ll In Standard German
The letter combination "ll" (and related spellings like "-ill-", "-ille") is a consonant pattern that shows strong variation in pronunciation, especially in loanwords from French and Spanish. In native German words, it is usually stable, while in loanwords it can shift depending on origin and degree of integration.
Letter Combination | ll |
|---|---|
Name | ll (pronounced /ɛlɛl/) |
Common Sound(s) | /l/, /j/, /lj/, silent |
The Letter Combination "ll"
Sound 1: /l/
In native German words, "ll" is pronounced as a clear /l/, especially after short vowels.
alle → /ˈalə/
all / everyone
stellen → /ˈʃtɛlən/
to put / place
Sound 2: /j/ (French loanwords with -ill-)
In many French loanwords, especially with "-ill-", the pronunciation becomes /j/.
chenille → /ʃəˈniːjə/
chenille
Sound 3: /lj/
In Spanish- and other Romance-origin words, "ll" can be pronounced /lj/.
paella → /paˈɛlja/
paella
Sevilla → /zeˈvɪlja/
Seville
Sound 4: silent or reduced "-ille" in French loanwords
In some French loanwords, "-ille" may be silent or only partially pronounced, depending on usage and adaptation.
Bastille → /basˈtiːjə/
Bastille
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