Read sound symbols rather than letter names
IPA is the International Phonetic Alphabet. A dictionary transcription shows pronunciation with sound symbols. Square brackets commonly enclose a phonetic transcription; slashes are often used for a more abstract phonemic representation. Follow the dictionary’s convention.
The symbol ˈ marks primary stress before the stressed syllable, and ː marks length. They are not punctuation that you pronounce. In [ˈmiːtə], stress precedes the first syllable and [iː] is a long vowel.
| Word | One careful standard transcription | Comparison word | Transcription | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miete | [ˈmiːtə] | Mitte | [ˈmɪtə] | iː / ɪ |
| schön | [ʃøːn] | schon | [ʃoːn] | øː / oː |
| fühlen | [ˈfyːlən] | füllen | [ˈfʏlən] | yː / ʏ |
| ich | [ɪç] | Buch | [buːx] | ç / x |
| Zeit | [tsaɪ̯t] | Haus | [haʊ̯s] | aɪ̯ / aʊ̯ |
Replay a line, transcript and audio files
Miete. Mitte.
Open audio file 1schön. schon.
Open audio file 2fühlen. füllen.
Open audio file 3ich. Buch.
Open audio file 4Zeit. Haus.
Open audio file 5
A length mark does not explain the whole vowel
Compare Miete [ˈmiːtə] and Mitte [ˈmɪtə]. The symbols differ in quality as well as length: [iː] and [ɪ]. Simply holding any short vowel longer does not reliably produce its long counterpart.
The written letter ü corresponds here to [yː] in fühlen and [ʏ] in füllen. These symbols are not the English letter names y and u. Listen to the German word models, then use the transcription to locate the contrast.
Read the symbol in the dictionary’s system
In ich, [ç] represents the voiceless palatal fricative; in Buch, [x] represents a voiceless velar fricative. The two symbols help distinguish pronunciations that the same written ch can represent. Use the dedicated ch lesson for detailed articulation practice.
Different standard pronunciation descriptions can represent r or unstressed endings differently. For example, a carefully spoken [ən] may be reduced to a syllabic consonant in another transcription. A difference in notation or speaking style is not automatically a spelling error.
Decode, listen and retrieve one word
Choose one row. Cover the ordinary spelling, read the transcription and predict which of the two words it represents. Listen to the model, then uncover the spelling and meaning. Keep the symbols that explain a real distinction in your notes.
Next put one word into an original sentence: Die Miete ist hoch. The transcription is a reading aid, not a substitute for hearing a reliable model or checking what another person understands.
Put it into practice
Try each task before opening the answer. Open questions show one possible model answer.
What does ː mark?
Answer and explanation
Length of the preceding sound.
In [iː], the vowel is long.
Which word matches [ˈmɪtə]: Miete or Mitte?
Answer and explanation
Mitte
It contains [ɪ], unlike Miete [iː].
Which word has [yː]: fühlen or füllen?
Answer and explanation
fühlen
Füllen has [ʏ] in the model transcription.
Is [ç] the letter name C?
Answer and explanation
No. It is a sound symbol, as in ich.
IPA symbols refer to sounds rather than ordinary alphabet names.
Which written word matches [ʃøːn]?
Answer and explanation
schön
Schon has [oː], not [øː].
Does a different r symbol always prove the word is wrong?
Answer and explanation
No. Check the dictionary convention and represented pronunciation.
Regional and notational variants need context.
Questions learners ask
Should I pronounce the stress mark itself?
No. It tells you where the primary stress begins.
Are spelling and transcription the same?
No. Ordinary spelling represents written words; a transcription describes their sounds within a particular system.