Language
German
Unit
Konsonanten
IPA
/r/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for vibranten - /r/.

Quick tip

Vibrants are made by vibrating part of the tongue or uvula.

Letters and IPA

Letters

r (Zungenspitzen-r)

/r/

Practice words

  • rot

  • Reise

  • bringen

  • rund

  • drei

Minimal pairs

  • rot / lot
  • Reise / Leise
  • rund / Hund
  • bringen / klingen
  • drei / frei

How to produce this sound

The German Zungenspitzen-r is a rolled or trilled 'r' made by vibrating the tip of your tongue against the alveolar ridge (just behind your upper front teeth). Practice by saying 'rrrr' like a purring cat.

Common mix-ups

  • rot / lot
  • Reise / Leise
  • rund / Hund
  • bringen / klingen
  • drei / frei

Closest comparison

red, run, read, right, rain

Keep exploring

Previous Laterale - /l/ Konsonanten Next Vibranten - /ʁ/ Konsonanten