Dutch pronunciation: Lange klinkers - /øː/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for lange klinkers - /øː/.

Quick tip

Long vowels are held longer than short vowels, with a steady sound.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• leuk

• neus

• deur

• keuze

• beurt

Minimal pairs

• leuk / luik
• neus / noos
• deur / duur
• keuze / kazen
• beurt / buurt

How to produce this sound

Round your lips as if saying 'oo' in 'food', but say 'ay' as in 'day' at the same time. It's a long, rounded vowel not found in English.

Common mix-ups

• leuk / luik
• neus / noos
• deur / duur
• keuze / kazen
• beurt / buurt

Closest comparison

No direct equivalent. Closest: 'bird', 'fur', 'her', 'turn', 'nurse' (but not the same)