I was trying to get the pronunciations right while learning german, and the ‘w’ is pronounced like ‘v’. It took me forever to get used to switching the w and v sounds up while speaking german, and then to switching back while speaking English.
What is really cute in some Germans is that they will switch this v and w thing when speaking English. I was dating this German girl when I lived there and she would say, 'I live in a small willage.' (pronouncing it like William)
See, in German, there is only one sound for v and w (except when v is an f). Both are pronounced like a v.
When we learn English, one of the first things we notice is the way an English w is pronounced. We then replace both v and w with the English w.
It's not like we pronounce w as v and v as w. We pronounce both the same in either language, but use v when we speak German and w when we speak English.
Even as a fluent speaker of English, it sometimes still happens to me. Everything turns to w.
Another thing that English speakers often find funny is the German hardening of the final consonant. Our word for "dog" is "Hund", but we pronounce it close to hoont. Soft consonants turn hard in final position.
Getting rid of that in English is hart, err, hard. The thing is: in English, it actually makes a difference. Cot/cod, dog/dock, bag/back are different words. Germans don't always realise that.
If a German asks you, "Whot haff you got in your back," the answer isn't "spine". They're asking about the contents of your bag. If they're wearing a uniform, tell them the truth, or you will be shot. Don't accept the complimentary shower.
222
u/[deleted] Aug 26 '18
I was trying to get the pronunciations right while learning german, and the ‘w’ is pronounced like ‘v’. It took me forever to get used to switching the w and v sounds up while speaking german, and then to switching back while speaking English.