German · Difficult words
How to pronounce leer in German
leer
Empty
Standard German · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
leer is pronounced /leːɐ̯/ in German. In leer: 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 leer
The reference transcription for leer is /leːɐ̯/. Read adjacent consonants together without inserting extra vowels. Listen for the vowel quality and timing in the full recording; this reference does not mark a separate main stress.
1.The reduced r vowel /ɐ/
In leer: 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 /e/ vowel
In leer: Keep the tongue toward the front and sustain a single /e/ vowel. Listen for its exact height in the recording.
Watch out: English “ay” often ends with a glide; do not automatically carry that glide into this vowel.
Hear it in context
Die Milchflasche ist schon leer.
The milk bottle is already empty.
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
leer 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 leer
How do you pronounce leer?
leer is pronounced /leːɐ̯/ in German. In leer: 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 leer: 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.
