The best way to reproduce this sound is to form

sound, remembering to articulate it right at the back of the mouth. If you gradually start the uvular fricative 'r' emerges.

is slowly emerging

is formed much further forward , the tongue touches the alveolar ridge quickly

you adopt will depend either on your teacher or on speaking world that you visit or live in. While it is probably advisable

, as it less easy to confuse this sound with English 'r', the most ypes of consonantal 'r'.

But enough of the theory! Click either German words containing the German consonantal

listed in the box below along with their English translation. How would you describe the sound used by the German speaker?

Sounds 1: German consonantal

rot (red)

rechts (on the right)

Reise (journey)

Rauch (smoke)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following 'r' sounds, all six of which appear in the medial position immediately before a vowel. The

words are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: Consonantal

stören (to disturb)

geboren (born)

gerade (straight)

Finally, click either here position. It is used here instead of vocalic


Herr (gentleman)

Narr (fool)


44

But enough of the theory! Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear eight German words containing the German consonantal 'r' in initial position. The words are

listed in the box below along with their English translation. How would you describe the sound used by the German speaker?

Sounds 1: German consonantal 'r' in initial position

Rad (wheel)

(on the right)

Regen (rain)

richtig (correct)

ruhig (quiet)

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following sounds, all six of which appear in the medial position immediately before a vowel. The

words are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: Consonantal 'r' in medial position

(to disturb)

hören (to hear)

Lehrerin (teacher)

Forum (forum)

or on the sound icon to listen to the consonantal position. It is used here instead of vocalic 'r' because the preceding vowel is short.

Sounds 3: Consonantal 'r' in final position

(gentleman)

dürr (thin)

Geschirr (cutlery)

How to pronounce German 'r' with other consonants

con on the left to hear eight in initial position. The words are

listed in the box below along with their English translation. How would you describe the 'r'

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following consonantal sounds, all six of which appear in the medial position immediately before a vowel. The

or on the sound icon to listen to the consonantal 'r' in final because the preceding vowel is short.

The German Consonant 'r'

It can prove difficult for students of German to remember to articulate the correctly when it appears in a cluster

overconcentrate on the first sound in the cluster and to slip back into pronouncing the English 'r'. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words appearing in initial clusters. The words are listed in the box below along with their English translation.

Sounds 1: German consonantal

schreiben (to write)

Strom (electricity)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following 'r' sounds, all four of which appear in initial



drei (three)

Drama (drama)

Next, click either here or on the sound icon to listen to the consonantal both medial and final position in German words. Consonantal

vocalic 'r' because the preceding vowel is short.


hart (hard)

Firma (company)

Berg (mountain)

45

'r' with other consonants

It can prove difficult for students of German to remember to articulate the correctly when it appears in a cluster with other consonants. It is all too tempting to

overconcentrate on the first sound in the cluster and to slip back into pronouncing the or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words

appearing in initial clusters. The words are listed in the box below along with their English

Sounds 1: German consonantal 'r' in initial clusters

sprechen (to speak)

(electricity)

Straße (street)

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following sounds, all four of which appear in initial 'dr-' clusters. The words are supplied in the


Sounds 2: Consonantal 'r' in an initial 'dr-' cluster

draußen (outside)

drehen (to turn)

or on the sound icon to listen to the consonantal both medial and final position in German words. Consonantal 'r' is used here instead of

because the preceding vowel is short.

Sounds 3: Consonantal 'r' in a medial and final position cluster

warten (to wait)

(company)

Wirt (landlord)

(mountain)

kurz (short)

It can prove difficult for students of German to remember to articulate the consonantal 'r' with other consonants. It is all too tempting to

overconcentrate on the first sound in the cluster and to slip back into pronouncing the 'r' as an or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words

appearing in initial clusters. The words are listed in the box below along with their English

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following consonantal clusters. The words are supplied in the

or on the sound icon to listen to the consonantal 'r' in clusters in is used here instead of

How to pronounce German vocalic

German vocalic 'r'

The German vocalic 'r' is soSometimes referred to as a 'dark schwa',

lower and further back in the vowel area than the 'schwa' sounwords as 'Liebe', 'Katze' and 'Ratte'.

Vocalic 'r' can only be used in certain specific situations which are outlined below. Its most common usage is in unstressed "on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words ending in a vocalic listed in the box below along with their English translation.

Bruder (brother)

Mutter (mother)

The vocalic 'r' is also used in the final position in a word when the Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following six words, all of

which end with a vocalic 'r' after a long vowel. The words themselves are provided in thebelow along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: Vocalic

Tor (gate; goal)

mehr (more)

Bier (beer)

Vocalic 'r' is also heard when the letter consonant. Click here or on the sound icon to listen to the following four words in which

vocalic 'r' occurs before a following consonant.

46

How to pronounce German vocalic 'r'

is so-called because it is pronounced as a vowel, not a consonant. Sometimes referred to as a 'dark schwa', vocalic 'r' is articulated with the tongue slightly

lower and further back in the vowel area than the 'schwa' sound heard at the end of such German words as 'Liebe', 'Katze' and 'Ratte'.

can only be used in certain specific situations which are outlined below. Its most "-er" syllables at the end of German words. Click either

on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words ending in a vocalic 'r'

listed in the box below along with their English translation.

Sounds 1: Vocalic 'r' in final position

Schwester (sister)

Vater (father)

is also used in the final position in a word when the 'r' follows a long vowel. or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following six words, all of

after a long vowel. The words themselves are provided in thebelow along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: Vocalic 'r' after a long vowel

(gate; goal)

Uhr (clock)

vier (four)

Chor (chorus)

is also heard when the letter 'r' follows a long vowel but precedes another or on the sound icon to listen to the following four words in which

occurs before a following consonant.

called because it is pronounced as a vowel, not a consonant. is articulated with the tongue slightly

d heard at the end of such German

can only be used in certain specific situations which are outlined below. Its most syllables at the end of German words. Click either here or

'r'. The words are

follows a long vowel. or on the sound icon on the left to listen to the following six words, all of

after a long vowel. The words themselves are provided in the box

follows a long vowel but precedes another or on the sound icon to listen to the following four words in which

Sounds 3: Vocalic

Pferd (horse)

spürte (felt)

You will also hear vocalic Click here or on the sound icon to listen to the vocalic

prefixes.

Sounds 4: Vocalic

erlauben (to allow)

zerstören (to destroy)

Distinguishing between vocalic

In the following pairs of words, the first word contains a vocalic second word in each pair however contains a consonantal

sound icon to note the distinction between the sounds that are made in each pair of words.

Sounds 5: Vocalic

jünger (younger)

Meer (sea)

clever (clever)

Finally, click here or on the sound icon to listen to these words in which vocalic consonantal 'r' occur within the same word. Note in particular how adding an

can change the articulation of what was previously a vocalic

47

Sounds 3: Vocalic 'r' after long vowel + before another consonant

Herd (cooker)

führte (led)

You will also hear vocalic 'r' in the unstressed German prefixes er-, veror on the sound icon to listen to the vocalic 'r' in four words containing these

Sounds 4: Vocalic 'r' in unstressed prefixes

vergessen (to forget)

(to destroy)

hereinkommen (to come in)

Distinguishing between vocalic 'r' and consonantal 'r'

In the following pairs of words, the first word contains a vocalic 'r' in final position. The second word in each pair however contains a consonantal 'r'. Click either


Sounds 5: Vocalic 'r' or consonantal 'r'?

die jüngere (the younger one)

Meere (seas)

der clevere (the clever one)

or on the sound icon to listen to these words in which vocalic occur within the same word. Note in particular how adding an

can change the articulation of what was previously a vocalic 'r' sound.

ver-, zer- and her-. in four words containing these

in final position. The . Click either here or on the


or on the sound icon to listen to these words in which vocalic 'r' and occur within the same word. Note in particular how adding an '-in' suffix

Sounds 6: Vocalic and consonantal

Frankfurter (Frankfurter sausage)

Lehrer (male teacher)

Reporter (male reporter)


The German Consonant 's'

When it comes before a vowel, the German consonant words such as 'zinc' or 'zoo', although the German sound is not as st

English speakers often therefore experiences difficulties in distinguishing between the letters and 'z', particularly when they occur at the start of a word. Click either on the left to hear four pairs of German words which display the distinction between the two German sounds. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 1: The German letters

Seile (ropes)

sang (sang)

Sumpf (morass)

sinken (to sink)

But when the letter 's' appears at the end of a word, it is always articulated in the same way as English 's' in words such as 'sink' or 'sue'. This means that German

word must be distinguished from the 'towns' or 'roads'. To practise the difference in pronunciation required when the Germappears at the middle and the end of a word, click either hear a native speaker say four pairs of German words conposition. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

48

Sounds 6: Vocalic and consonantal 'r' within the same word

(Frankfurter sausage)

Bruder (brother)

(male teacher)

Lehrerin (female teacher)

(male reporter)

Reporterin (female reporter)

How to pronounce the German consonant 's'

's'

When it comes before a vowel, the German consonant 's' is pronounced like English words such as 'zinc' or 'zoo', although the German sound is not as strongly voiced. Native

English speakers often therefore experiences difficulties in distinguishing between the letters , particularly when they occur at the start of a word. Click either here or on the sound icon

on the left to hear four pairs of German words which display the distinction between the two German sounds. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English

Sounds 1: The German letters 's' and 'z' in initial position

Zeile (line)

Zange (pliers)

(morass)

zum (to the)

(to sink)

Zink (zinc)

appears at the end of a word, it is always articulated in the same way words such as 'sink' or 'sue'. This means that German 's'

word must be distinguished from the /z/ sound made at the end of English words such as 'homes', 'towns' or 'roads'. To practise the difference in pronunciation required when the Germappears at the middle and the end of a word, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four pairs of German words containing the letter 's' in medial and final position. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

is pronounced like English 'z' in rongly voiced. Native

English speakers often therefore experiences difficulties in distinguishing between the letters 's' or on the sound icon


appears at the end of a word, it is always articulated in the same way 's' at the end of a

sound made at the end of English words such as 'homes', 'towns' or 'roads'. To practise the difference in pronunciation required when the German letter 's'

or on the sound icon on the left to taining the letter 's' in medial and final

position. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 2:

Reise (journey)

Preise (prices)

Gläser (glasses)

Lose (lots)

The letters 'ss' and 'ß'

A double 's' (written 'ss' or 'ß') is always pronounced as an unvoiced English 'seal' or 'self'. This sound is written 'ß':

• after a long vowel e.g. 'Fuß'• after a diphthong e.g.

To practise the sound written as left. The six words spoken are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Schloss (castle)

weiß (white)

Strauß (ostrich)

To distinguish between the different sounds articulated when a single appear in the middle of a word, click either

first word of each of the three pairs, the each pair, an /s/ phoneme is required.

Sounds 4:

weisen (to point)

reisen (to travel)

49

Sounds 2: 's' in medial and final position

(journey)

Reis (rice)

Preis (price)

(glasses)

Glas (glass)

Los (lot)

) is always pronounced as an unvoiced English 's'

This sound is written 'ss' when the preceding vowel in a word is short. It is written

'Fuß', 'Maß', 'Spaß' after a diphthong e.g. 'weiß', 'heiß', 'heißt'

To practise the sound written as 'ss' or 'ß', click either here or on the soundleft. The six words spoken are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 3: The letters 'ss' and 'ß'

wissen (to know)

dreißig (thirty)

größer (bigger)

To distinguish between the different sounds articulated when a single 's' and a double appear in the middle of a word, click either here or on the sound icon on

first word of each of the three pairs, the 's' is articulated as a /z/ phoneme. In the second word in phoneme is required.

Sounds 4: 's' and 'ss/ß' in medial position

weißen (to whitewash)

reißen (to tug)

's' in words such as when the preceding vowel in a word is short. It is written

or on the sound icon on the left. The six words spoken are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

and a double 'ss/ß' or on the sound icon on the left. In the

phoneme. In the second word in

Gleise (train tracks)


The German consonants: 'sch'

The German sound written In the articulation of the German sound however, the lips are rounded much more and may

even protrude a little as the sound is formed. Click either hear a native speaker say four words containing the letter words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

Scheck (cheque)

komisch(funny)

The German 'sch' sound retains its pronunciation when it is used in combination with other consonants. Click either here

four German words that begin with the in the box below along with their English translation:

Sou

Schnee (snow)

Schneider(tailor)

Attention should be paid to words that start with the German consonant cluster both the initial 't' and the 'sch'

on the left to hear four words beginning with

Sou

tschüs! (goodbye!)

