How To Learn a German Accent
By Ricky Andromeda ; Updated September 15, 2017
Whether you're an actor, a traveler or simply a lover of accents, it's easy to learn how to speak English with a German accent by learning the basic differences between the two languages. Learning the accent is also a great way to improve your German pronunciation. Rather than adopting a stereotypical German caricature, apply the different sounds and cadences to your regular voice to sound authentically German.
Listen to German soundbites or watch German films to understand how the language is spoken and how it differs from English. German often sounds faster and more harsh to English speakers.
Practice replacing the letter "w" with the letter "v." The German language does not use "w" the same way English does. Any time you use the letter "w," pronounce it like a "v." For example, if you say "I walked to the water" in a German accent, pronounce it "I valked to the vater." In another quirk of German consonants, "v" is pronounced like "f"; practice accordingly. For example, "Victor" is pronounced "Fictor" with a German accent.
Replace any "th" sounds with the letter "d" when speaking with a German accent. The German language does not use the "th" sound and German speakers have some difficulty making it. For example, "They are the neighbors" sounds like "Dey are de neighbors." Also, when you see a "d" pronounce it like a "t" instead. For example, pronounce "drink" like "trink" to sound German. The verb "to drink" in German is "trinken."
Sporadically pepper your speech with some German phrases and words to add a bit of flavor and a layer of believability. For example, use "Ich" instead of "I" on occasion. "Ich" is pronounced gutturally, in the back of the throat, and sounds like "ick" with a slight puff of air at the end.
PR Log: How to Speak With German Accent
Ricky Andromeda has been writing since 1999. His articles have been published on various websites, specializing in pool, art, hunting, antiques, home improvement, chemistry and gambling. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Louisiana State University and is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in writing at the University of Arkansas.
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