Language
Dutch
Unit
Medeklinkers
IPA
/x/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Letters

ch/g

/x/

Practice words

  • graag

  • lach

  • licht

  • dag

  • groot

Minimal pairs

  • graag / graad
  • lach / lag
  • licht / lid
  • dag / dak
  • groot / rood

How to produce this sound

The /x/ sound is made by raising the back of your tongue close to the soft part of the roof of your mouth (the velum) and forcing air through, creating a rough, friction sound. It's like the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch' or German 'Bach'.

Common mix-ups

  • graag / graad
  • lach / lag
  • licht / lid
  • dag / dak
  • groot / rood

Closest comparison

loch, Bach, ugh, ach, chutzpah

Keep exploring

Previous Fricatieven - /sx/ Medeklinkers Next Fricatieven - /h/ Medeklinkers