Tscheche

50

(train tracks)

gleißen (to glimmer)

How to pronounce the German 'sch' sound

'sch'

The German sound written 'sch' is similar to English 'sh' in words such as 'show' or 'short'. In the articulation of the German sound however, the lips are rounded much more and may

even protrude a little as the sound is formed. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four words containing the letter 'sch' in initial and final position. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1: The German 'sch' sound

(cheque)

Schlaf (sleep)

komisch

Fisch (fish)

sound retains its pronunciation when it is used in combination with other here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say

erman words that begin with the 'schn' consonant cluster. The words themselves are given in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 2: The 'schn' cluster in initial position

schnell (quick)

Schneider

Schnaps (schnaps)

paid to words that start with the German consonant cluster 'sch' need to be articulated. Click either here or on the sound icon

he left to hear four words beginning with 'tsch'.

Sounds 3: The consonant cluster 'tsch'

tschechisch (Czech)

Tschechin

in words such as 'show' or 'short'. In the articulation of the German sound however, the lips are rounded much more and may

or on the sound icon on the left to in initial and final position. The

sound retains its pronunciation when it is used in combination with other or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say

consonant cluster. The words themselves are given

paid to words that start with the German consonant cluster 'tsch', as or on the sound icon

(Czech (male)

How to pronounce the German consonant sounds

The German consonants 'sp'

When they occur at the beginning of a word, the German consonant combinations 'st' are pronounced 'schp-

here or on the sound icon on the left. The eight words that you will hear are supplbelow along with an English translation:

Sou

Straße (street)

Stadt (town; city)

Sport (sport)

Spiel (sport)

But when 'sp' and 'st' occur in the middle or at the end of a word, then these consonant combinations are pronounced as they would be in English. This means that

pronounced as it would be in the English word English word 'lost'. Click either which 'sp' and 'st' appear in either medial or final positi

Sounds 2:

Wespe (wasp)

Donnerstag(Thursday)

Liste (list)

An exception to the above rule occurs when words beginning with the final element in a compound noun. Although these sounds are positioned in the middle

of the compound noun, the consonant combinations are still pronounced as they would be at the

51

(male)) (Czech (female))

How to pronounce the German consonant sounds 'sp' and 'st'

'sp' and 'st'

When they occur at the beginning of a word, the German consonant combinations -' and 'scht-' respectively. To practise these sounds, click either

or on the sound icon on the left. The eight words that you will hear are supplbelow along with an English translation:

Sounds 1: 'sp' and 'st' at the start of a word

Stein (stone)

(town; city)

Stoff (material)

Speisekarte (menu)

Sparkasse (savings bank)

occur in the middle or at the end of a word, then these consonant combinations are pronounced as they would be in English. This means that

pronounced as it would be in the English word 'lisp' and 'st' is pronounced as it woul. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to six words in

appear in either medial or final position.

Sounds 2: 'sp' and 'st' in medial and final position

Knospe (bud)

Donnerstag (Thursday)

Gast (guest)

Husten (cough)

An exception to the above rule occurs when words beginning with 'sp' and element in a compound noun. Although these sounds are positioned in the middle


'st'

When they occur at the beginning of a word, the German consonant combinations 'sp' and respectively. To practise these sounds, click either

or on the sound icon on the left. The eight words that you will hear are supplied in the box

occur in the middle or at the end of a word, then these consonant combinations are pronounced as they would be in English. This means that 'sp' is

is pronounced as it would be in the or on the sound icon on the left to listen to six words in

and 'st' are used as element in a compound noun. Although these sounds are positioned in the middle


start of a word, i.e. as 'schp-' and hear four compound nouns containing

Sounds 3:

Hauptstadt (capital city)

Ballspiel (ball game)


The German Consonant 't'

The German consonant 't' is pronounced in a similar manner to its English equivalent, although slightly less air is released in its articulation. In both languages, the sound is an alveolar plosive, which means that it is made with the blade of the tongue pralveolar ridge is the part of the roof of the mouth directly above the teeth. Simultaneously, both sides of the tongue press against the hard palate and form a closure. The airstream is then stopped as it passes through the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it is released. The vocal cords do not vibrate when this sound is made, which means that it is a 'voiceless' consonant.

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words beginning with the letter 't'. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an En

translation:

Tag (day)

Telefon (telephone)

Tomate (tomato)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker recite six German words in which the letter

supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

52

and 'scht-'. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four compound nouns containing 'sp' and 'st' in medial position.

Sounds 3: 'sp' and 'st' within compound nouns

(capital city)

Hauptstraße (high street)

Profisport (professional sport)

How to pronounce the German consonant 't'

is pronounced in a similar manner to its English equivalent, although slightly less air is released in its articulation. In both languages, the sound is an alveolar plosive, which means that it is made with the blade of the tongue pressing against the alveolar ridge. The alveolar ridge is the part of the roof of the mouth directly above the teeth. Simultaneously, both sides of the tongue press against the hard palate and form a closure. The airstream is then

gh the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it is released. The vocal cords do not vibrate when this sound is made, which means that it is a 'voiceless'

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words beginning with . The words themselves are given in the box below along with an En

Sounds 1: 't' in initial position

tausend (thousand)

(telephone)

Tier (animal)

Tür (door)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker recite six German words in which the letter 't' appears in the middle. The words themselves are

he box below along with an English translation:

or on the sound icon on the left to

is pronounced in a similar manner to its English equivalent, although slightly less air is released in its articulation. In both languages, the sound is an alveolar plosive,

essing against the alveolar ridge. The alveolar ridge is the part of the roof of the mouth directly above the teeth. Simultaneously, both sides of the tongue press against the hard palate and form a closure. The airstream is then

gh the vocal tract, causing a minor explosion when it is released. The vocal cords do not vibrate when this sound is made, which means that it is a 'voiceless'

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words beginning with . The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker recite six appears in the middle. The words themselves are

Auto (car)

Butter (butter)

Miete (rent)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four German words in which the letter

are supplied in the box below along with an English translation. Note how the letters are pronounced in the same way, i.e. as the phoneme /t/, when they appear at the end of a word.

gut (good)

tot (dead)


The German consonant 't' + another consonant

The German consonant consonants. Click either here

the letter 't' forms part of a consonant cluster at the start of a word. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1:

trinken (to drink)

trocken (dry)

Attention should be paid to words that start with the German consonant cluster initial 't' of the consonant cluster needs to be pronounced. Click either

icon on the left to hear four words beginning with

53

Sounds 2: 't' in medial position

Wetter (weather)

Pate (godfather)

Leute (people)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four German words in which the letter 't' appears at the end of a word. The words themselves

in the box below along with an English translation. Note how the letters are pronounced in the same way, i.e. as the phoneme /t/, when they appear at the end of a word.

Sounds 3: 't' in final position

rot (red)

tut (does)

How to pronounce German 't' with other consonants

+ another consonant

The German consonant 't' retains its sound when used in combination with other here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four words in which

forms part of a consonant cluster at the start of a word. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1: 't' + consonant in initial position

(to drink)

trotz (despite)

treu (loyal)

Attention should be paid to words that start with the German consonant cluster consonant cluster needs to be pronounced. Click either here

icon on the left to hear four words beginning with 'tsch'.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four appears at the end of a word. The words themselves

in the box below along with an English translation. Note how the letters 't' and 'd' are pronounced in the same way, i.e. as the phoneme /t/, when they appear at the end of a word.

retains its sound when used in combination with other or on the sound icon on the left to hear four words in which

forms part of a consonant cluster at the start of a word. The words themselves are

Attention should be paid to words that start with the German consonant cluster 'tsch', as the here or on the sound

Sounds 2: The consonant cluster

tschüs! (goodbye!)

Tscheche (Czech (male)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which the letter 't' forms the final element of a consonant cluster which appears at the end of each

word.

Sounds 3: Consonant +

bunt (colourful)

kalt (cold)

hart (hard)

The consonant cluster 'th' of whether 'th' appears at the beginning, middle or end of a word. Click either

the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce German words which contain The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Theater (theatre)

Theorie (theory)

Apotheke (chemist's)

Methode (method)

Psychopath(psychopath)

The German consonant cluster Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words which contain

the letters '-tz' in medial and final position.

54

Sounds 2: The consonant cluster 'tsch'

tschechisch (Czech)

(male))

Tschechin (Czech (female))

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which forms the final element of a consonant cluster which appears at the end of each

Sounds 3: Consonant + 't' in final position

(colourful)

Welt (world)

fast (almost)

Sport (sport)

is always pronounced as the phoneme /t/. This is true regardless appears at the beginning, middle or end of a word. Click either

icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce German words which contain The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 4: The 'th' consonant cluster

Thema (theme)

sympathisch (pleasant)

(chemist's)

Mathematik (mathematics)

Athlet (athlete)

Psychopath (psychopath)

The German consonant cluster '-tz' is also pronounced in the same way as English or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words which contain

in medial and final position.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words in which forms the final element of a consonant cluster which appears at the end of each

. This is true regardless appears at the beginning, middle or end of a word. Click either here or on

icon on the left to hear a native speaker pronounce German words which contain 'th'. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:

is also pronounced in the same way as English 'ts'. or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words which contain

Sou

Dutzend (dozen)

hetzen (to rush)

The German Consonant 'v'

In most instances the German consonant in the English words 'fish' and 'face'. Although remembering to do so often requires a little

practice, the articulation of the sound itself is quite straightforward. In both languages, the upper front teeth and the lower lip come together to form a narrowing through which the air passes with a trace of a hiss.

It is called a 'fricative' consonant, which means that is articulated by forcing air through a narrow gap in the vocal tract in such a way that on the left to hear eight German words which all begin with the letter is actually pronounced as an /f/.

Sounds 1: The German letter

viel (much)

Viertel (quarter)

Vogel (bird)

Volk (people)

It is therefore necessary to distinguish very clearly between:

• The letter 'v' which is actually pronounced as an • The phoneme /v/ which represents the sound made by the German

such as 'Wein', 'weiß' etc.)

In some German words however, the words include a number of items that are used very frequently in German. Click either

55

Sounds 5: Words containing the letters 'tz'

Netz (net)


How to pronounce German 'v'

'v'

In most instances the German consonant 'v' is pronounced in the same way as the letter 'f' in the English words 'fish' and 'face'. Although remembering to do so often requires a little

practice, the articulation of the sound itself is quite straightforward. In both languages, the upper and the lower lip come together to form a narrowing through which the air passes

It is called a 'fricative' consonant, which means that is articulated by forcing air through a narrow gap in the vocal tract in such a way that friction is audible. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear eight German words which all begin with the letter 'v' - but whose initial sound

nds 1: The German letter 'v' in initial position

vier (four)

von (from)

Vater (father)

verlieren (to lose)

It is therefore necessary to distinguish very clearly between:

actually pronounced as an /f/ phoneme. which represents the sound made by the German letter 'w'

such as 'Wein', 'weiß' etc.)

s however, the letter 'v' is pronounced as the phoneme /v/words include a number of items that are used very frequently in German. Click either

is pronounced in the same way as the letter 'f' in the English words 'fish' and 'face'. Although remembering to do so often requires a little

practice, the articulation of the sound itself is quite straightforward. In both languages, the upper and the lower lip come together to form a narrowing through which the air passes

It is called a 'fricative' consonant, which means that is articulated by forcing air through a narrow or on the sound icon

but whose initial sound

letter 'w' (in words

phoneme /v/. These words include a number of items that are used very frequently in German. Click either here

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six words where the German letter same manner as the English letter

Sou

Klavier (piano)

November(November)

privat (private)


The German Consonant 'w'

The German consonant 'w' is pronounced like an English sound is also represented in phonetics by the phoneme 'v'. Although this may take some getting used to, the articulation of the sound itself is one with which English speakers are familiar. In both languages, the upper front teeth and the lower lip come togetherthrough which the air passes with a trace of a hiss. It is called a 'fricative' consonant, which means that is articulated by forcing air through a narrow gap in the vocal tract in such a way that friction is audible.

