ch (nach a, o, u, au)
/x/
- Language
- German
- Unit
- Konsonanten
- IPA
- /x/
- Practice words
- 5
Sample pronunciation audio
Start with one sample audio file for frikative - /x/.
Quick tip
Fricatives are produced by forcing air through a narrow gap, creating friction.
Letters and IPA
Practice words
-
Buch
-
Nacht
-
auch
-
Fuchs
-
doch
Minimal pairs
- Buch / Buch(e)
- Nacht / nicht
- auch / euch
- Fuchs / Fuchs(e)
- doch / durch
How to produce this sound
This is a voiceless velar fricative, like the 'ch' in the Scottish 'loch' or German 'Bach'. Raise the back of your tongue close to the soft palate and push air through, without vibrating your vocal cords.
Common mix-ups
- Buch / Buch(e)
- Nacht / nicht
- auch / euch
- Fuchs / Fuchs(e)
- doch / durch
Closest comparison
This sound is not present in standard English. A few loanwords like 'Bach' or 'loch' may use it, but it is not a regular English sound.