The Letter Combination "ch" In Standard German
The letter combination "ch" has several pronunciation patterns in German, depending on vowel context, word origin, and position in the word.
Letter Combination | ch |
|---|---|
Name | ch (pronounced /t͡seː haː/) |
Common Sound(s) | /ç/, /x/, /k/, /ʃ/, /tʃ/ |
The Letter Combination "ch"
Sound 1: /ç/ (Ich-Laut)
After front vowels (ä, e, i, ö, ü) and certain diphthongs or sonorants, "ch" is pronounced /ç/.
ich → /ɪç/
I
Mädchen → /ˈmɛːtçən/
girl
Sound 2: /x/ (Ach-Laut)
After back vowels (a, o, u) and certain diphthongs, "ch" is pronounced /x/.
lachen → /ˈlaxn̩/
to laugh
doch → /dɔx/
however / yet
Sound 3: /k/ (Greek origin and proper names)
In some loanwords, especially from Greek or in proper names, "ch" is pronounced /k/.
Chaos → /ˈkaːɔs/
chaos
Chor → /koːɐ̯/
choir
Sound 4: /ʃ/ (French loanwords)
In French loanwords, "ch" is often pronounced /ʃ/.
Chance → /ˈʃãːsə/
chance
Chef → /ʃɛf/
boss / chef
Sound 5: /tʃ/ (English and other loanwords)
In many modern loanwords from English and other languages, "ch" is pronounced /tʃ/.
checken → /ˈtʃɛkn̩/
to check
Chips → /tʃɪps/
Chips
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