Language
Dutch
Unit
Medeklinkers
IPA
/sx/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for fricatieven - /sx/.

Quick tip

Fricatives are made by forcing air through a narrow gap, creating friction.

Letters and IPA

Letters

sch

/sx/

Practice words

  • school

  • schaap

  • schip

  • schrijven

  • schaduw

Minimal pairs

  • school / schoon
  • schip / skip
  • schaap / kaap
  • schat / kat
  • schuur / suur

How to produce this sound

To make the Dutch /sx/ sound, start with an 's' sound and immediately follow it with a harsh 'ch' as in the Scottish 'loch'. The back of your tongue should be close to your soft palate, creating a raspy sound.

Common mix-ups

  • school / schoon
  • schip / skip
  • schaap / kaap
  • schat / kat
  • schuur / suur

Closest comparison

This is a new sound in Dutch. English does not have the /sx/ sound. The closest is the combination of 's' and a hard 'h' as in 'loch' (Scottish English), but it's not the same.

Keep exploring

Previous Fricatieven - /z/ Medeklinkers Next Fricatieven - /x/ Medeklinkers