Learn German 03

b

At the end of a word, is pronounced like a p. Otherwise it is the same as in English.

c

Just as in English, it can sound either like an “s” or like c in Clock.

ch

This sound deserves special mention, as it is one sound that we do not have in English. Tricky at first, it is somewhere between “sh” and the English “ch”.

d

At the end of words, turns into “t”, otherwise, same as English.

g

At the end of words, takes on a “ck” sound, otherwise, like Gun.

j

Like a “y” in yo-yo.

r

Rolled in the back of mouth slightly.

s

In the middle of vowels, like “z”, otherwise like “sh” in Shoulder

ß

Sounds the same as the English “s”

v

Usually sounds like English “f”

w

Pronounced like the English “v”

z

Sounds more like “ts”

a

Either short like in but, or long as in bar

ä

Can be short as in let or long like ay

e

Short like net or long like date

i

Short like bit, long like “ee”

o

Short like in got, long like in boat

ö

Has an “ur” sound

u

Sounds like the English “oo”

ü

Like a female sheep, an “ewe”