The /v/ phoneme, the sound that is made when you say the German the same manner and the same place as the German your vocal cords to make the /v/

between the two consonants, place your hands over your ears and repeat the German words and Wein (which begins with the /v/ phoneme, despite its spelling). When you say thing that should hear is the airstream passing out throyou should be able to feel your entire head vibrate.

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German words which all contain the letter

manner as the English letter 'v'.

Wagen (car)

Wasser (water)

56

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six words where the German letter 'v'

same manner as the English letter 'v':

Sounds 2: The letter 'v' as phoneme /v/

Vase (vase)

November (November)

Universität (university)

Verb (verb)

How to pronounce the German consonant 'w'

is pronounced like an English 'v' in the words 'very' and 'video'. The is also represented in phonetics by the phoneme 'v'. Although this may take some getting

used to, the articulation of the sound itself is one with which English speakers are familiar. In both languages, the upper front teeth and the lower lip come together to form a narrowing through which the air passes with a trace of a hiss. It is called a 'fricative' consonant, which means that is articulated by forcing air through a narrow gap in the vocal tract in such a way that

the sound that is made when you say the German letter 'w', is thus formed in the same manner and the same place as the German /f/ phoneme. The difference is that you use

/v/ sound, but not when you articulate /f/. To feel the between the two consonants, place your hands over your ears and repeat the German words

(which begins with the /v/ phoneme, despite its spelling). When you say thing that should hear is the airstream passing out through your mouth. But when you say you should be able to feel your entire head vibrate.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German words which all contain the letter 'w'. Note how the sounds are all pronounced in the same

Sounds 1: The German letter 'w'

Wein (wine)

Winter (winter)

'v' is spoken in the

in the words 'very' and 'video'. The is also represented in phonetics by the phoneme 'v'. Although this may take some getting

used to, the articulation of the sound itself is one with which English speakers are familiar. In to form a narrowing

through which the air passes with a trace of a hiss. It is called a 'fricative' consonant, which means that is articulated by forcing air through a narrow gap in the vocal tract in such a way that

, is thus formed in phoneme. The difference is that you use

. To feel the difference between the two consonants, place your hands over your ears and repeat the German words fein

(which begins with the /v/ phoneme, despite its spelling). When you say fein, the only ugh your mouth. But when you say Wein,

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say six German . Note how the sounds are all pronounced in the same

wunderbar(wonderful)

Words that contain both the German letter beginners some problems, as we need to make two mental adjustments from the sounds

that we are accustomed to making when we see these letters written in English. Click eior on the sound icon on the left to hear five German words which contain both of these letters in different orders. Practise saying them until you feel comfoconsonants.

Sounds 2: Words containing the letters

Volkswagen(Volkswagen)

verschwinden(to disappear)

Wiedevereinigung(reunification)

Note also that the letter 'w'

with other consonants. Click either German words in which the letter are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 3: Consonant + the German letter

Schweiz (Switzerland)

zwei (two)

Note that the German letter In the following examples, contrast in particular the difference in articulation between the

German word Wrack and its English equivalent wring. Click here to listen to these two words.


Wrack (wreck)

How to pronounce the German letter

57

derbar (wonderful)

erwarten (to expect)

Words that contain both the German letter 'w' and the German 'v' can initially cause beginners some problems, as we need to make two mental adjustments from the sounds

that we are accustomed to making when we see these letters written in English. Click eior on the sound icon on the left to hear five German words which contain both of these letters in different orders. Practise saying them until you feel comfortable with the articulation of the

Sounds 2: Words containing the letters 'w' and 'v'

Volkswagen (Volkswagen)

wie viel (how much)

schwinden (to disappear)

vorwärts (forwards)

Wiedevereinigung (reunification)

'w' is also pronounced as a /v/ sound when it appears in a cluster with other consonants. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four

German words in which the letter 'w' is preceded by either 'sch-' or 'z-'. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 3: Consonant + the German letter 'w'

(Switzerland)

Schweden (Sweden)

zwar (actually, in fact)

Note that the German letter 'w' is pronounced when it appears in 'wr-' consonant clusters. In the following examples, contrast in particular the difference in articulation between the

and its English equivalent wreck, and wringen and its English equivalent to listen to these two words.

nds 4: The German 'wr-' consonant cluster

wringen (to wring)

How to pronounce the German letter 'y'

can initially cause beginners some problems, as we need to make two mental adjustments from the sounds

that we are accustomed to making when we see these letters written in English. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear five German words which contain both of these letters in

rtable with the articulation of the

sound when it appears in a cluster or on the sound icon on the left to hear four

. The words themselves

consonant clusters. In the following examples, contrast in particular the difference in articulation between the

and its English equivalent

The German Letter 'y'

The German letter 'y' can be pronounced in a number of different ways, depending on its position in a word or syllable. If it is used as a vowel, it sounds like the German long or

short vowel 'ü'. The fact that this letter often appears in words in whose English equivalent itwould be pronounced as an 'i'mispronounce. Click either here all contain 'y' in medial position. How would their equivalents be pronounced in English?

Sounds 1: Words containing the

typisch (typical)

Pyramide (pyramid)

Rhythmus (rhythm)

If 'y' stands at the beginning or end of a word, then it is pronounced in the same way as it would be in English. The word in which it appears is very probably an import from

English in the first place. Click either which end with the German letter

Sounds 2: Words with

Hobby (hobby)

Party (party)


The German Consonant 'z'

The German consonant 'z' is pronounced in the same manner as the English found at the end of words such as 'cats', 'lots' oan English letter 'z' must be resisted 'z' in a few imported words such as 'das Quiz'.

58

can be pronounced in a number of different ways, depending on its position in a word or syllable. If it is used as a vowel, it sounds like the German long or

. The fact that this letter often appears in words in whose English equivalent it'i' makes the German 'y' a sound that it can be very easy to

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words which in medial position. How would their equivalents be pronounced in English?

Sounds 1: Words containing the letter 'y' in medial position

Physik (physics)

Gymnasium (grammar school)

Hymne (hymn)

stands at the beginning or end of a word, then it is pronounced in the same way as it would be in English. The word in which it appears is very probably an import from

English in the first place. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear three words which end with the German letter 'y' and one word that starts with this letter.

Sounds 2: Words with 'y' in initial and final position

Yoga (yoga)

Handy (mobile phone)

How to pronounce the German consonant 'z'

is pronounced in the same manner as the English found at the end of words such as 'cats', 'lots' or 'sits'. The temptation to pronounce the sound like

must be resisted - the German 'z' is only ever pronounced as an English letter in a few imported words such as 'das Quiz'.


. The fact that this letter often appears in words in whose English equivalent it a sound that it can be very easy to

rman words which in medial position. How would their equivalents be pronounced in English?

in medial position


or on the sound icon on the left to hear three words

is pronounced in the same manner as the English 'ts' sound that is r 'sits'. The temptation to pronounce the sound like

is only ever pronounced as an English letter

A further difficulty for English speakers is that a lletter 'z' and thus require an initial in English, as the only word that begins in such a way is the 'tsetse fly'.

Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say eight German words which all contain the German letter

the same manner as the English letters

zwei (two)

Zug (train)

Ziel (destination)

Herz (heart)

The German consonant cluster Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words wh

the letters '-tz' in medial and final position.

Sounds 2: Words containing the letters

Dutzend (dozen)

hetzen (to rush)

Learners of German often have difficulties in distinguishing between the letter particularly when they occur at the start of a word. Click either

on the left to hear four pairs of German words which display the distinction German sounds. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English translation:

Sounds 3: The German letters

Seile (ropes)

sang

59

A further difficulty for English speakers is that a large number of German words begin with the and thus require an initial /ts/ sound. We are unused to starting words with such a sound

in English, as the only word that begins in such a way is the 'tsetse fly'.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say eight German in the German letter 'z'. Note how the sounds are all pronounced in

the same manner as the English letters 'ts', regardless of where the letter 'z' appears in the word.

Sounds 1: The German letter 'z'

zwölf (twelve)

Zimmer (room)

(destination)

Zelt (tent)

Salz (salt)

The German consonant cluster '-tz' is also pronounced in the same way as English or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words wh

in medial and final position.

Sounds 2: Words containing the letters 'tz'

Netz (net)


Learners of German often have difficulties in distinguishing between the letter particularly when they occur at the start of a word. Click either here or on the sound icon

on the left to hear four pairs of German words which display the distinction German sounds. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with their English

Sounds 3: The German letters 'z' and 's' in initial position

Zeile (line)

Zange

arge number of German words begin with the sound. We are unused to starting words with such a sound

in English, as the only word that begins in such a way is the 'tsetse fly'.

or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say eight German . Note how the sounds are all pronounced in

appears in the word.

is also pronounced in the same way as English 'ts'. or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words which contain

Learners of German often have difficulties in distinguishing between the letter 'z' and 's', or on the sound icon


(sang)

Sumpf (morass)

sinken (to sink)

Go to the index of the German pronunciation guide

German long vowels

The articulation of German vowels varies according to whether the vowel is long or short. Although the vowel length of each new word must of cencounter it, there are a few general rules which may help you to ascertain the duration of German vowel sounds.

1. A German vowel is usually long if it is followed by a here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words that end with a single

consonant and thus have a long vowel sound. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1: Long vowel before a single consonant

Bad (bath)

rot (red)

2. A German vowel is usually long if it is written in a word as a here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing the letters

'ee' and 'oo'.

Sounds 2: Long German 'doubled' vowels

Meer (sea)

Boot

60

(pliers)

(morass)

zum (to the)

sink)

Zink (zinc)

Go to the index of the German pronunciation guide

The articulation of German vowels varies according to whether the vowel is long or short. Although the vowel length of each new word must of course be noted the first time that you encounter it, there are a few general rules which may help you to ascertain the duration of

1. A German vowel is usually long if it is followed by a single consonantor on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words that end with a single

nsonant and thus have a long vowel sound. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:

nds 1: Long vowel before a single consonant

Rad (wheel)

gut (good)

2. A German vowel is usually long if it is written in a word as a double letteror on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing the letters

Sounds 2: Long German 'doubled' vowels

Paar (pair)

Saat

The articulation of German vowels varies according to whether the vowel is long or short. ourse be noted the first time that you

encounter it, there are a few general rules which may help you to ascertain the duration of

single consonant. Click either or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words that end with a single

nsonant and thus have a long vowel sound. The words themselves are given in the box below

double letter. Click either or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing the letters 'aa',

(boat)

3. A German vowel is usually long if it is followed by a the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing a long vowel +

either medial or final position.

Sounds 3: Long vowels before a silent

Lehrer (teacher)

roh (raw)

4. The German letters 'ie' on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words whose

vowel sound. (N.B. the articulation of syllable at the end of a word.)

vier (four)

Lied (song)

5. An unstressed vowel at the end of a wordsound. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words that

end in vowels other than '-e':

Sounds 5: Long vowel sounds at the end of a word

Lotto (lottery)

Sofa (sofa)

61

(seed)

3. A German vowel is usually long if it is followed by a silent 'h'. Click either the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing a long vowel +

Sounds 3: Long vowels before a silent 'h'

(teacher)

Fahrer (driver)

Kuh (cow)

usually represent a long German 'i' sound. Click either on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words whose 'ie' letters represent a long

vowel sound. (N.B. the articulation of 'ie' is of course different if it appears in an unstressed

Sounds 4: Long 'ie' vowel sounds

Spiel (game)

schier (sheer)

vowel at the end of a word is generally long, unless this vowel is an or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words that

Sounds 5: Long vowel sounds at the end of a word

Vati (daddy)

Mofa (moped)

Short German vowels

. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing a long vowel + 'h' in

sound. Click either here or letters represent a long

is of course different if it appears in an unstressed

is generally long, unless this vowel is an '-e' or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words that

German short vowels

The articulation of German vowels varies according to whether the vowel is long or short. Although the vowel length of each new word must of course be noted the first time that you encounter it, there are a few general rules which may help you to ascertain the duration of German vowel sounds.

