ey In Standard German
The letter combination "ey" mainly appears in proper names and loanwords. Its pronunciation varies depending on whether the word is German, historically adapted, or of English origin.
Letter Combination | ey |
|---|---|
Name | (pronounced /eː uː/) |
Common Sound(s) | /aɪ/, /ɪ/ |
The Letter Combination "ey"
Sound 1: /aɪ/
In many German surnames and place names, "ey" is pronounced /aɪ/, similar to English "eye".
Meyer → /ˈmaɪɐ̯/
Meyer (surname)
Sound 2: /ɪ/ (English loanwords)
In many English loanwords, "ey" is pronounced as /ɪ/, reflecting English pronunciation patterns adapted into German.
Hockey → /ˈhɔki/
hockey
Jersey → /ˈdʒɜːzi/
jersey
Note
The letter combination "ey" is not a productive spelling pattern in modern German. It occurs mostly in names and loanwords, and its pronunciation often follows the source language or varies between speakers.
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