German · Difficult words
How to pronounce neu in German
neu
New
Standard German · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
neu is pronounced /nɔʏ̯/ in German. In neu: Round the lips while keeping the tongue forward. Hear the difference between the closer /y, ø/ and the more open /ʏ, œ/. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in neu
The reference transcription for neu is /nɔʏ̯/. 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.Rounded front vowels
In neu: Round the lips while keeping the tongue forward. Hear the difference between the closer /y, ø/ and the more open /ʏ, œ/.
Watch out: Replacing these with English “oo” or “oh” loses the front-vowel quality.
2.The open /ɔ/ vowel
In neu: Round the lips and keep a relatively open jaw. Sustain one vowel rather than moving toward a w sound.
Watch out: English “oh” often moves during the vowel; follow the steadier sound in the recording.
Hear it in context
Mein Handy ist ganz neu.
My phone is brand new.
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
neu 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 neu
How do you pronounce neu?
neu is pronounced /nɔʏ̯/ in German. In neu: Round the lips while keeping the tongue forward. Hear the difference between the closer /y, ø/ and the more open /ʏ, œ/. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In neu: Round the lips while keeping the tongue forward. Hear the difference between the closer /y, ø/ and the more open /ʏ, œ/. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
