L1: Grammar

Above is a chart of the German alphabet and the pronunciation of the letters. There are many similarities to the alphabet used in English. Most of the consonants are pronounced the same as they are in English. Several, however, vary their pronunciation depending on the letters around them. Also, one should take care that the "r" and "l" are not pronounced too heavily. Doing so is a main characteristic of an American accent in German. Another characteristic that sets German pronunciation apart from English is the way that "ach" and "ich" sounds are pronounced. The "ch" is not pronounced as it is in English, but rather like that in the word "Loch". There should be air passing over the tongue when it is pronounced.

Although there are many differences in the way that the consonants are pronounced, there are also some signifigant differences. The German "j" is pronounced like an English "y", the "v" as an English "fv" sound, and the "w" as the English "v". Aside from these letters, some of the German letters are new. The "ß" is pronounces like a sharp "ssz" sound. There are also the Umlaut-o, "Ö", and the Umlaut-u, "Ü". The Umlaut-o should be pronounced like a rounded long e in its long form and as a rounded short e in its short form. The U-umlaut should be pronounced like a "u" but with the tounge farther forward in the mouth as if you were going to make an "i" sound but instead round your lips.

Aside from the single letters, there are dipthongs. These are when two vowels are grouped together and make a single sound. The dipthongs "ei", "ai", "ey" and "ay" should be pronounced like "eye". "eu" and "äu" sound like the "oi" in English coin. Finally, the "au" is pronounced like the similar dipthong in English house but much shorter. German is usually very consistent with the dipthongs. However, for all pronunciation, the best way to learn it is to mimic the accent of a native speaker. The problem with this is that it requires one to have access to someone who is fluent in the language. On the next page, I will introduce you to your first words.