Dutch pronunciation: Korte klinkers - /ɑ/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for korte klinkers - /ɑ/.

Quick tip

Short vowels are pronounced quickly and are never held long.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• kat

• man

• bak

• jas

• dak

Minimal pairs

• kat / kaat
• man / maan
• bak / boek
• jas / jes
• dak / dek

How to produce this sound

The Dutch /ɑ/ is similar to the 'a' in 'father' but shorter and more open. Open your mouth wide and relax your tongue low and towards the back.

Common mix-ups

• kat / kaat
• man / maan
• bak / boek
• jas / jes
• dak / dek

Closest comparison

cat, bat, man, hat, mat