German pronunciation for English speakers

German spelling is regular once you know the rules. You can read most words aloud after a few weeks. A few sounds need practice.

The ch sounds

German has two ch sounds. After e, i, ä, ö, ü or a consonant, it is soft, as in "ich". Say "hue" and hold the start. After a, o, u, it is rougher, as in "Buch". It comes from the back of the throat.

Umlauts

ä is close to the e in "bed". ö is "e" said with rounded lips. ü is "ee" said with rounded lips. Practise "schön" and "über". Watch yourself in a mirror: your lips should be round.

The r

In most of Germany the r comes from the back of the throat. It is like a soft gargle. Many learners use an English r at first and are still understood. Add the throat r when you are comfortable.

W, v and z

W sounds like English v: "Wasser". V usually sounds like f: "Vater". Z sounds like ts: "Zeit". These swaps feel strange for the first few weeks.

Final consonants

At the end of a word, b, d and g sound like p, t and k. "Hund" ends in a t sound. "Tag" ends in a k sound.

Long words

German joins words together. Stress usually falls on the first part. Break a long word into pieces and say each in turn.

How to practise

• Learn each new word by sound as well as spelling.
• Record yourself and compare with a native speaker.
• Ask your partner to correct sounds, not just words.

A native speaker will hear what you miss. See how to find a language partner, or German on Nearly Fluent.