German · Difficult words
How to pronounce Großmutter in German
Großmutter
Grandmother
Standard German · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
Großmutter is pronounced /ˈɡʁoːsˌmʊtɐ/ in German. In Großmutter: Let the ending relax into a short central vowel. The IPA /ɐ/ represents a vowel, rather than a strongly pronounced consonant r. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in Großmutter
Read Großmutter in these IPA segments: ˈɡʁoːs · ˌmʊtɐ. Dots and stress marks identify the boundaries shown in the reference; these symbols are not English spelling. The mark /ˈ/ comes immediately before the main stressed syllable. Give that syllable a little more prominence without swallowing the others.
1.The reduced r vowel /ɐ/
In Großmutter: Let the ending relax into a short central vowel. The IPA /ɐ/ represents a vowel, rather than a strongly pronounced consonant r.
Watch out: Avoid adding a full English “er” with a curled tongue.
2.A steady /o/ vowel
In Großmutter: Round the lips and keep the tongue toward the back for a steady /o/. Follow the length indicated in the transcription.
Watch out: Avoid automatically turning a single /o/ into the moving vowel of English “go”.
3.Back rounded vowels
In Großmutter: Round your lips and keep the tongue toward the back. Follow the closer /u/ or more relaxed /ʊ/ quality written in the IPA.
Watch out: Avoid inserting a y sound before the vowel unless the IPA includes /j/.
Hear it in context
Am Sonntag besuchen wir meine Großmutter.
On Sunday we're visiting my grandmother.
Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.
Pronunciation and variety
Großmutter is presented using Standard German. Regional accents and connected speech can change details. The isolated word and the example let you compare the dictionary form with a short spoken context.
The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.
Meaning and everyday use
Questions about Großmutter
How do you pronounce Großmutter?
Großmutter is pronounced /ˈɡʁoːsˌmʊtɐ/ in German. In Großmutter: Let the ending relax into a short central vowel. The IPA /ɐ/ represents a vowel, rather than a strongly pronounced consonant r. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In Großmutter: Let the ending relax into a short central vowel. The IPA /ɐ/ represents a vowel, rather than a strongly pronounced consonant r. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
