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
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 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/
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.
The letters of the German alphabet
beh
tseh
eh
eff
hah
eeh
A Guide to German Pronunciation
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
the box below along with an English translation:
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
or on the sound icon on the left to hear these pairs of words which you can read in the
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
the box below along with an English translation:
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
the box below along with an English translation:
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
themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation.
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
along with an English translation:
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
an English translation:
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
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
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:
Sounds 4: Distinguishing between
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
or on the sound icon on the left to hear these pairs of words which you can read in the
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
or on the sound icon on the left to hear these pairs of words which you can read in the
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
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:
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
along with an English translation:
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)
How to pronounce the German consonant
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
box below along with their English translation:
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.
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:
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
along with an English translation:
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
along with an English translation:
Sounds 1: 'g' in initial position
(yesterday)
gut (good)
Gold (gold)
Gier (greed)
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
an English translation:
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
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
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.
How to pronounce German
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)
How to pronounce German
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
below along with their English translation:
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)
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 to the spelling with icon on the left to hear the correct pronunciation of four words with the
Sounds 4: The German
Philosophie(philosophy)
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
Philosophie (philosophy)
Phrase (phrase)
Phonetik (phonetics)
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)
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 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)
How to pronounce the German consonant
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
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:
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
words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:
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
along with an English translation:
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
words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:
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 a native speaker say six German . The words themselves are given in the box below
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
words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:
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)
How to pronounce German
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
words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:
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
words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:
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
words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:
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:
Sounds 7: Distinguishing between
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
along with an English translation:
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
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
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
box below along with their English translation:
Lamm (lamb)
Baum (tree)
How to pronounce German
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
below along with their English translation:
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
box below along with their English translation:
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
with an English translation:
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
below along with their English translation:
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
box below along with their English translation:
schön (beautiful)
braun (brown)
How to pronounce German
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
box below along with their English translation:
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
below along with their English translation:
36
The German Consonant Clusters 'ng' and 'nk'
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 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)
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
ith their English translation:
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
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
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
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:
nds 3: 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 differen
nds 4: The 'nk' consonant cluster in initial position
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:
Sounds 6: Distinguishing between
singen (to sing)
Engel (angel)
Finger (finger)
How to pronounce the German consonant
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
with an English translation:
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)
How to pronounce German
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
themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation.
Sou
Haupt (head)
Schnaps (schnaps)
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
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
cluster. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:
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
cluster. The words themselves are supplied in the box below along with an English translation:
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
phoneme in German. In fact, many have now been Germanified such that they
, 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
Sounds 5: The German
Philosophie(philosophy)
Physik (physics)
How to pronounce the German
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
Philosophie (philosophy)
Phrase (phrase)
Phonetik (phonetics)
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
Sounds 2: Distinguishing between
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.
How to pronounce the German consonant
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
Sounds 3: Consonantal
Herr (gentleman)
Narr (fool)
How to pronounce German
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
box below along with their English translation:
Sounds 2: Consonantal
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.
Sounds 3: Consonantal
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
box below along with their English translation:
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
sound icon to note the distinction between the sounds that are made in each pair of words.
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
sound icon to note the distinction between the sounds that are made in each pair of words.
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)
How to pronounce the German consonant
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
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
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)
How to pronounce the German
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
of the compound noun, the consonant combinations are still pronounced as they would be at the
'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
of the compound noun, the consonant combinations are still pronounced as they would be at the
start of a word, i.e. as 'schp-' and hear four compound nouns containing
Sounds 3:
Hauptstadt (capital city)
Ballspiel (ball game)
How to pronounce the German consonant
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)
How to pronounce German
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.
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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)
plötzlich (suddenly)
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)
How to pronounce the German
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)
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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.
Sounds 4: The German
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)
How to pronounce the German consonant
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'.
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 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
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
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
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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)
plötzlich (suddenly)
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
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
(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
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(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)
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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)
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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
Sounds 1: The short German
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.
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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)
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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:
Sounds 1: The short German
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
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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
Sounds 2: Distinguishing between
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'.
Sounds 3: Distinguishing between
Wein (wine)
Fleiß (hard work)
leider (unfortunately)
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)
leider (unfortunately)
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)
Philosophie (philosophy)
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
Sounds 1: The short German
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:
Sounds 2: The short German
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)
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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:
Sounds 1: The short German
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
Sounds 2: The short German
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)
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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'
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 Engli
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)
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
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
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.
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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?
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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
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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.
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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
German tongue-twisters
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.")
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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?
German tongue-twisters
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
15. Der dicke Dieter trägt den dünnen Dieter über den dicken
("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
15. Der dicke Dieter trägt den dünnen Dieter über den dicken
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.
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Audio: Wie heiße ich?
Ich heiße... Antwort
Mein Name ist... Antwort
Sie heißt... Antwort
Ich heiße... Antwort
Mein Name ist... Antwort
Sie heißt... Antwort
Er heißt... Antwort
Mein Name ist... Antwort
Ich heiße... Antwort
Sie heißt... Antwort
Er heißt... Antwort
Mein Name ist... Antwort
Ich heiße... Antwort
Er heißt... Antwort
Mein Name ist... 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
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EKZ, RTL und DFB
ABS, TÜV und BMW
KMH, ICE und Eschede
PVC, FCKW - is' nich' OK
Refrain
MfG - mit freundlichen Grüßen
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
MfG - mit freundlichen Grüßen
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
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
Für ein Leben voller Schall und Rauch
Bevor wir fallen, fallen wir lieber auf
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)
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