1. A German vowel is usually short if it is followed by either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words that end in a double

consonant and thus have a preceding short vowel sound. The words themselves are given in tbox below along with an English translation:

Sounds 1: Short vowels before a double consonant

rasch (hasty)

bunt (colourful)

2. A German vowel is usually short if it precedes the consonant combination either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing the

letters 'ck' in the middle or at the end.

Sounds 2: Short German vowels before

lecker (tasty)

Lücke (hole)

This is not always the case however. If the root form of a word contains a long vowel, then the vowel in the inflected form remains long, even if the vowel is followed

consonants in this inflected form. Click either pairs German words that bear out this rule. Both the infinitivadjective'groß' have a long vowel, and thus so do their inflected forms.

Sounds 3: Long vowels from a long uninflected stem

haben (to have)

groß (big)

62

German vowels varies according to whether the vowel is long or short. Although the vowel length of each new word must of course be noted the first time that you encounter it, there are a few general rules which may help you to ascertain the duration of

1. A German vowel is usually short if it is followed by two or more consonantsor on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words that end in a double

consonant and thus have a preceding short vowel sound. The words themselves are given in tbox below along with an English translation:

nds 1: Short vowels before a double consonant

Bett (bed)

(colourful)

Nuss (nut)

2. A German vowel is usually short if it precedes the consonant combination or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing the

in the middle or at the end.

ounds 2: Short German vowels before 'ck'

Socken (socks)

Wrack (wreck)

This is not always the case however. If the root form of a word contains a long vowel, then the vowel in the inflected form remains long, even if the vowel is followed

consonants in this inflected form. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear two pairs German words that bear out this rule. Both the infinitive 'haben' and the uninflected adjective'groß' have a long vowel, and thus so do their inflected forms.

nds 3: Long vowels from a long uninflected stem

(to have)

gehabt (had)

größte (biggest)

German vowels varies according to whether the vowel is long or short. Although the vowel length of each new word must of course be noted the first time that you encounter it, there are a few general rules which may help you to ascertain the duration of

two or more consonants. Click or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words that end in a double

consonant and thus have a preceding short vowel sound. The words themselves are given in the

2. A German vowel is usually short if it precedes the consonant combination 'ck'. Click or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing the

This is not always the case however. If the root form of a word contains a long vowel, then the vowel in the inflected form remains long, even if the vowel is followed by two

or on the sound icon on the left to hear two e 'haben' and the uninflected

German vowels: long and short 'a'

The long German 'a' vowel

The long German /a:/ vowel - which can be written which is formed with the tip of the tongue touching the lower front teeth. This means that the tongue is much lower than in the pronunciation of the other German vowels. It equates to the vowel sound in the English words 'bar' and 'calm'. Click either left to hear six German words containing this long

klar (clear)

Jahr (year)

Haar (hair)

The short German 'a' vowel

The short /a/ vowel - which is only spelled shorter version of the 'a' vowel in the English word vowel sound heard in the English word here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to four German words containing this short vowel sound.

Sounds 2: The short German

Mann (man)

Bank (bank)

63

Long and short German 'a' vowels

German vowels: long and short 'a'

The long German 'a' vowel

which can be written 'a', 'aa' or 'ah' - is a central and open vowel which is formed with the tip of the tongue touching the lower front teeth. This means that the

n in the pronunciation of the other German vowels. It equates to the vowel sound in the English words 'bar' and 'calm'. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing this long 'a' vowel:

Sounds 1: The long 'a' vowel

Glas (glass)

Bahn (railway)

Aal (eel)

The short German 'a' vowel

which is only spelled 'a' - is a much more clipped vowel. It is a little like a vowel in the English word 'man'. This vowel can even tend towards the

vowel sound heard in the English word 'but', albeit pronounced in a more open way. Click either or on the sound icon on the left to listen to four German words containing this short vowel

Sounds 2: The short German 'a' vowel

Hand (hand)

Sack (sack)

is a central and open vowel which is formed with the tip of the tongue touching the lower front teeth. This means that the

n in the pronunciation of the other German vowels. It equates to the 'a' or on the sound icon on the

is a much more clipped vowel. It is a little like a . This vowel can even tend towards the

, albeit pronounced in a more open way. Click either or on the sound icon on the left to listen to four German words containing this short vowel

Distinguishing between long and short 'a' vowels

To practise the difference between the long and short sound icon on the left to listen to four contains a long /a:/ phoneme, whereas the second contains a short

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between long and short

Staat (state)

kam (came)

Frage (question)

Kahn (barge)

German vowels: long and sh

The short German 'ä' vowel

The short German 'ä' sound - which can only be written manner as the 'e' vowel in the English words on the left to hear four German words containing this short


Männer (men)

Bänke (benches)

The long German 'ä' vowel

The long German 'ä' vowel -corresponding long vowel in English. It is best to start with the short German above and gradually lengthen it. Click either German words containing this long

64

between long and short 'a' vowels

To practise the difference between the long and short 'a' vowels, click either sound icon on the left to listen to four pairs of German words. The first word in each pair

phoneme, whereas the second contains a short /a/ sound.

nds 3: Distinguishing between long and short 'a'

Stadt (city)

Kamm (comb)

(question)

Flagge (flag)

kann (can)

Long and short German 'ä' vowels

German vowels: long and short 'ä'

The short German 'ä' vowel

which can only be written 'ä' - is articulated in much the same vowel in the English words 'get' and 'set'. Click either here or on the sound icon

on the left to hear four German words containing this short 'ä' vowel:

Sounds 1: The short German 'ä' vowel

Hände (hands)

hätte (would have)

The long German 'ä' vowel

- which can be written 'ä', 'äh', but never long vowel in English. It is best to start with the short German 'ä'

above and gradually lengthen it. Click either here or on the sound icon on the leftGerman words containing this long 'ä' vowel:

vowels, click either here or on the pairs of German words. The first word in each pair

is articulated in much the same or on the sound icon

, but never 'ää' - has no 'ä' vowel outlined

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four

Mädchen (girl)

kläglich (pitiful)

The most common mistake made by Englishproduce a slight diphthongisation, i.e. to glide off into an such as 'day' or 'played'. This temptation must be resisted a different vowel sound. Try instead to keep the tongue in the same 'ä' vowel sound.

The German dip

The German diphthong 'au'

The German 'au' diphthong phoneme and then glides towards a 'u' sound. Although there is a similarity with the way

that some English speakers would say the vowel sounds in the words 'clown' and German diphthong must have a back startingicon on the left to hear six German words containing this dipht

braun (brown)

auch (also)

laut (loud)

The German diphthong 'äu'

The German 'eu' diphthong in imported loan words -

'toiling' and 'boiling'. The difference however is that the German diphthong requires the lips to be rounded throughout articulation. Click either German words containing this diphthong.

65

Sounds 2: The long German 'ä' vowel

wählen (to vote)

Währung (currency)

The most common mistake made by English-speakers in articulating this long vowel sound is to slight diphthongisation, i.e. to glide off into an 'aee' sound heard in English words

. This temptation must be resisted - German vowels do not glide off into a different vowel sound. Try instead to keep the tongue in the same position throughout a long

The German diphthongs 'au' and 'eu' ('äu')

'au'

diphthong - which can only be written 'au' - starts off with an phoneme and then glides towards a 'u' sound. Although there is a similarity with the way

that some English speakers would say the vowel sounds in the words 'clown' and German diphthong must have a back starting-point in German. Click either hereicon on the left to hear six German words containing this diphthong.

Sounds 1: The German diphthong 'au'

Zaun (fence)

Haus (house)

Traum (dream)

'äu' or 'eu'

diphthong - which can be written as 'eu' and 'äu', and also as can be equated to the /oi/ sound made in the Englis

'toiling' and 'boiling'. The difference however is that the German diphthong requires the lips to be rounded throughout articulation. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear eight German words containing this diphthong.

speakers in articulating this long vowel sound is to sound heard in English words

German vowels do not glide off into position throughout a long

starts off with an /a/ phoneme and then glides towards a 'u' sound. Although there is a similarity with the way

that some English speakers would say the vowel sounds in the words 'clown' and 'brown', the here or on the sound

, and also as 'oi' or 'oy' sound made in the English words

'toiling' and 'boiling'. The difference however is that the German diphthong requires the lips to be he sound icon on the left to hear eight

Sounds 2: The German diphthong

Fräulein (Miss)

Häuser (houses)

treu (loyal)

scheu (shy)

Differentiating between 'au'

To practise the distinction between the German here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four p

each pair is the singular of a German noun that contains the German word in each pair is the plural of the same noun and contains an

Sounds 3: Differentiating between

Traum (dream)

Baum (tree)

Maus (mouse)

Haut (skin)

66

Sounds 2: The German diphthong 'eu' or 'äu'

Räuber (robbers)

Bräuche (customs)

Freude (joy)

neu (new)

'au' and 'äu/eu'

To practise the distinction between the German 'au' and 'eu/äu' diphthongs, click either or on the sound icon on the left to hear four pairs of German words. The first word in

each pair is the singular of a German noun that contains the German 'au' diphthong. The second word in each pair is the plural of the same noun and contains an 'äu' diphthong.

Sounds 3: Differentiating between 'au' and 'eu/äu'

Träume (dreams)

Bäume (trees)

Mäuse (mice)

Häute (skins)

German long and short 'e'

diphthongs, click either airs of German words. The first word in

diphthong. The second

German vowels: long and short 'e'

The short German 'e' vowel

The short German 'e' sound is articulated in much the same manner as the English words 'get' and 'set'. It represents the same sound therefore as the short German 'ä'. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing this short vowel:


wenn (if, when)

Dreck (dirt)

Fell (fur)

The long German /e:/ vowel

The long German /e:/ vowel - which can be written vowel in English. To pronounce it, you must ensame high position in your mouth throughout articulation at the end as it can do in English words such as 'day'. Click either the left to hear six German words containing this long

sehr (very)

Meer (sea)

Beet (bed)

Distinguishing between long and short German 'e' vowels

To practise distinguishing between the long and short German 'e' vowels, click either the sound icon on the left to hear three pairs of German words. The first word in each pair contains a long 'e' vowel, whereas the second contains a short

67

German vowels: long and short 'e'

The short German 'e' vowel

sound is articulated in much the same manner as the . It represents the same sound therefore as the short German 'ä'. Click

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing this short

Sounds 1: The short German 'e' vowel

(if, when)

fett (fat)

echt (genuine)

Nest (nest)

The long German /e:/ vowel

which can be written 'e', 'eh' or 'ee' - has no corresponding long vowel in English. To pronounce it, you must ensure that your tongue remains tense and in the same high position in your mouth throughout articulation - the sound must not glide off into an 'i' at the end as it can do in English words such as 'day'. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing this long 'e' vowel:

Sounds 2: The long German 'e' vowel

mehr (more)

Teer (tar)

Gel (gel)

Distinguishing between long and short German 'e' vowels

To practise distinguishing between the long and short German 'e' vowels, click either the sound icon on the left to hear three pairs of German words. The first word in each pair

vowel, whereas the second contains a short 'e' vowel.

sound is articulated in much the same manner as the 'e' vowel in the . It represents the same sound therefore as the short German 'ä'. Click

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing this short 'e'

has no corresponding long sure that your tongue remains tense and in the

the sound must not glide off into an 'i' or on the sound icon on

To practise distinguishing between the long and short German 'e' vowels, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear three pairs of German words. The first word in each pair

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between long and short German

Heer (army)

Hehl (secret)

Beet (flower-bed)

Unstressed '-e' vowels

The unstressed 'e' sound is the most common vowel sound in Gefrequently in final position in words such as

sound should cause few problems for English speakers, as it equates to the final English word 'sofa'. Click either ending in this unstressed 'e' vowel:

Majonäse(mayonnaise)

Care should be taken to distinguish between an unstressed German German '-er'. Although ostensibly quite similar, the tongue should be retracted more

quickly in German '-er' sounds than it is in an unstressed icon on the left to practise differentiating between the German words


bitte (please)

German unstressed '-er'

Sometimes referred to as a 'dark schwa', the German articulated with the tongue slightly lower and further back in the vowel area than the

'schwa' sound heard at the end of such German words as 'Liebe', 'Katze' and '

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Sounds 3: Distinguishing between long and short German 'e' vowels

Herr (gentleman)

hell (bright)

bed)

Bett (bed)

Unstressed German '-e' and '-er'

sound is the most common vowel sound in German, appearing very frequently in final position in words such as 'eine' and 'viele'. Also known as a 'schwa', this

sound should cause few problems for English speakers, as it equates to the final . Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear two German words

vowel:

Sounds 1: The unstressed 'e' vowel

Majonäse (mayonnaise)

Boje (buoy)

Care should be taken to distinguish between an unstressed German '-e' and an unstressed . Although ostensibly quite similar, the tongue should be retracted more

sounds than it is in an unstressed '-e'. Click either hereicon on the left to practise differentiating between the German words 'bitte' and 'bitter'

nds 2: Distinguishing between '-e' and '-er'

bitter (bitter)

Sometimes referred to as a 'dark schwa', the German unstressed '-er' articulated with the tongue slightly lower and further back in the vowel area than the

'schwa' sound heard at the end of such German words as 'Liebe', 'Katze' and '

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between long and short German

rman, appearing very . Also known as a 'schwa', this

sound should cause few problems for English speakers, as it equates to the final 'a' sound in the or on the sound icon on the left to hear two German words

and an unstressed . Although ostensibly quite similar, the tongue should be retracted more

here or on the sound 'bitter':

or vocalic 'r' is articulated with the tongue slightly lower and further back in the vowel area than the

'schwa' sound heard at the end of such German words as 'Liebe', 'Katze' and 'Ratte'.

