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Aussprache (Pronunciation)

Introduction​

Mastering German pronunciation is crucial for clear communication. This guide covers common letter combinations and sounds that are unique to German, helping you speak more naturally and confidently.

Let's start with a comprehensive video guide to German pronunciation:

Key Concepts​

1. Common Letter Combinations​

ch

Pronunciation: /ç/ (soft 'hissing' sound) after e, i, ä, ö, and diphthongs; /x/ (harsh, throaty sound) after a, o, u

Examples:

  • ich (/ɪç/) – I
  • Buch (/buːx/) – book

sch

Pronunciation: /ʃ/ (like 'sh' in English)

Examples:

  • Schule (/ˈʃuːlə/) – school

ei

Pronunciation: /aɪ/ (like 'eye' in English)

Examples:

  • Wein (/vaɪn/) – wine

ie

Pronunciation: /iː/ (long 'ee' sound)

Examples:

  • Biene (/ˈbiːnə/) – bee

eu / äu

Pronunciation: /ɔʏ/ (similar to 'oy' in 'boy')

Examples:

  • Freund (/fʁɔʏnt/) – friend
  • Häuser (/ˈhɔʏzɐ/) – houses

2. The German "R"​

The German "R" has different pronunciations depending on its position in a word:

  1. At the beginning of a word or syllable

    • Pronounced in the throat (uvular "r")
    • Examples: rot (red), Regen (rain), rufen (to call)

  2. At the end of a word or after a vowel

    • Softer, closer to an English "uh" sound
    • Examples: sehr (very), aber (but), wunderbar (wonderful)

  3. In the middle of a word

    • Usually rolled or lightly trilled
    • Examples: sparen (to save), fahren (to drive), lernen (to learn)

3. Silent 'h'​

  • The 'h' is often silent when it appears in the middle of a word
  • Example: gehen (/ˈɡeːən/) – to go

Practice Exercises​

  1. 'ch' Sound Practice Record yourself saying these words and compare with native pronunciations:

    • ich, Buch, Mädchen, Küche

  2. 'ei' vs 'ie' Differentiation Practice saying these word pairs:

    • Wein vs. Wien
    • Bein vs. Biene

  3. German 'R' Practice Focus on the different 'R' sounds in these words:

    • rot, Regen, sehr, aber, fahren, lernen

Interactive Pronunciation Quiz​

Test your understanding of German pronunciation:

How is 'ch' pronounced in 'ich'?

Additional Resources​

Next Steps​

After mastering basic pronunciation, move on to Die Syntax (Syntax) to learn how to structure German sentences correctly. Remember, good pronunciation takes practice. Don't be afraid to listen to native speakers and imitate their sounds!