Question

Just started trying to learn German. Any tips on pronouncing the ch sound in words like ich?

Answer 1

I always sound ridiculous. Can't seem to make my mouth do that.

Answer 2

Like a previous poster said, this can depend on what area of Germany the speaker is from. Those from Hessen tend to pronounce "ch" with more of a "sh" sound. In standard High German, however, "ch" is pronounced either lightly (think of the sound of a cat hissing), as in the words "ich" or "dich," or a little harder, as in the words "lachen" or "wachen." There is no equivalent for this hard "ch" sound in English, but I can tell you that it is what most English-speakers think of when they think of spoken German. This sound is also found in Arabic and Hebrew and I've heard many English-speakers joke that it is the kind of sound that produces phlegm...haha. I hope that helps!

Answer 3

It's a dialectical difference to say "Ish" for "Ich", but in strictly correct Berlin-style German (the kind foreigners are generally taught) the 'ch' should be pronounced as an unvoiced soft aspirative sound not found in English. Think of how the Scots say 'loch' and emulate that final sound. Keep it in the back of your throat - don't make it a harsh hissing sound.

Answer 4

That's so helpful because I've been hearing both pronunciations and not understanding why it was so back and forth.

Answer 5

Berlin-style German in not standard German. The Berliners say ick, not ich.

The 'ch' sound, [ç] in IPA, is just an unvoiced 'y' [j]

Try to say 'yes' or 'eye', without letting you vocal chords vibrate on the [j] sound. You will obtain the desired [ç], eye will then become the German Eich (oak).

Now 'ch' in Buch, is a different sound: [x], which is the Scottish Loch or the Spanish jota.

Rule is:

[ç] for äch ech ich öch üch eich euch , suffix -chen
[x] for ach och uch auch

[ks] for chs in Fuchs (fox) for instance

Answer 6

To learn the sounds, I tried to experiment by listening then repeating until I mimicked the sound made by the teacher. Mimicry if the best method in my opinion.

Answer 7

is*