The most common usage of vocalic words. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four Gvocalic 'r'. The words are listed in the box below along with their English translation.

Bruder (brother)

Mutter (mother)

You will also hear vocalic start with er-, ver-, zer- and

in four words containing these prefixes.

Sounds 4: Vocalic

erlauben (to allow)

zerstören (to destroy)

The German diphthong 'ei' ('ai', 'ey', 'ay')

German diphthong: 'ei', 'ey'

The German 'ei' diphthong /a/ phoneme and then glides into an 'i' sound. Its closest equivalent in English is the vowel

sound in the English word 'light'. Click either German words containing this diphthong. Note in particular the different ways in which this sound can be spelled.

Main (River Main)

Bayern (Bavaria)

Teil (part)

Meyer (German surname)

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The most common usage of vocalic 'r' is in unstressed "-er" syllables at the end of German or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words ending in a

. The words are listed in the box below along with their English translation.

Sounds 3: Vocalic 'r' in final position

Schwester (sister)

Vater (father)

You will also hear vocalic 'r' in the unstressed German prefixes of verbs and nouns that and her-. Click here or on the sound icon to listen to the vocalic

in four words containing these prefixes.

Sounds 4: Vocalic 'r' in unstressed prefixes

vergessen (to forget)

(to destroy)

hereinkommen (to come in)

The German diphthong 'ei' ('ai', 'ey', 'ay')

'ey', 'ai' and 'ay'

diphthong - which can be written 'ei', 'ey', 'ai' or 'ay' - phoneme and then glides into an 'i' sound. Its closest equivalent in English is the vowel

sound in the English word 'light'. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear eight German words containing this diphthong. Note in particular the different ways in which this

Sounds 1: 'ei', 'ey', 'ai' and 'ay'

(River Main)

Saite (string)

Karl May (German author)

breit (wide)

(German surname)

Speyer (German town)

syllables at the end of German erman words ending in a

. The words are listed in the box below along with their English translation.

in the unstressed German prefixes of verbs and nouns that or on the sound icon to listen to the vocalic 'r'

starts off with an phoneme and then glides into an 'i' sound. Its closest equivalent in English is the vowel

or on the sound icon on the left to hear eight German words containing this diphthong. Note in particular the different ways in which this

Note that, unlike in English, the pronunciation of the German letters - it is always pronounced as the diphthong outlined above. Click either

sound icon on the left to hear eight German words containing the letters

Sounds 2: The consistency of the German letters

frei (free)

heil (unhurt)

Kreis (circle)

The pronunciation of the letters distinction between these two sounds, click either

listen to four pairs of German words. The first word in each pair contains an the second contains 'ie'.


Wein (wine)

Fleiß (hard work)


steil (steep)

The German short 'i' vowel

The short German 'i' sound is similar to the vowel articulated in the English words 'lip'. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing

this short 'i' vowel at the start of a word:

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Note that, unlike in English, the pronunciation of the German letters 'ei' remains consistent pronounced as the diphthong outlined above. Click either

sound icon on the left to hear eight German words containing the letters 'ei'.

Sounds 2: The consistency of the German letters 'ei'

Rhein (Rhine)

dreist (sly)

weit (far)

The pronunciation of the letters 'ie' also remains consistent in German. To practise the distinction between these two sounds, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to

listen to four pairs of German words. The first word in each pair contains an 'ei'

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between 'ei' and 'ie'

Wien (Vienna)

(hard work)

fließt (flows)

(unfortunately)

Lieder (songs)

Stiel (stick)

Long and short German 'i' vowels

The German short 'i' vowel

d is similar to the vowel articulated in the English words or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing

vowel at the start of a word:

remains consistent pronounced as the diphthong outlined above. Click either here or on the

also remains consistent in German. To practise the or on the sound icon on the left to

'ei' sound, whereas

d is similar to the vowel articulated in the English words 'bit' and or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing

Sou

ich (I)

Irland (Ireland)

immer (always)

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing this short 'i' vowel in the middle of a word. Note that this sound can only be written as an

'i'.

Sou

bitte (please)

Tisch (table)

Winter (winter)

The German long /i:/ vowel

The long German /i:/ vowel the vowel articulated in the English words 'bee' and 'team'. The German sound however is

more open, with the lips widely spread, and the tongue should be further forward during articulation. You should also ensure that your tongue remains tense and in theyour mouth throughout articulation either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear fivvowel at the start of a word:

Sou

ihnen (to them)

irisch (Irish)

Igel (hedgehog)

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Sounds 1: Short German 'i' in initial position

Interesse (interest)

Insekt (insect)

illegal (illegal)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing vowel in the middle of a word. Note that this sound can only be written as an

Sounds 2: Short German 'i' in medial position

Mitte (middle)

Fisch (fish)

sitzen (to sit)

The German long /i:/ vowel

vowel - which can be written 'i', 'ih', 'ie' or 'ieh' - sounds a little likethe vowel articulated in the English words 'bee' and 'team'. The German sound however is

more open, with the lips widely spread, and the tongue should be further forward during articulation. You should also ensure that your tongue remains tense and in the your mouth throughout articulation - English sounds can tend to glide off into a diphthong. Click

or on the sound icon on the left to hear five German words containing this long

Sounds 3: Long German 'i' in initial position

(to them)

ihr (her)

Iris (iris)

hog)

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing vowel in the middle of a word. Note that this sound can only be written as an

sounds a little like the vowel articulated in the English words 'bee' and 'team'. The German sound however is

more open, with the lips widely spread, and the tongue should be further forward during same position in

English sounds can tend to glide off into a diphthong. Click e German words containing this long /i:/

Now click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear three German words in which the long /i:/ vowel appears in medial position. The words themselves are provided in the

box below along with their English translation.

Sounds 4: Long German vowel

Krise (crisis)

Linie (line)

When long /i:/ appears in an unstressed syllable in a word, then the same sound is made but with a reduced length. Click either

reduced length long /i:/ vowel sounds.

Sounds 5: Reduced length German long

Idee (idea)

Mikrofon(microphone)

When 'i' occurs before a vowel, it does not constitute a separate syllable, but is instead pronounced very short. Click either

German words in which the 'i' vowel appears before another vowel. The words themselves are provided in the box below along with their English translation.

Sounds 6: German

Station (station)

German vowel sounds: 'ie'

The German sound that is written as /i:/ sound. Click either here

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or on the sound icon on the left to hear three German words in which vowel appears in medial position. The words themselves are provided in the

box below along with their English translation.

Sounds 4: Long German vowel 'i' in medial position

politisch (political)

appears in an unstressed syllable in a word, then the same sound is made but with a reduced length. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear three

vowel sounds.

Sounds 5: Reduced length German long 'i' sounds

ideal (ideal)

Mikrofon (microphone)

occurs before a vowel, it does not constitute a separate syllable, but is instead pronounced very short. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear two

vowel appears before another vowel. The words themselves are provided in the box below along with their English translation.

Sounds 6: German 'i' before another vowel

finanziell (financial)

How to pronounce German 'ie'

'ie'

The German sound that is written as 'ie' is not a diphthong, but is simply a long German here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words

or on the sound icon on the left to hear three German words in which vowel appears in medial position. The words themselves are provided in the

appears in an unstressed syllable in a word, then the same sound is made or on the sound icon on the left to hear three

occurs before a vowel, it does not constitute a separate syllable, but is instead or on the sound icon on the left to hear two

vowel appears before another vowel. The words themselves are

is not a diphthong, but is simply a long German ar four German words

where the letters 'ie' represent a long

Sou

Bier (beer)

Stier (bll)

Unlike in English, where the pronunciation of the letters represented by these spellings remain consistent

between these two sounds, click either of German words. The first word in each pair contains an 'ie'.

Sou

Wein (wine)

Fleiß (hard work)


steil (steep)

German 'ie' at the end of a word

When the letters 'ie' appear at the end of a word, they can be pronounced in two different ways. If the final syllable is

outlined above. Click either herea stressed final syllable containing

Sounds 3: German

Biographie(biography)

Akademie (academy)

But when 'ie' appears in an

73

represent a long /i:/ sound.

Sounds 1: German 'ie' as long /i:/ vowel

viel (much)

Frieden (peace)

Unlike in English, where the pronunciation of the letters 'ie' and 'ei' can vary, the sounds represented by these spellings remain consistent in German. To practise the distinction

between these two sounds, click either here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to four pairs ord in each pair contains an 'ei' sound, whereas the second contains

Sounds 2: Distinguishing between 'ei' and 'ie'

Wien (Vienna)

(hard work)

fließt (flows)

tunately)

Lieder (songs)

Stiel (stick)

at the end of a word

appear at the end of a word, they can be pronounced in two different ways. If the final syllable is stressed, then the letters are pronounced as the long

here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words with a stressed final syllable containing 'ie':

Sounds 3: German 'ie' in a stressed final syllable

Biographie (biography)

Symphonie (symphony)

(academy)


appears in an unstressed syllable at the end of a word, then the letters are

can vary, the sounds in German. To practise the distinction

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to four pairs sound, whereas the second contains

appear at the end of a word, they can be pronounced in two different , then the letters are pronounced as the long /i:/ vowel

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words with

syllable at the end of a word, then the letters are

pronounced as two separate vowel sounds. Click either hear four German words with an unstressed final syllable containing

Sounds 4: German

Familie (family)

Folie (film, foil)

German vowels: long and short

The short German 'o' vowel

The short German 'o' sound - which can only be written English words 'not' and 'lot'. The German sound is shorter and more close however and requires the lips to be much more rounded. Click either German words containing this short


Sonne (sun)

Gott (god)

The long German 'o' vowel

The long German 'o' vowel - which can be written exact equivalent in English. It is a little like the vowel German however, this sound must not be allowed to glide offspeakers ofen find themselves doing. Click either six German words containing this lonarticulation that occurs in those German words below that have a similar form in English.

Rose (rose)

Boot

74

pronounced as two separate vowel sounds. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words with an unstressed final syllable containing 'ie':

Sounds 4: German 'ie' in an unstressed final syllable

Petersilie (parsley)

(film, foil)

Materie (matter)

Long and short German 'o' vowels

German vowels: long and short 'o'

The short German 'o' vowel

which can only be written 'o' - is similar to the . The German sound is shorter and more close however and requires

the lips to be much more rounded. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing this short 'o' vowel:

Sounds 1: The short German 'o' vowel

von (from, of)

Dorf (village)

The long German 'o' vowel

which can be written 'o', 'oh', 'oo', and 'eau' - does not have an exact equivalent in English. It is a little like the vowel 'o' in the English words 'so' and 'go'. In German however, this sound must not be allowed to glide off into a 'u' sound, which English speakers ofen find themselves doing. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to six German words containing this long 'o' vowel. Note in particular the difference in vowel articulation that occurs in those German words below that have a similar form in English.

