Pronunciation guide for s, ss and ß
The double s (after a short vowel) and the ß (after a long vowel) are both pronounced like the -ss in the English word “pass”.
Kissen
cushion
Grüße
greetings
How to pronounce s:
- When the s is at the end of a word, it is pronounced as in the English word “pass”. This also applies to nouns made up of multiple words.
Preis
price
Bus → Busfahrer (Bus + Fahrer)
bus → bus driver
aus → Ausflug (aus + Flug)
out → excursion
- When the s is at the beginning of a word before a vowel, or between two vowels, it is pronounced like the s in the English word “reason”.
Sesam
sesame
reisen
to travel
lesen
to read
Notes:
- The ß is never used in Switzerland, only ss.
liebe Grüsse aus Bern
best wishes from Bern
- In southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland, people often use only the unvoiced s as in the English word “pass” for all words with the letter s.
Servus, Sabine!
Greetings, Sabine!
- The letter z is always pronounced “ts” (unlike the English letter z).
zehn
ten
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