Learn German German Pronunciation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How is the German 'v' pronounced in native German words like 'Vater' (father)?
- Like English 'v'
- Like English 'f' (Correct answer)
- Like English 'b'
- Like English 'w'
Correct answer: Like English 'f'
In native German words, 'v' is pronounced like 'f', so 'Vater' sounds like 'Fater'.
Question 2: What sound does 'eu' or 'äu' represent in German?
- Like 'oo' in 'food'
- Like 'oy' in 'boy' (Correct answer)
- Like 'ay' in 'say'
- Like 'ow' in 'cow'
Correct answer: Like 'oy' in 'boy'
The diphthong 'eu' and 'äu' in German are both pronounced like 'oy' in English 'boy'.
Question 3: How is 'sp' pronounced at the beginning of a German word (e.g., 'sprechen')?
- Like English 'sp'
- Like 'shp' (Correct answer)
- Like 'zp'
- Like 'vp'
Correct answer: Like 'shp'
At the start of a German word, 'sp' is pronounced as 'shp', so 'sprechen' sounds like 'shprechen'.
Question 4: What is the pronunciation of the German 'z'?
- Like English 'z' in 'zoo'
- Like English 's' in 'sun'
- Like 'ts' in 'cats' (Correct answer)
- Like English 'zh'
Correct answer: Like 'ts' in 'cats'
German 'z' is always pronounced as the 'ts' sound, as in 'cats' or 'pizza'.
Question 5: How is a final 'b', 'd', or 'g' typically pronounced in German (final obstruent devoicing)?
- Same as in English
- It becomes voiceless: p, t, k (Correct answer)
- It is silent
- It becomes voiced like 'v'
Correct answer: It becomes voiceless: p, t, k
German devoices final consonants, so final 'b' sounds like 'p', 'd' like 't', and 'g' like 'k'.
Question 6: How is the German umlaut 'ö' best described phonetically?
- Like 'o' in 'not'
- Like 'e' in 'her' (British English) (Correct answer)
- Like 'oo' in 'boot'
- Like 'a' in 'cat'
Correct answer: Like 'e' in 'her' (British English)
'Ö' is similar to the British English 'er' sound (as in 'her'), made with rounded lips.
Learn German German Pronunciation 2
How is the German 'v' pronounced in native German words like 'Vater' (father)?