German uses pronunciations and consonant combinations that are unfamiliar to native English speakers.

The Consonant Combination Ch

This consonant combination is often imitated by English speakers by the sounds k or sh. But it is really neither of those. To form the German ch, pronounce the sound k but open the throat slightly to permit a raspy rush of air to be exhaled. This requires considerable practice for English speakers — except for the Scottish, who have a similar sound in Scottish words such as loch, which means lake.

Practice saying the following words.

ich

ach

hoch

such

The Letter R

The German letter r is pronounced in two different ways, depending upon the geographical region. The German language is used not only in Germany, but also in Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. In some areas, particularly in the south, the sound r is a rolled r as heard in Italian or Russian. This sound is made by “flapping” a d on the palate of the mouth with the tongue.

The second r is often more difficult for English speakers. This sound is made at the back of the throat where the German ch sound is made. Pronounce the ch sound and hold the final aspiration (a raspy rush of exhaled air). The point where that sound is made is where the German r is made. Without moving the jaw, change the sound ch to r by saying “ra.” This can be done by slowly saying “ach ra.” To become proficient using this sound will require regular practice, but in time you will find that you are using both the ch and the German r comfortably.

Many German words end in er. This combination of letters is similar to the final er in an English word as it is pronounced in Britain, for example, “father” is pronounced more like fath-uh. This British er is similar to the German final er.

Practice saying the following words.

rot	Ring
dort	Karl
Mutter	Bruder