Language
German
Unit
Konsonanten
IPA
/j/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for halbvokale - /j/.

Quick tip

Semivowels are pronounced like vowels but function as consonants.

Letters and IPA

Letters

j

/j/

Practice words

  • ja

  • Jahr

  • jung

  • Jacke

  • jeden

Minimal pairs

  • ja / a
  • Jahr / Ahr
  • jung / ung
  • Jacke / Acke
  • jeden / eden

How to produce this sound

The /j/ sound is like the 'y' in 'yes'. Place your tongue close to the roof of your mouth without touching it, and let the air flow smoothly.

Common mix-ups

  • Jahr / Ahr
  • jung / ung
  • ja / a
  • Jacke / Acke
  • jeden / eden

Closest comparison

yes, yellow, yoga, youth, yard

Keep exploring

Previous Vibranten - /ʁ/ Konsonanten