How do we pronounce -ch-?
Understanding grammar is key to understanding a language.
German grammar tips with Wunderbla, online German lessons.
How do we pronounce -ch-?
The letters -ch- are pronounced in various ways:
- as a hard sound after a, o, u and au.
lachen
to laugh
kochen
to cook
suchen
to look for, to seek
rauchen
to smoke
- as a soft sound after e, i, ä, ö, ü, double vowels such as eu and ei (but not au), and after l, n and r.
lächeln
to smile
das Recht
the law/the right
ich
I
die Küche
the kitchen/the cuisine
der Leuchter
the candlestick
weich
soft, smooth
die Furcht
fear, dread
- The letters ‑chs‑ are pronounced "ks":
wachsen
to grow
sechs
six
Note: a noun written ‑ch‑ can be pronounced differently as a singular or as a plural.
das Buch
the book
die Bücher
the books
Taking your learning further
Still facing difficulties with 'How do we pronounce -ch-?'? Improve your German with Wunderbla - try our German lessons for free now and receive a free level assessment!
Do you know any tips to avoid making mistakes with 'How do we pronounce -ch-?'? Share it with us!
Improve your German further and test Wunderbla, online German lessons.