Spelt Similarly, Pronounced Differently (German vs. English) - Part 1

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Young lady speaking with unrecognisable female teacher during lesson

image: © SHVETS production from Pexels


If you're a German speaker, you'll likely recognise the following words because they have similar spellings and the same meaning in both German and English. However, the English pronunciation can be quite different from what you'd expect, so it's a good idea to pay close attention when saying them out loud.


Let’s take a look at a few of them.

  1. The first word is the German spontan, which corresponds to spontaneous in English.
    While the meaning is similar, the pronunciation in English is quite different:
    Spontaneous is pronounced [SPON - TAY - NEE - UHS].


  1. The second word on my list is Typ, which means type in English. While the meaning is the same, the pronunciation is different. The English word type is pronounced [TAIP].


  1. Next on my list is the German word Pilot. Although it's spelt exactly the same in English, the pronunciation is different. 

In English, it's pronounced [PAI - LEHT].


  1. Then there's the German word, Stadion, which means stadium in English. 

As a German speaker, it's so easy to fall into the habit of pronouncing stadium just like you would Stadion. This is especially true given how illogical the English pronunciation, [STAY - DEE - UHM], can seem to a learner. I remember a student once even asked me if I was sure "stadium" wasn't pronounced the German way!


  1. The spelling of the German word Titel is a classic pronunciation trap for English learners, who often confuse it with the similar-looking English word title.

Title in English is pronounced [TAI + TUHL].


  1. Sixth on my list is Muskel, which is the German word for muscle. 

Even though there's a 'c' in the English spelling, it's silent. The correct pronunciation is [MUS + UHL].


  1. Last but not least is Virus, which is a word that’s spelt exactly the same in English but pronounced slightly differently.

In English, virus is pronounced [VAI + RUHS]


This is just the beginning. Look out for Part 2 soon, where I’ll explore more familiar words with unfamiliar sounds.

In the meantime, if you're a German speaker looking to improve your English speaking and pronunciation skills, I'd love to help. Send me an email at diana_englishtutor@outlook.com to book a free 15-minute consultation.



About the writer

Diana is an English Conversation Tutor based in Luton. She supports learners of English in building confidence through speaking and conversational practice. A keen observer of everyday life, she finds inspiration in expressing her creativity through writing blogs and articles.



 

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