The German consonants: 'sch'
The German sound written 'sch' is similar to English 'sh' in words such as 'show' or 'short'. In the articulation of the German sound however, the lips are rounded much more and may even protrude a little as the sound is formed. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four words containing the letter 'sch' in initial and final position. The words themselves are given in the box below along with an English translation:
Sounds 1: The German 'sch' sound |
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Scheck
(cheque) |
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Schlaf
(sleep) |
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komisch
(funny) |
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Fisch
(fish) |
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The German 'sch' sound retains its pronunciation when it is used in combination with other consonants. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear a native speaker say four German words that begin with the 'schn' consonant cluster. The words themselves are given in the box below along with their English translation:
Sounds 2: The 'schn' cluster in initial position |
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Schnee
(snow) |
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schnell
(quick) |
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Schneider
(tailor) |
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Schnaps
(schnaps) |
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Attention should be paid to words that start with the German consonant cluster 'tsch', as both the initial 't' and the 'sch' need to be articulated. Click either here or on the sound icon on the left to hear four words beginning with 'tsch'.
Sounds 3: The consonant cluster 'tsch' |
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tschüs!
(goodbye!) |
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tschechisch
(Czech) |
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Tscheche
(Czech (male)) |
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Tschechin
(Czech (female)) |
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How to pronounce the German consonant sounds 'sp' and 'st'
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