German pronunciation practice: words where v is voiced

The idea

In the selected loanwords Vase, Video, Villa, Visum, Violine and Vulkan, v has a voiced v sound, like German w. The spelling v therefore cannot be converted to f mechanically. Learn the pronunciation with the word and compare actual models.

A controlled speaking comparison

Keep a single focus for one attempt: Vase; Video; Violine. 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 schmale Vase steht sicher auf dem breiten Tisch.The narrow vase stands securely on the wide table.Target in context: words where v is voiced. In the selected loanwords Vase, Video, Villa, Visum, Violine and Vulkan, v has a voiced v sound, like German w. The spelling v therefore cannot be converted to f mechanically. Learn the pronunciation with the word and compare actual models.
• Das kurze Video zeigt den Aufbau des Regals.The short video shows how the shelf is assembled.Target in context: words where v is voiced. In the selected loanwords Vase, Video, Villa, Visum, Violine and Vulkan, v has a voiced v sound, like German w. The spelling v therefore cannot be converted to f mechanically. Learn the pronunciation with the word and compare actual models.
• Hinter der hohen Mauer liegt eine alte Villa.An old villa stands behind the high wall.Target in context: words where v is voiced. In the selected loanwords Vase, Video, Villa, Visum, Violine and Vulkan, v has a voiced v sound, like German w. The spelling v therefore cannot be converted to f mechanically. Learn the pronunciation with the word and compare actual models.
• Im Beispieltext fragt die Figur nach einem Visum.In the example text, the character asks about a visa.Target in context: words where v is voiced. In the selected loanwords Vase, Video, Villa, Visum, Violine and Vulkan, v has a voiced v sound, like German w. The spelling v therefore cannot be converted to f mechanically. Learn the pronunciation with the word and compare actual models.
• Die Violine liegt in einem gepolsterten Kasten.The violin is in a padded case.Target in context: words where v is voiced. In the selected loanwords Vase, Video, Villa, Visum, Violine and Vulkan, v has a voiced v sound, like German w. The spelling v therefore cannot be converted to f mechanically. Learn the pronunciation with the word and compare actual models.
• Auf der Landkarte ist der Vulkan rot markiert.The volcano is marked in red on the map.Target in context: words where v is voiced. In the selected loanwords Vase, Video, Villa, Visum, Violine and Vulkan, v has a voiced v sound, like German w. The spelling v therefore cannot be converted to f mechanically. Learn the pronunciation with the word and compare actual models.

Watch out

Do not import the f sound from Vater into these selected words.

Try it yourself

1. Markiere die Zielstelle in diesen Wörtern und lies anschließend den vollständigen Beispielsatz: Vase; Video; Violine.

   Show answer or example answer

   Zielwörter: Vase; Video; Violine. Beachte dazu: In den ausgewählten Fremdwörtern Vase, Video, Villa, Visum, Violine und Vulkan wird v stimmhaft wie deutsches w gesprochen. Die Schreibung v lässt sich deshalb nicht mechanisch in f umwandeln. Lerne die Aussprache mit dem Wort.

   The target set is Vase; Video; Violine. In the selected loanwords Vase, Video, Villa, Visum, Violine and Vulkan, v has a voiced v sound, like German w. The spelling v therefore cannot be converted to f mechanically. Learn the pronunciation with the word and compare actual models.

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

   Show answer or example answer

   In den ausgewählten Fremdwörtern Vase, Video, Villa, Visum, Violine und Vulkan wird v stimmhaft wie deutsches w gesprochen. Die Schreibung v lässt sich deshalb nicht mechanisch in f umwandeln. Lerne die Aussprache mit dem Wort. Übertrage den f-Laut aus Vater nicht auf diese ausgewählten Wörter.

   Do not import the f sound from Vater into these selected words. 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 schmale Vase steht sicher auf dem breiten Tisch. Das kurze Video zeigt den Aufbau des Regals. 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 schmale Vase steht sicher auf dem breiten Tisch.” and “Das kurze Video zeigt den Aufbau des Regals.” and change one detail in each while keeping the focus on Vase; Video; Violine. 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.