Sounds 2: The long German 'o' vowel

froh (happy)

groß

nd icon on the left to

is similar to the 'o' vowel in the . The German sound is shorter and more close however and requires

on the left to hear four

does not have an in the English words 'so' and 'go'. In

sound, which English or on the sound icon on the left to listen to

vowel. Note in particular the difference in vowel articulation that occurs in those German words below that have a similar form in English.

(boat)

so (so)

Distinguishing between long and short German 'o' vowels

To practise distinguishing between the long and short German 'o' vowels, click either the sound icon on the left to hear four pairs of German words. The firstcontains a long 'o' vowel, whereas the second contains a short

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between long & short German

wo (where)

Rose (rose)

Wohl (health)

Sohle (sole of shoe)

German vowels: long and short 'ö'

The German long 'ö' and short 'ö'to master, as there are no direct equivalents in the English language.

The long German 'ö' vowel

To form a long German 'ö' vowel words only) - first articulate a long German you say it, gradually purse your lips and the word that emerges is same procedure with the German word 'Hpurse your lips will be 'Höfe' (= courtyards)

listen to six German words containing this long

75

(big)

rot (red)

Distinguishing between long and short German 'o' vowels

To practise distinguishing between the long and short German 'o' vowels, click either the sound icon on the left to hear four pairs of German words. The first word in each pair

vowel, whereas the second contains a short 'o' vowel.

nds 3: Distinguishing between long & short German 'o'

vowels

Wonne (bliss)

Ross (horse)

Wolle (wool)

(sole of shoe)

Soll (debt)

German long and short 'ö' vowels

'ö'

short 'ö' are two of the hardest vowel sounds for the English speaker to master, as there are no direct equivalents in the English language.

The long German 'ö' vowel

vowel - which can be written 'ö', 'öh' or 'eu' (in imported French first articulate a long German 'e' sound in a word such as 'Sehne'

ur lips and the word that emerges is 'Söhne' (= sons)

same procedure with the German word 'Hefe' (= yeast), then the word that emerges when you (= courtyards). Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to

listen to six German words containing this long 'ö' vowel:

To practise distinguishing between the long and short German 'o' vowels, click either here or on word in each pair

'o'

are two of the hardest vowel sounds for the English speaker

(in imported French hne' (= tendon). As

(= sons). If you try the , then the word that emerges when you

or on the sound icon on the left to

Flöte (flute)

böse (evil)

Löhne (wages)

The short German 'ö' vowel

The short German 'ö' sound - which can only be written word - is best described as a shorter, tenser and much more open version of the sound outlined above. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing this short 'ö' vowel:


Hölle (hell)

Löffel (spoon)

Distinguishing between German 'o' and 'ö' vowels

To practise distinguishing between German icon on the left to hear seven pairs of German words. The first word in each pair contains a vowel, whereas the second contains a

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between German

Krone (crown)

groß (big)

Koller (anger)

schon (already)

offen (open)

76

Sounds 1: The long German 'ö' vowel

blöd (stupid)

stöhnen (to groan)

Kröte (turtle)

German 'ö' vowel

which can only be written 'ö' and never features at the end of a is best described as a shorter, tenser and much more open version of the sound outlined

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing

Sounds 2: The short German 'ö' vowel

Stöcke (sticks)

Öffnung (opening)

Distinguishing between German 'o' and 'ö' vowels

To practise distinguishing between German 'o' and 'ö' vowels, click either hereicon on the left to hear seven pairs of German words. The first word in each pair contains a vowel, whereas the second contains a 'ö' vowel.

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between German 'o' and 'ö' vowels

krönen (to crown)

größer (bigger)

Köln (Cologne)

schön (beautiful)

öffnen (to open)

and never features at the end of a is best described as a shorter, tenser and much more open version of the sound outlined

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German words containing

here or on the sound icon on the left to hear seven pairs of German words. The first word in each pair contains a 'o'

Flotte (fleet)

Telefon (telephone)

German vowels: long and short

The short German 'u' vowel

The short German 'u' sound - which can only be written English words 'push' and 'foot'. The German sound is shorter however and requires the lips to be much more rounded. Click either words containing this short 'o' vowel:


Hund (dog)

Wunsch (wish)

The long German 'u' vowel

The long German /u:/ vowel -equivalent in English. It is a little like the vowel sound in the English words 'hoot' and 'boot' but the lips are much more rounded in German and the sound must not be allowed to glide off into a diphthong. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to six German words containing this long 'u' vowel.

Tuch (cloth)

Uwe (boy's name)

Stuhl (chair)

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Flöte (flute)

(telephone)

Fön (hairdryer)

German long and short 'u' vowels

German vowels: long and short 'u'

The short German 'u' vowel

which can only be written 'u' - is similar to the . The German sound is shorter however and requires the lips to be

much more rounded. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German vowel:

Sounds 1: The short German 'u' vowel

Butter (butter)

Pult (desk)

The long German 'u' vowel

- which can be written 'u' or 'uh' - does not have an exact equivalent in English. It is a little like the vowel sound in the English words 'hoot' and 'boot' but the lips are much more rounded in German and the sound must not be allowed to glide off into a

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to six German words

Sounds 2: The long German 'u' vowel

Grube (ditch)

(boy's name)

Ute (girl's name)

Uhr (clock)

is similar to the 'u' vowel in the . The German sound is shorter however and requires the lips to be

or on the sound icon on the left to hear four German

not have an exact equivalent in English. It is a little like the vowel sound in the English words 'hoot' and 'boot' but the lips are much more rounded in German and the sound must not be allowed to glide off into a

or on the sound icon on the left to listen to six German words

Distinguishing between long and short German 'u' vowels

To practise distinguishing between the long and short German 'u' vowels, click either the sound icon on the left to hcontains a long 'u' vowel, whereas the second contains a short

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between long & short German

Buch (book)

Huhn (chicken)

Pfuhl (pond)

Ufer (riverbank)

German vowels: long and short 'ü'

The German long 'ü' and short 'ü'to master, as there are no direct equivalents in the English language.

The long German 'ü' vowel

To form a long German 'ü' vowel articulate a long German 'ie' sound in a word such as 'Tpurse your lips and the word that ethe German word 'Kiel' (= North German town)

your lips will be 'kühl' (= cool). Click either German words containing this long

früh (early)

grün (green)

78

between long and short German 'u' vowels

To practise distinguishing between the long and short German 'u' vowels, click either the sound icon on the left to hear four pairs of German words. The first word in each pair

vowel, whereas the second contains a short 'u' vowel.

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between long & short German 'u'

vowels

Busch (bush)

(chicken)

Hund (dog)

Pfund (pound)

(riverbank)

unten (below)

German long and short 'ü' vowels

'ü'

short 'ü' are two of the hardest vowel sounds for the English speaker to master, as there are no direct equivalents in the English language.

The long German 'ü' vowel

vowel - which can be written 'ü', 'üh' and sometimes sound in a word such as 'Tier' (= animal). As you say it, gradually

purse your lips and the word that emerges is 'Tür' (= door). If you try the same procedure with (= North German town), then the word that emerges when you purse

. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to listen to six German words containing this long 'ü' vowel:

Sounds 1: The long German 'ü' vowel

Tür (door)

über (above)

To practise distinguishing between the long and short German 'u' vowels, click either here or on ear four pairs of German words. The first word in each pair

'u'

are two of the hardest vowel sounds for the English speaker

and sometimes 'y' - first . As you say it, gradually

. If you try the same procedure with , then the word that emerges when you purse or on the sound icon on the left to listen to six

Bühne (stage)

The short German 'ü' vowel

The short German 'ü' sound - which can be written shorter version of the sound outlined above, but with slightly less lipor on the sound icon on the left to hear si


Stück (piece)

Brücke (bridge)

dünn (thin)

Distinguishing between German 'u' and 'ü' vowels

To practise distinguishing between German icon on the left to hear nine pairs of Gvowel, whereas the second contains a

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between German

jung (young)

gut (good)

Schule (school)

Kuh (cow)

Stuhl (chair)

Busch (bush)

Kuss (kiss)

79

Lüge (lie)

The short German 'ü' vowel

which can be written 'ü' and sometimes 'y' - is best described as a shorter version of the sound outlined above, but with slightly less lip-rounding. Click either or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words containing this short 'ü'

Sounds 2: The short German 'ü' vowel

Münze (coin)

Perücke (wig)

glücklich (happy)

between German 'u' and 'ü' vowels

To practise distinguishing between German 'u' and 'ü' vowels, click either hereicon on the left to hear nine pairs of German words. The first word in each pair contains a vowel, whereas the second contains a 'ü' vowel.

Sounds 3: Distinguishing between German 'u' and 'ü' vowels

jünger (younger)

Güte (goodness)

Schüler (schoolboy)

Kühe (cows)

Stühle (chairs)

Büsche (bushes)

Küsse (kisses)

is best described as a rounding. Click either here

'ü' vowel:

here or on the sound erman words. The first word in each pair contains a 'u'

drucken (to print)

Bruch (break)

The German Letter 'y'

The German letter 'y' can be pronounced in a number of different ways, depending on its position in a word or syllable. If

short vowel 'ü'. The fact that this letter often appears in words in whose English equivalent it would be pronounced as an 'i'mispronounce. Click either here all contain 'y' in medial position. How would their equivalents be pronounced in Engli

Sounds 1: Words containing the letter

typisch (typical)

Pyramide (pyramid)

Rhythmus (rhythm)

If 'y' stands at the beginning or end of a word, then it is pronounced in the same way as it would be in English. The word in which it appears is very probably an import from

English in the first place. Click either which end with the German letter

Sounds 2: Words with

Hobby (hobby)

Party (party)

Go to the index of this pronunciation guide

80

drücken (to press)

Brüche (breaks)

The German letter 'y'


. The fact that this letter often appears in words in whose English equivalent it 'i' makes the German 'y' a sound that it can be very easy to

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words which in medial position. How would their equivalents be pronounced in Engli

Sounds 1: Words containing the letter 'y' in medial position

Physik (physics)

Gymnasium (grammar school)

Hymne (hymn)


English in the first place. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear three words which end with the German letter 'y' and one word that starts with this letter.

Sounds 2: Words with 'y' in initial and final position

Yoga (yoga)

Handy (mobile phone)

Go to the index of this pronunciation guide

can be pronounced in a number of different ways, depending on its it is used as a vowel, it sounds like the German long or

. The fact that this letter often appears in words in whose English equivalent it a sound that it can be very easy to

or on the sound icon on the left to hear six German words which in medial position. How would their equivalents be pronounced in English?

in medial position


or on the sound icon on the left to hear three words

Pronunciation: Anglicized German words

Below are 24 words that have entered the English language from German. In most cases, the pronunciation of these words has become anglicized, so we need to "unlearn" the English pronunciation of each term if we wish to say them correctlyourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the sound icon next to each word to listen to it being spoken a German native speaker. How many of these words are you familiar with and what do they meanyou and make a list of other German loan words that have been imported into English.

81

Pronunciation: Anglicized German words

Below are 24 words that have entered the English language from German. In most cases, the pronunciation of these words has become anglicized, so we need to "unlearn" the English pronunciation of each term if we wish to say them correctly in German. Read each word to yourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the sound icon next to each word to listen to it being spoken a German native speaker. How many of these words are you familiar with and what do they mean? Look up any of the words on the list that are new to you and make a list of other German loan words that have been imported into English.

Exercise: German loan words

1. Fahrenheit

2. Zeppelin

3. Strudel

4. Frankfurter

5. Dachshund

6. Schadenfreude

7. Ersatz

8. Kindergarten

9. Hamburger

10. Gesundheit

11. Leitmotiv

12. Wanderlust

13. Weltanschauung

14. Rucksack

Below are 24 words that have entered the English language from German. In most cases, the pronunciation of these words has become anglicized, so we need to "unlearn" the English

y in German. Read each word to yourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the sound icon next to each word to listen to it being spoken a German native speaker. How many of these words are

? Look up any of the words on the list that are new to you and make a list of other German loan words that have been imported into English.

Pronunciation: Similar words in English and German

The words in the table below have similar forms in German and English. They are pronounced however in a very different way in both languages. Read each word to yourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the sound icon next to eachbeing spoken a native German speaker. Which words in the list also have a different meaning in German and English?

