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
For [ç], raise the front of the tongue body near the hard palate and let air pass without a complete closure. For [x], move the constriction farther back. In these words, front vowels favor [ç], back vowels [x].
| Wort / Ausdruck | Aussprachehinweis |
|---|---|
| ich, Küche | [ç]: Zungenrücken weiter vorn, Luft durch eine enge Stelle |
| Buch, lachen | [x]: Enge weiter hinten im Mund |
| Mädchen | Die Endung -chen hat [ç]. |
| Milch | Nach l steht hier [ç]. |
Examples
- Ich suche ein Buch.
- Die Küche ist hell.
- Wir lachen zusammen.
- Nachts ist es ruhig.
- Das Mädchen liest.
- Auch Milch steht auf dem Tisch.
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
Welcher Laut steht im ch von „Buch“: [ç] oder [x]?
Show answer or example answer
[x] – der Ach-Laut.
Buch has u before ch and uses the Ach sound [x].
Welcher Laut steht im ch von „Küche“?
Show answer or example answer
[ç] – der Ich-Laut.
Küche has ü before ch and uses the Ich sound [ç].
Warum ist „Mädchen“ kein Beispiel für den Ach-Laut?
Show answer or example answer
Die Endung -chen hat den Ich-Laut [ç].
The suffix -chen keeps [ç]; identify the suffix rather than applying a simplistic vowel rule.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
Welcher Laut steht im ch von „Buch“: [ç] oder [x]?
[x] – der Ach-Laut.
Welcher Laut steht im ch von „Küche“?
[ç] – der Ich-Laut.
Warum ist „Mädchen“ kein Beispiel für den Ach-Laut?
Die Endung -chen hat den Ich-Laut [ç].
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.