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
At the beginning of a native word or stem, sp and st are commonly [ʃp] and [ʃt], including verstehen after its prefix. Do not extend the pattern to every written st; Gast and Weste have [st].
| Wort / Ausdruck | Aussprachehinweis |
|---|---|
| spielen, sprechen | Am Wort- bzw. Stammanfang sp → [ʃp]. |
| stehen, Straße | Am Wort- bzw. Stammanfang st → [ʃt]. |
| verstehen | Auch nach der Vorsilbe beginnt der Stamm mit [ʃt]. |
| Gast, Weste | Hier st → [st]. |
Examples
- Stefan spielt im Park.
- Die Straße ist still.
- Ich spreche mit Stella.
- Wir verstehen die Frage.
- Der Gast kommt später.
- Die Weste ist neu.
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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
Wie beginnt „spielen“ in der üblichen Standardaussprache?
Show answer or example answer
Mit [ʃp].
The initial group in spielen combines [ʃ] and [p].
Wie beginnt „stehen“ in der üblichen Standardaussprache?
Show answer or example answer
Mit [ʃt].
The initial group in stehen combines [ʃ] and [t].
Gilt [ʃt] auch für jedes st in „Gast“ und „Weste“?
Show answer or example answer
Nein, dort steht normalerweise [st].
Their st is not in the word or stem-initial position illustrated by stehen.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
Wie beginnt „spielen“ in der üblichen Standardaussprache?
Wie beginnt „stehen“ in der üblichen Standardaussprache?
Gilt [ʃt] auch für jedes st in „Gast“ und „Weste“?
Nein, dort steht normalerweise [st].
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.