German pronunciation practice: regional pronunciations of final ig

The idea

In words such as König, Honig and zwanzig, a final ich-like sound is common in the supraregional pronunciation described by Duden. Pronunciation with a final k sound is also established regionally. Before an inflectional vowel, the g is pronounced as g, as in Könige.

A controlled speaking comparison

Keep a single focus for one attempt: König; Honig; Könige. Read a complete sentence, compare it with a dictionary or a suitable spoken model, and change one feature at a time. Device speech is synthetic and varies by browser. It may not produce the exact contrastive stress you intend; for such contrasts, speak the marked focus yourself or work with a listener.

Examples

• Der König erscheint in dieser Geschichte erst am Ende.The king appears in this story only at the end.Target in context: regional pronunciations of final ig. In words such as König, Honig and zwanzig, a final ich-like sound is common in the supraregional pronunciation described by Duden. Pronunciation with a final k sound is also established regionally. Before an inflectional vowel, the g is pronounced as g, as in Könige.
• Ein kleiner Löffel Honig reicht für diese Tasse Tee.A small spoonful of honey is enough for this cup of tea.Target in context: regional pronunciations of final ig. In words such as König, Honig and zwanzig, a final ich-like sound is common in the supraregional pronunciation described by Duden. Pronunciation with a final k sound is also established regionally. Before an inflectional vowel, the g is pronounced as g, as in Könige.
• Zwanzig Personen warten vor dem geschlossenen Saal.Twenty people wait in front of the closed hall.Target in context: regional pronunciations of final ig. In words such as König, Honig and zwanzig, a final ich-like sound is common in the supraregional pronunciation described by Duden. Pronunciation with a final k sound is also established regionally. Before an inflectional vowel, the g is pronounced as g, as in Könige.
• Die eilige Nachricht kam kurz vor der Abfahrt an.The urgent message arrived shortly before departure.Target in context: regional pronunciations of final ig. In words such as König, Honig and zwanzig, a final ich-like sound is common in the supraregional pronunciation described by Duden. Pronunciation with a final k sound is also established regionally. Before an inflectional vowel, the g is pronounced as g, as in Könige.
• In dem Bild sind zwei Könige zu sehen.Two kings can be seen in the picture.Target in context: regional pronunciations of final ig. In words such as König, Honig and zwanzig, a final ich-like sound is common in the supraregional pronunciation described by Duden. Pronunciation with a final k sound is also established regionally. Before an inflectional vowel, the g is pronounced as g, as in Könige.
• Der Weg am Fluss ist nach dem Regen matschig.The path by the river is muddy after the rain.Target in context: regional pronunciations of final ig. In words such as König, Honig and zwanzig, a final ich-like sound is common in the supraregional pronunciation described by Duden. Pronunciation with a final k sound is also established regionally. Before an inflectional vowel, the g is pronounced as g, as in Könige.

Watch out

Do not mark an established regional k variant automatically wrong, and do not keep a final ich-like sound unchanged in Könige.

Try it yourself

1. Markiere die Zielstelle in diesen Wörtern und lies anschließend den vollständigen Beispielsatz: König; Honig; Könige.

   Show answer or example answer

   Zielwörter: König; Honig; Könige. Beachte dazu: In Wörtern wie König, Honig und zwanzig ist im von Duden beschriebenen überregionalen Gebrauch ein abschließender ich-Laut üblich. Regional ist auch eine Aussprache mit abschließendem k-Laut etabliert. Vor einer Flexionsendung mit Vokal wird das g als g gesprochen, etwa in Könige.

   The target set is König; Honig; Könige. In words such as König, Honig and zwanzig, a final ich-like sound is common in the supraregional pronunciation described by Duden. Pronunciation with a final k sound is also established regionally. Before an inflectional vowel, the g is pronounced as g, as in Könige.

2. Erkläre die hier geübte Aussprache einem Lernpartner. Nenne ein Beispiel und eine Grenze der Regel.

   Show answer or example answer

   In Wörtern wie König, Honig und zwanzig ist im von Duden beschriebenen überregionalen Gebrauch ein abschließender ich-Laut üblich. Regional ist auch eine Aussprache mit abschließendem k-Laut etabliert. Vor einer Flexionsendung mit Vokal wird das g als g gesprochen, etwa in Könige. Bewerte eine etablierte regionale k-Variante nicht automatisch als falsch und übertrage den auslautenden ich-Laut nicht unverändert auf Könige.

   Do not mark an established regional k variant automatically wrong, and do not keep a final ich-like sound unchanged in Könige. A useful explanation includes the selected pattern and its context rather than a rule about every German word.

3. Sprich zwei eigene Sätze mit den Zielwörtern. Vergleiche zunächst langsam, danach in einem verständlichen normalen Tempo.

   Show answer or example answer

   Mögliche Satzmuster: Der König erscheint in dieser Geschichte erst am Ende. Ein kleiner Löffel Honig reicht für diese Tasse Tee. Achte auf Verständlichkeit und das konkrete Ziel, nicht auf möglichst hohes Tempo.

   Many original sentences are possible. The intended word and message should remain recognizable. Use a relevant spoken model and listener feedback; the page does not automatically assess the recording.

Use it today

Take “Der König erscheint in dieser Geschichte erst am Ende.” and “Ein kleiner Löffel Honig reicht für diese Tasse Tee.” and change one detail in each while keeping the focus on König; Honig; Könige. Say each slowly and then at a comfortable conversational pace. Ask a listener what they understood. If you record yourself in your own recording app, compare a specific feature rather than judging your entire accent at once.