Use the contrasts below to connect spelling, mouth movement and meaning. Start slowly, compare complete words and then use the target sound in a short sentence.
The idea
Contrast [ç] in ich with [ʃ] in Fisch. The Ich sound uses the tongue body near the hard palate; [ʃ] has a more forward constriction and often rounded lips. Remember that ch can also represent [x] in Buch.
| Wort / Ausdruck | Aussprachehinweis |
|---|---|
| ich, Kirche | [ç]: Reibung am vorderen Zungenrücken nahe dem harten Gaumen. |
| Fisch, Kirsche | [ʃ]: Reibung weiter vorn; Lippen häufig leicht gerundet. |
| sch | Drei Buchstaben, hier ein Laut. |
| Buch | ch kann auch [x] sein; die Umgebung zählt. |
Examples
- Ich sehe ein Schiff.
- Die Kirche steht neben der Schule.
- Wir suchen frische Milch.
- Der Fisch liegt auf dem Teller.
- Das Licht scheint hell.
- Sie spricht leise.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic German voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No German device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
Written letters and spoken sounds are not interchangeable. Optional synthetic speech may not render isolated IPA, emphasis or contrasts accurately. Compare a reliable spoken model and keep the surrounding word in view.
Try it yourself
Hat „ich“ den gleichen Endlaut wie „Fisch“?
Show answer or example answer
Nein: ich hat [ç], Fisch hat [ʃ].
The two word endings contrast [ç] and [ʃ].
Welche Buchstabengruppe steht in „Schule“ für [ʃ]?
Show answer or example answer
sch
The three-letter group sch represents one [ʃ] sound here.
Was unterscheidet „Kirche“ und „Kirsche“ in der Mitte?
Show answer or example answer
Kirche enthält [ç], Kirsche enthält [ʃ].
The minimal contrast lies in the middle consonant: [ç] versus [ʃ].
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
Hat „ich“ den gleichen Endlaut wie „Fisch“?
Nein: ich hat [ç], Fisch hat [ʃ].
Welche Buchstabengruppe steht in „Schule“ für [ʃ]?
Was unterscheidet „Kirche“ und „Kirsche“ in der Mitte?
Kirche enthält [ç], Kirsche enthält [ʃ].
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Choose two contrasting examples, record yourself saying each slowly and in a sentence, then compare the relevant feature. Repeat once with a new sentence; aim for intelligibility rather than speed.