The German ich and ach sounds
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.
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Long and short German vowels
Compare vowel duration and vowel quality, not duration alone. Compare the examples and check the explained answers.
Read and practiseGerman ei and ie
In these common words, ei represents the diphthong [aɪ̯], while ie usually represents long [iː].
Read and practiseGerman eu and äu
Both eu and äu represent [ɔʏ̯] in the examples. Hearing alone does not determine the spelling: a related word with au often explains äu, as in Haus and Häuser.
Read and practiseGerman z, s, ss and ß
German z commonly represents [ts]. Initial s before a vowel is often [z] in the target pronunciation; ss and ß represent [s].
Read and practiseGerman final devoicing
In the usual German standard pronunciation taught here, final b, d and g are pronounced like [p], [t] and [k].
Read and practiseGerman word stress
Learn a word's stressed syllable together with the word. Separable prefixes are often stressed; be- and ver- are unstressed in the examples.
Read and practiseGerman sentence stress
Highlight the word carrying new or corrected information. The same sentence can answer who, when or what depending on focus; stronger stress is supported by pitch and duration, not shouting.
Read and practiseThe German r
German allows several r realizations, including tongue-tip and back-of-mouth variants. After vowels and in unstressed -er, r is often vocalic.
Read and practiseGerman ch and sch
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.
Read and practiseGerman sp and st
At the beginning of a native word or stem, sp and st are commonly [ʃp] and [ʃt], including verstehen after its prefix.
Read and practiseGerman consonant clusters
Build a difficult consonant ending from a shorter familiar word, keeping the same syllable count. Slow down without inserting a new vowel; kauf plus st remains one syllable.
Read and practiseGerman shadowing practice
First understand a short phrase, then repeat after a pause and finally speak nearly alongside a model. Copy meaningful stress groups, then change one detail to test independent speaking.
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A1 German story: Breakfast for two
Follow the two missing ingredients and notice how Lina and Emil adjust their breakfast together.
Read and practiseA1 German story: A surprise at the market
Track the purchases separately from the gift; the remaining money provides a useful check on your reading.
Read and practiseA1 German story: A new neighbor
Follow the sequence of small favors and distinguish the first visit from the next morning.
Read and practiseA1 German story: The rainy day
Notice how the original outdoor plan becomes an indoor project, then changes again when the weather improves.
Read and practiseA1 German story: The borrowed bicycle
Compare the promised return time with the actual arrival. Jasmin’s own bicycle has a damaged tyre; the borrowed bicycle has a chain that comes off.
Read and practiseA1 German story: A birthday invitation
Separate morning and evening meanings of the same hour, and identify the practical lesson Leo learns.
Read and practiseA1 German story: The wrong parcel
Use the names and floors to keep the two recipients apart; follow why the parcels stay unopened.
Read and practiseA1 German story: The library card
Distinguish joining the library from borrowing a particular item; not every book can leave the building.
Read and practiseA1 German story: A dog at the station
Keep the original reason for Tom’s visit separate from the unexpected encounter with the dog.
Read and practiseA2 German story: A conversation at the bus stop
Track the changed bus route, the man’s difficulty and Selin’s response; connect the later gift to her help.
Read and practiseA2 German story: Moving into a new flat
Trace where an apparently missing object was packed and identify the moving rule Daria develops.
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