Language
German
Unit
Konsonanten
IPA
/z/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for frikative - /z/.

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Letters

s

/z/

Practice words

  • Sonne

  • sagen

  • lesen

  • Rose

  • reisen

Minimal pairs

  • reisen / reißen
  • Rose / Rosse
  • lesen / leasen
  • Sonne / Tonne
  • sagen / sacken

How to produce this sound

The /z/ sound is voiced, like the 'z' in 'zoo'. Place your tongue close to the roof of your mouth behind your teeth and let your vocal cords vibrate.

Common mix-ups

  • reisen / reißen
  • Rose / Rosse
  • lesen / leasen
  • Sonne / Tonne
  • sagen / sacken

Closest comparison

zoo, zero, zone, music, rose

Keep exploring

Previous Frikative - /v/ Konsonanten Next Frikative - /s/ Konsonanten