German pronunciation practice: the kv sequence in qu words

The idea

In Quelle, Quittung, Quadrat, quer, bequem and Qualität, the spelling qu is pronounced as a k followed by the voiced sound of German w. Keep both parts audible without inserting an extra vowel between them.

A controlled speaking comparison

Keep a single focus for one attempt: Quelle; Quittung; quer. 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

• Die Quelle des Bachs liegt oberhalb des Dorfes.The source of the stream lies above the village.Target in context: the kv sequence in qu words. In Quelle, Quittung, Quadrat, quer, bequem and Qualität, the spelling qu is pronounced as a k followed by the voiced sound of German w. Keep both parts audible without inserting an extra vowel between them.
• Bitte legen Sie die Quittung in den Umschlag.Please put the receipt in the envelope.Target in context: the kv sequence in qu words. In Quelle, Quittung, Quadrat, quer, bequem and Qualität, the spelling qu is pronounced as a k followed by the voiced sound of German w. Keep both parts audible without inserting an extra vowel between them.
• Wir zeichnen zuerst ein großes Quadrat auf das Papier.We first draw a large square on the paper.Target in context: the kv sequence in qu words. In Quelle, Quittung, Quadrat, quer, bequem and Qualität, the spelling qu is pronounced as a k followed by the voiced sound of German w. Keep both parts audible without inserting an extra vowel between them.
• Die lange Kiste passt nur quer durch die Tür.The long box fits through the door only sideways.Target in context: the kv sequence in qu words. In Quelle, Quittung, Quadrat, quer, bequem and Qualität, the spelling qu is pronounced as a k followed by the voiced sound of German w. Keep both parts audible without inserting an extra vowel between them.
• Dieser Stuhl ist trotz seiner einfachen Form bequem.This chair is comfortable despite its simple shape.Target in context: the kv sequence in qu words. In Quelle, Quittung, Quadrat, quer, bequem and Qualität, the spelling qu is pronounced as a k followed by the voiced sound of German w. Keep both parts audible without inserting an extra vowel between them.
• Die Qualität des Ausdrucks reicht für unsere Übersicht.The print quality is sufficient for our overview.Target in context: the kv sequence in qu words. In Quelle, Quittung, Quadrat, quer, bequem and Qualität, the spelling qu is pronounced as a k followed by the voiced sound of German w. Keep both parts audible without inserting an extra vowel between them.

Watch out

Do not pronounce qu as a lone k, and do not use an English w glide instead of the German voiced friction sound.

Try it yourself

1. Markiere die Zielstelle in diesen Wörtern und lies anschließend den vollständigen Beispielsatz: Quelle; Quittung; quer.

   Show answer or example answer

   Zielwörter: Quelle; Quittung; quer. Beachte dazu: In Quelle, Quittung, Quadrat, quer, bequem und Qualität steht qu für k und den folgenden stimmhaften w-Laut. Halte beide Teile erkennbar, ohne einen zusätzlichen Vokal dazwischen einzufügen.

   The target set is Quelle; Quittung; quer. In Quelle, Quittung, Quadrat, quer, bequem and Qualität, the spelling qu is pronounced as a k followed by the voiced sound of German w. Keep both parts audible without inserting an extra vowel between them.

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

   Show answer or example answer

   In Quelle, Quittung, Quadrat, quer, bequem und Qualität steht qu für k und den folgenden stimmhaften w-Laut. Halte beide Teile erkennbar, ohne einen zusätzlichen Vokal dazwischen einzufügen. Sprich qu nicht nur als k und ersetze den deutschen stimmhaften Reibelaut nicht automatisch durch ein englisches w.

   Do not pronounce qu as a lone k, and do not use an English w glide instead of the German voiced friction sound. 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: Die Quelle des Bachs liegt oberhalb des Dorfes. Bitte legen Sie die Quittung in den Umschlag. 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 “Die Quelle des Bachs liegt oberhalb des Dorfes.” and “Bitte legen Sie die Quittung in den Umschlag.” and change one detail in each while keeping the focus on Quelle; Quittung; quer. 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.