Pronunciation of German Words109

The pronunciation of German words can be quite different from their spelling, which can be confusing for learners. However, there are some general rules that can help you to pronounce German words correctly.

Vowels
A is pronounced like the "a" in "father" or the "ah" in "car".
E is pronounced like the "e" in "bed" or the "eh" in "set".
I is pronounced like the "i" in "sit" or the "ee" in "feet".
O is pronounced like the "o" in "bone" or the "aw" in "saw".
U is pronounced like the "u" in "put" or the "oo" in "boot".

Consonants
B is pronounced like the "b" in "ball".
C is pronounced like the "k" in "cat" before the vowels a, o, and u, and like the "ts" in "hats" before the vowels e and i.
D is pronounced like the "d" in "dog".
F is pronounced like the "f" in "fish".
G is pronounced like the "g" in "go" before the vowels a, o, and u, and like the "j" in "jump" before the vowels e and i.
H is pronounced like the "h" in "hat".
J is pronounced like the "y" in "yes".
K is pronounced like the "k" in "kite".
L is pronounced like the "l" in "lamp".
M is pronounced like the "m" in "man".
N is pronounced like the "n" in "nose".
P is pronounced like the "p" in "paper".
Q is pronounced like the "k" in "kite".
R is pronounced like the "r" in "roll".
S is pronounced like the "s" in "snake".
T is pronounced like the "t" in "table".
V is pronounced like the "f" in "fish".
W is pronounced like the "v" in "voice".
X is pronounced like the "ks" in "fox".
Y is pronounced like the "y" in "yes".
Z is pronounced like the "ts" in "hats".

Stress

The stress in German words usually falls on the first syllable.

Examples
Haus (house) is pronounced "how-s"
Katze (cat) is pronounced "kah-tsuh"
Hund (dog) is pronounced "hoon-t"
Baum (tree) is pronounced "bow-m"
Blume (flower) is pronounced "bloo-muh"

By following these rules, you can improve your pronunciation of German words and make yourself better understood when speaking in German.

2025-01-11

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