82

15. Hinterland

16. Poltergeist

17. Rottweiler

18. Glockenspiel

19. Doppelgänger

20. Schmalz

21. Gestalt

22. Pilsner

23. Angst

24. Bunsen

Pronunciation: Similar words in English and German

e words in the table below have similar forms in German and English. They are pronounced however in a very different way in both languages. Read each word to yourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the sound icon next to each word to listen to it being spoken a native German speaker. Which words in the list also have a different meaning in

Similar words in English and German

1. die Chance

2. das Theater

3. die Symphonie

4. das Quiz

e words in the table below have similar forms in German and English. They are pronounced however in a very different way in both languages. Read each word to yourself in the way that a

word to listen to it being spoken a native German speaker. Which words in the list also have a different meaning in

83

5. der Athlet

6. die Zone

7. das Gel

8. die Butter

9. wild

10. der Strand (= the beach)

11. der Christ (= the Christian)

12. die Note

13. der Zoo

14. England

15. Volkswagen

16. Mercedes

17. Porsche

18. der Winter

19. das Bad (= the bath)

20. Berlin

21. das Handy (= the mobile phone)

22. die Taste (= the key; the button)

23. China

24. das Boot (= the boat)

Pronunciation: Anglicized German names

The following 16 people have become wellpolitical, cultural or social achievements. In many casthe same way that they would be pronounced in Germany. Read each word to yourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the sound icon next to each word to listen to it being spoken a German native speaker. How many of these people have you not heard of? Look up any of the names on the list with which you are unfamiliar and find out what they are famous for.

84

Pronunciation: Anglicized German names

The following 16 people have become well-known in the English-speaking world for their political, cultural or social achievements. In many cases however, we do not say their names in the same way that they would be pronounced in Germany. Read each word to yourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the sound icon next to each word to listen to

native speaker. How many of these people have you not heard of? Look up any of the names on the list with which you are unfamiliar and find out what they are

Exercise: Anglicized German names

1. Jürgen Klinsmann

2. Steffi Graf

3. Berti Vogts

4. Gerhard Schröder

5. Jörg Haider

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger

7. Rudi Völler

8. Friedrich Schiller

9. Ludwig van Beethoven

10. Hermann Hesse

11. Sigmund Freud

12. Friedrich Nietzsche

13. Marlene Dietrich

14. Dietmar Hamann

speaking world for their es however, we do not say their names in

the same way that they would be pronounced in Germany. Read each word to yourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the sound icon next to each word to listen to

native speaker. How many of these people have you not heard of? Look up any of the names on the list with which you are unfamiliar and find out what they are

Pronunciation: German towns and cities

Here are the names of 24 well-Read each word to yourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the sound icon next to each word to listen to it being spoken a German native speaker. Look up any of the places on the list with which how you are unfamiliar and note any towns orname is written differently in German than it is in English.

85

15. Martin Luther

16. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Pronunciation: German towns and cities

-known towns and cities from the German-speaking countries. d to yourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the

sound icon next to each word to listen to it being spoken a German native speaker. Look up any of the places on the list with which how you are unfamiliar and note any towns orname is written differently in German than it is in English.

Exercise: German towns and cities

1. Berlin

2. Hannover

3. Düsseldorf

4. Wien

5. Zürich

6. Salzburg

7. Basel

8. London

9. München

10. Stuttgart

11. Braunschweig

12. Frankfurt

speaking countries. d to yourself in the way that a German would pronounce it and then click on the

sound icon next to each word to listen to it being spoken a German native speaker. Look up any of the places on the list with which how you are unfamiliar and note any towns or cities whose


Even for native speakers, German tongueZungenbrecher (= tongue-twisters)

try to say them yourself. How fast can you manage them without makin

1. In Ulm, um Ulm und um Ulm herum.

("In Ulm, around Ulm and round about Ulm.")

2. Bürsten mit harten Borsten bürsten besonders sauber.

("Brushes with hard bristles brush particularly cle

3. Fischers Fritz fischt frische Fische.

("The Fischer's son Fritz is fishing for fresh fish.")

4. Kluge kleine Katzen kratzen keine Krokodile.

("Clever little cats don't scratch crocodiles.")

5. Zwischen zwei Zweigen zwitschern zwei Schwalben.

("Two swallows twitter between two branches.")

6. Weil lustige Leute laufend lache

auch beim Laufen.("Because humorous people laugh all the time, humorous people laugh even when they run.")

7. Echte Dichter dichten leichter bei Licht.

("Real poets find it easier to compose in daylight.")

86

13. Graz

14. Bregenz

15. Luzern

16. Dresden

17. Leipzig

18. Magdeburg

19. Dortmund

20. Saarbrücken

en for native speakers, German tongue-twisters are by no means easy. Listen to the following twisters) by clicking on the sound icon next to each sentence and then

try to say them yourself. How fast can you manage them without making a mistake?


1. In Ulm, um Ulm und um Ulm herum. ("In Ulm, around Ulm and round about Ulm.")

2. Bürsten mit harten Borsten bürsten besonders sauber.("Brushes with hard bristles brush particularly clean.")

3. Fischers Fritz fischt frische Fische. ("The Fischer's son Fritz is fishing for fresh fish.")

4. Kluge kleine Katzen kratzen keine Krokodile. ("Clever little cats don't scratch crocodiles.")

5. Zwischen zwei Zweigen zwitschern zwei Schwalben. ("Two swallows twitter between two branches.")

6. Weil lustige Leute laufend lachen, lachen lustige Leute auch beim Laufen. ("Because humorous people laugh all the time, humorous people laugh even when they run.")

7. Echte Dichter dichten leichter bei Licht. ("Real poets find it easier to compose in daylight.")

twisters are by no means easy. Listen to the following by clicking on the sound icon next to each sentence and then

g a mistake?

2. Bürsten mit harten Borsten bürsten besonders sauber.

n, lachen lustige Leute

("Because humorous people laugh all the time, humorous people

8. Jedes Jahr im Juli essen Jana und Julia Johannisbeeren.

("Every year in July Jana and Julia eat blackcurrants.")

9. Schneiders Schere schneidet scharf

Schneiders S("Schneider's scissors cut sharply scissors cut.")

10. Wer will weiße Wäsche waschen?

("Who wants to wash white washing?")

11. Esel essen Nesseln nicht, Nesseln essen Esel nicht.

("Donkeys don't

12. Der Koch roch auch noch in der Nacht nach Knoblauch.

("Even in the night, the cook smelled of garlic.")

13. Man trinkt Wein in Wien.

("People drink wine in Vienna.")

14. Müller Lümmer frühstückt schüsselweise grünes Gemüse.

("Lümmer thbreakfast.")

15. Der dicke Dieter trägt den dünnen Dieter über den dicken

Dreck. ("Fat Dieter carries thin Dieter across the thick mud.")

Anyone who wants to find more German tongue

• Click here to watch three Germans attempt to repeat the tongueSchere schneidet scharf, scharf schneidet Schneiders Schere."

• Click here to visit Michael Reck

Twisters". Some are these • Click here to see Oliver Horvath

Alphabet exercise: Spelling your name

Listen to the audio clips of people spelling their name by clicking on thedown the name that they are spelling out. Then place your cursor over the word box will pop up revealing the answer. (

87

8. Jedes Jahr im Juli essen Jana und Julia Johannisbeeren.("Every year in July Jana and Julia eat blackcurrants.")

9. Schneiders Schere schneidet scharf - scharf schneidet Schneiders Schere. ("Schneider's scissors cut sharply - sharply is how Schneider's scissors cut.")

10. Wer will weiße Wäsche waschen? ("Who wants to wash white washing?")

11. Esel essen Nesseln nicht, Nesseln essen Esel nicht. ("Donkeys don't eat nettles, nettles don't eat donkeys.")

12. Der Koch roch auch noch in der Nacht nach Knoblauch.("Even in the night, the cook smelled of garlic.")

13. Man trinkt Wein in Wien. ("People drink wine in Vienna.")

14. Müller Lümmer frühstückt schüsselweise grünes Gemüse.("Lümmer the miller eats green vegetables by the bowlful for


("Fat Dieter carries thin Dieter across the thick mud.")

Anyone who wants to find more German tongue-twisters should visit the following sites:

to watch three Germans attempt to repeat the tongue-twister. "Schneiders Schere schneidet scharf, scharf schneidet Schneiders Schere."

Michael Reck's extensive "International Collection of Tongue Twisters". Some are these Zungenbrecher are in standard German, others are in dialect.

Oliver Horvath's list of German tongue-twisters.

Alphabet exercise: Spelling your name

Listen to the audio clips of people spelling their name by clicking on the real audio icons. Write down the name that they are spelling out. Then place your cursor over the word box will pop up revealing the answer. ("Die Antwort" is the German word for "answer"

8. Jedes Jahr im Juli essen Jana und Julia Johannisbeeren.

sharply is how Schneider's

12. Der Koch roch auch noch in der Nacht nach Knoblauch.

14. Müller Lümmer frühstückt schüsselweise grünes Gemüse. e miller eats green vegetables by the bowlful for


twisters should visit the following sites:

twister. "Schneiders

's extensive "International Collection of Tongue are in standard German, others are in dialect.

real audio icons. Write down the name that they are spelling out. Then place your cursor over the word "Antwort" and a

"answer".)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

88

Audio: Wie heiße ich?

Ich heiße... Antwort

Mein Name ist... Antwort

Sie heißt... Antwort




Er heißt... Antwort









Exercise: German Abbreviations

To practise the different letters of the German alphabet, look at the following wellGerman abbreviations and imagine how you would say them. Then click on the sound icon next to each name to listen to a native speaker saying them. How many of these abyou heard of? Look up any abbreviations with which you are unfamiliar.

1. VW

(= "V

2. BMW

(= "B

3. HSV

(= "H

4. SPD

(= "S

5. BRD

(= "B

6. ÖVP

(= "Ö

7. BASF

(= "B

8. CDU

(= "C

9. ISBN

(= "Internationale

10. USA

(= "U

11. EKG

(= "E

12. FDJ

(= "F

13. TV

(= "T

14. LKW

(= "L

15. QED

(= "Q

16. Aktenzeichen XYZ

(= "German TV programme similar to BBC's

Crimewatch")

89

Exercise: German Abbreviations

practise the different letters of the German alphabet, look at the following wellGerman abbreviations and imagine how you would say them. Then click on the sound icon next to each name to listen to a native speaker saying them. How many of these abyou heard of? Look up any abbreviations with which you are unfamiliar.

German abbreviations

1. VW Volkswagen")

2. BMW Bayerische Motorenwerke")

3. HSV Hamburger SV")

4. SPD Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands")

5. BRD Bundesrepublik Deutschland")

6. ÖVP Österreichische Volkspartei")

7. BASF Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik")

8. CDU Christlich-demokratische Union")

9. ISBN nternationale Standardbuchnummer")

10. USA United States of America")

11. EKG Elektrokardiogramm")

12. FDJ Freie Deutsche Jugend")

13. TV Television")

14. LKW Lastkraftwagen")

15. QED Quod erat demonstrandum")

16. Aktenzeichen XYZ (= "German TV programme similar to BBC's

Crimewatch")

practise the different letters of the German alphabet, look at the following well-known German abbreviations and imagine how you would say them. Then click on the sound icon next to each name to listen to a native speaker saying them. How many of these abbreviations have

German abbreviations: MfG

"MfG", a hit single in 1999 for the German rap group Four") or just Fanta 4, is one of the bestacronyms set to music, and provides a wry commentary on the extent to which modern German

culture is dominated by abbreviations nouns.

Click here or on the sound icon on the left of this paragraph to watch the promotional video for the track, which is hosted on the website of Fanta 4 band member for the song appear below. Once you are confident that you can sing all the abbreviations accurately and in time with the music, click Smudo has put on his site for you to rap over.

MfG: the lyrics

(Spoken intro) "Nun, da sich dbeginnen, das uns vom Drama einer Kultur berichtet..."

(Translation) "And now, as the curtain of night rises from the stage, our play can begin, which tells of the drama of an entire culture..."

