How to Pronounce a German Letter With an Umlaut?

Answer 1

Even if you’re not reading German texts, it is not uncommon to come across German words. Sometimes they are used in expressions, like “über,” which is often used to express superiority, excess, or an elevated status in the English language. Then, there are the times you really are reading something German, and the right sound just doesn’t seem to spring up out of your logical English-speaking brain. An umlaut means, ‘to alter,’ and that is exactly what it does – to vowel sounds, only.

The first thing to do is grasp the fact that in German, an umlaut is simply the two dots hanging over a vowel to change the sound of either an a, o or u. If you see it over an i or an e then it is not German.

Then, look at the letter it is to alter. An a with an umlaut will undoubtedly sound different than an o with an umlaut.

If the vowel is a u, then it will be pronounced a bit like the short u in English, but with a slight difference. Purse your lips as if you are going to whistle, and say “ee.” This is the ü sound.

If the vowel is an o, then it will be pronounced a bit like the short e in English, but this time, purse your lips during the pronunciation of the short e sound. This is the ö sound.

If the vowel is an a, then it will be pronounced most like a short e in English. Some people pronounce the long version more like an “ay” in English. However, this is often not the case – it’s more like stretched out short e of the English persuasion. Think of the short e sound ending with a pair of h’s. This is the ä sound.

Finally, get a German speaking buddy, and practice your sounds until they confirm you have it right!

Even though our English tongues are not suited to all the Germanic sounds, it is not too difficult to mimic them if you practice. An attentive ear goes a long way toward developing language skills – both in pronunciation and vocabulary and grammar. This goes back to how we learn as babies – by listening.