First verse

ARD, ZDF, und C&A

BRD, DDR und USA

BSE, HIV und DRK

GbR, GmbH

THX, VHS und FSK

RAF, LSD und FKK

DVU, AKW und KKK

RHP, USW, LMAA

PLZ, UPS und DPD

BMX, BPM und XTC

EMI, CBS und BMG

ADAC, DLRG

90

"MfG", a hit single in 1999 for the German rap group "Die Fantastischen Vier"is one of the best-known German rap records. It is a collection of

acronyms set to music, and provides a wry commentary on the extent to which modern German culture is dominated by abbreviations - not least because of its many bulky compound

or on the sound icon on the left of this paragraph to watch the promotional osted on the website of Fanta 4 band member Smudo

for the song appear below. Once you are confident that you can sing all the abbreviations accurately and in time with the music, click here for an instrumental version of the track that Smudo has put on his site for you to rap over.

"Nun, da sich der Vorhang der Nacht von der Bühne hebt, kann das Spiel beginnen, das uns vom Drama einer Kultur berichtet..."

"And now, as the curtain of night rises from the stage, our play can begin, which tells of the drama of an entire culture..."

MfG - mit freundlichen Grüßen

First verse

ARD, ZDF, und C&A

BRD, DDR und USA

BSE, HIV und DRK

GbR, GmbH - ihr könnt mich mal

THX, VHS und FSK

RAF, LSD und FKK

DVU, AKW und KKK

RHP, USW, LMAA

PLZ, UPS und DPD

BMX, BPM und XTC

EMI, CBS und BMG

ADAC, DLRG - ojemine

"Die Fantastischen Vier" ("The Fantastic known German rap records. It is a collection of

acronyms set to music, and provides a wry commentary on the extent to which modern German not least because of its many bulky compound

or on the sound icon on the left of this paragraph to watch the promotional Smudo. The lyrics

for the song appear below. Once you are confident that you can sing all the abbreviations for an instrumental version of the track that

er Vorhang der Nacht von der Bühne hebt, kann das Spiel

"And now, as the curtain of night rises from the stage, our play can begin, which

91

EKZ, RTL und DFB

ABS, TÜV und BMW

KMH, ICE und Eschede

PVC, FCKW - is' nich' OK

Refrain


Die Welt liegt uns zu Füßen

Denn wir stehen drauf

Wir gehen drauf

Für ein Leben voller Schall und Rauch

Bevor wir fallen, fallen wir lieber auf

Second verse

HNO, EKG und AOK

LBS, WKD und IHK

UKW, NDW und Hubert Kah

BTM, BKA, hahaha

LTU, TNT und IRA

N-TV, THW und DPA

H+M, BSB und FDH

SOS, 110 - tatütata

SED, FDJ und KaDeWe

FAZ, BWL und FDP

EDV, IBM und WWW

HSV, VfB, oleole

ABC, DAF und OMD

TM3, A+O und AEG

TUI, UVA und UVB

THC in OCB is was ich dreh

Refrain


Die Welt liegt uns zu Füßen

Denn wir stehen drauf

Wir gehen drauf



But what do all the abbreviations mean? Some of them are obvious to see, but others are of German origin and require a little explanation. Visit the next page for an explanation of what all the acronyms mean.

MfG

MfG - an explanation of the German abbreviations

Below is a list of the abbreviations used in the "MfG" rap, which have been provided in the order that they appear in the song. After you have tried to work them out, click on the abbreviations on

the left of the page to surf to an appropriate website.

Click here or on the sound icon on the left of this paragraph to watch the promotional video for the track, which is

lyrics for the song appear below. Once you are confident that you can sing all the abbreviations accurately and in time with the music, click Smudo has put on his site for you to rap over.

First verse

ARD - Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Öffentlich

(Germany's first public broadcasting network)

ZDF - Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen

(Germany's second television channel)

C&A - Clemens & August

(The clothes store C&A, in full Clemens & August)

92

Wir gehen drauf



But what do all the abbreviations mean? Some of them are obvious to see, but others are of require a little explanation. Visit the next page for an explanation of what all

MfG - what do all the abbreviations mean?

an explanation of the German abbreviations

low is a list of the abbreviations used in the "MfG" rap, which have been provided in the order that they appear in the song. After you have tried to work them out, click on the abbreviations on

the left of the page to surf to an appropriate website.

or on the sound icon on the left of this paragraph to watch the promotional video for the track, which is hosted on the website of Fanta 4 band member

lyrics for the song appear below. Once you are confident that you can sing all the abbreviations accurately and in time with the music, click here for an instrumental version of the track that Smudo has put on his site for you to rap over.

Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Öffentlich-Rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten Deutschlands

(Germany's first public broadcasting network)

Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen

hannel)

(The clothes store C&A, in full Clemens & August)

But what do all the abbreviations mean? Some of them are obvious to see, but others are of require a little explanation. Visit the next page for an explanation of what all

low is a list of the abbreviations used in the "MfG" rap, which have been provided in the order that they appear in the song. After you have tried to work them out, click on the abbreviations on

or on the sound icon on the left of this paragraph to watch the promotional hosted on the website of Fanta 4 band member Smudo. The

lyrics for the song appear below. Once you are confident that you can sing all the abbreviations for an instrumental version of the track that

Rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten Deutschlands

93

BRD - Bundesrepublik Deutschland

(Federal Republic of Germany)

DDR - Deutsche Demokratische Republik

(The former German Democratic Republic (GDR))

USA - United States of America

(Or in German: Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika)

BSE - Bovine Spongiforme Encephalopathie

(Mad cow disease)

HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus

(Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

DRK - Deutsches Rotes Kreuz

(The German Red Cross)

GbR - Gesellschaft des Bürgerlichen Rechts

(Form of private company under German law)

GmbH - Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung

(A limited company)

Ihr könnt mich mal - Ihr könnt mich mal

(You can go to hell!)

THX - Tomlinson Holman's Experiments

(Quality standard for cinema sound)

VHS - Video Home Systems

(Video tape standard)

FSK - Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle

94

(Voluntary self-regulation of the German film industry. Also the name of a German band.)

RAF - Rote Armee Fraktion

(Red Army Fraction (German left-wing terror organisation))

LSD – Lysergsäurediethylamid

(The hallucinogenic drug LSD)

FKK – Freikörperkultur

(Naturism) DVU - Deutsche Volksunion

(Extreme right-wing German political party)

AKW – Atomkraftwerk

(Nuclear power station)

KKK - Ku Klux Klan

(Ku Klux Klan)

RHP - Rödelheim Hartreim Projekt

(Frankfurt rap project)

USW - Und so weiter

(Et cetera, etc.)

LMAA - Leck mich am Arsch

(You can kiss my...!)

PLZ – Postleitzahl

(Postcode. Germany's postcodes have five figures.)

UPS - United Parcels Services

(Parcel delivery company)

DPD - Deutscher Paketdienst

95

(Another parcel delivery company. As of 1. January 2008 DPD as been renamed "Dynamic

Parcel Distribution")

BMX - Bicycle Motocross

(BMX bicycles)

BPM - Beats per minute

(All DJs need to know the speed of a record)

XTC – Ecstasy

(Designer amphetamine drug)

EMI - Electrical and Music Industries

(The music publishers behind the "Fantastischen Vier")

CBS - Columbia Broadcasting System

(Record label behind the "Fantatischen Vier")

BMG - Bertelsmann Music Group

(German-based record company)

ADAC - Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil Club

(German equivalent of the RAC or AA)

DLRG - Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft

(German Lifesavers Society)

Ojemine - Oh Jesus domine!

(Oh our Lord Jesus!)

EKZ –Einkaufszentrum

(Shopping centre)

RTL - Radio Television Luxemburg

96

(German broadcasting company)

DFB - Deutscher Fussball-Bund

(German Football Association)

ABS – Antiblockiersystem

(Anti-lock braking system)

TÜV - Technischer Überwachungs-Verein

(German organisations that test product safety. Best known for regulating the MOT system for

cars.) BMW - Bayerische Motorenwerke

(The motor manfuacturers BMW)

KMH - Kilometer pro Stunde (Km/h)

(Kilometres per hour)

ICE - InterCity Express

(Flagship train of the German railway company "Deutsche Bahn")

Eschede – Eschede

(Town in Lower Saxony in Germany where an ICE train crashed in June 1998)

PVC - Polyvinyl-Chlorid

(The man-made material polyvinylchloride)

FCKW – Fluorchlorkohlenwasserstoffe

(Fluorohydrocarbons (= cause of greenhouse gas))

Is' nich' OK - Is(t) nich(t) OK

(...is not OK)

97

Refrain and song title

MfG - Mit freundlichen Grüßen

("With best wishes". This is the standard way of closing a German business letter.)

Second verse

HNO - Hals Nasen Ohren

(Throat, nose and ears (= area of medicine). Also the name of a Swiss rap group! In English, it's

the other way round - ear, nose and throat)

EKG – Elektrokardiogramm

(Electrocardiogram) AOK - Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse

(German health insurance company)

LBS – Landesbausparkasse

(German building society)

WKD – Wirtschaftskontrolldienst

(Police department in Baden-Württemberg which monitored food provision and food hygiene.

The department was dissolved in January 2005.)

IHK - Industrie- und Handelskammer

(German Chambers of Commerce)

UKW – Ultrakurzwelle

(VHF, the radio frequency range from 30 to 300 Mhz. Also the name of a music group from the

Neue Deutsche Welle (see below))

NDW - Neue Deutsche Welle

(German New Wave. Pop movement of the 1980's)

98

Hubert Kah - Hubert Kah

(Popstar of the German New Wave)

BTM – Betäubungsmittel

(Anaesthetics) BKA – Bundeskriminalamt

(Federal Criminal Police Office based in Wiesbaden)

Hahaha - Ha ha ha

(The universal sound of laughter.)

LTU - Lufttransport-Unternehmen GmbH

(International airline)

TNT – Trinitrotoluol

(Trinitrotoluene. High explosives)

IRA - Irish Republican Army

(Irish paramilitary organisation)

N-TV - N-TV

(24-hour German news channel)

THW - Technisches Hilfswerk

(Federal Agency for Technical Relief)

DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH

(German news agency)

H&M - Hennes & Mauritz

(German clothing chain)

BSB - Backstreet Boys

(American boy-band)

99

FDH - Friss die Hälfte

("Eat half of it". An unscientific means of losing weight)

SOS - Save our souls

("Help" in morse code)

110 - The telephone number 110

(Emergency telephone number in Germany)

tatütata – tatütata

(Dingalingaling! This is the warning siren sound made by fire-engines, ambulances etc.)

SED - Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands

(The ruling political party in the former GDR)

FDJ - Freie Deutsche Jugend

("Free German Youth" - GDR youth organisation)

KaDeWe - Kaufhaus des Westens

(Europe's biggest department store, situated in Berlin)

FAZ - Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

(German daily newspaper based in Frankfurt)

BWL – Betriebswirtschaftslehre

(Business management studies)

FDP - Freie Demokratische Partei

(German liberal party)

EDP - Elektronische Datenverarbeitung

(Electronic data processing)

IBM - International Business Machines

100

(Computer manufacturers)

WWW - World Wide Web

(The internet)

HSV - Hamburger SV

(North German football club)

VfB - VfB Stuttgart

(The German football league champions in 2006/07. VfB stands for Verein für Bewegungsspiele)

Oleole – Oleole

("Olé! Olé!". A football terrace chant)

ABC – ABC

(1980s British pop group fronted by Martin Fry.)

DAF - Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft

(Düsseldorf pop group. The name translates as "German-American friendship".)

OMD - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

(A 1980s electropop group who enjoyed great popularity in Germany)

TM3 - TM3

(A German TV station that was targeted at women. It changed its name in 2001 to 9Live.)

A&O - A&O

(Supermarket chain from the 1970's.)

AEG - Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft (also:"Aus Erfahrung gut")

(Manufacturers of household appliances)

TUI - Touristik Union International

(German travel company)

101

UVA – UVA

(Ultraviolet light rays in the range 400-320nm)

UVB – UVB

(Ultraviolet light rays in the range 320-290nm)

THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol

(The active substance found in hemp, and used for cannabis and hashish)

OCB - Odet Cascadec Bolloré

(Manufacturer of cigarette papers made of hemp)

Is' was ich dreh' - Is(t) was ich dreh(e)

(THC in OCB)... is the cigarette that I roll)

A Guide to German Pronunciation

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Transcript of A Guide to German Pronunciation