German pronunciation practice: a written h that is not a separate sound

The idea

In the selected forms fahren, wohnen, Zahn, Uhr, sehen and gehen, the written h is not pronounced as a separate h sound. This is different from initial h in Haus. Listen to the vowel and syllable structure rather than sounding every written letter separately.

A controlled speaking comparison

Keep a single focus for one attempt: fahren; Zahn; Uhr. Read a complete sentence, compare it with a dictionary or a suitable spoken model, and change one feature at a time. Device speech is synthetic and varies by browser. It may not produce the exact contrastive stress you intend; for such contrasts, speak the marked focus yourself or work with a listener.

Examples

• Wir fahren am frühen Morgen zum See.We drive to the lake early in the morning.Target in context: a written h that is not a separate sound. In the selected forms fahren, wohnen, Zahn, Uhr, sehen and gehen, the written h is not pronounced as a separate h sound. This is different from initial h in Haus. Listen to the vowel and syllable structure rather than sounding every written letter separately.
• Meine Großeltern wohnen am anderen Ende der Straße.My grandparents live at the other end of the street.Target in context: a written h that is not a separate sound. In the selected forms fahren, wohnen, Zahn, Uhr, sehen and gehen, the written h is not pronounced as a separate h sound. This is different from initial h in Haus. Listen to the vowel and syllable structure rather than sounding every written letter separately.
• Im Modell ist ein Zahn deutlich markiert.One tooth is clearly marked in the model.Target in context: a written h that is not a separate sound. In the selected forms fahren, wohnen, Zahn, Uhr, sehen and gehen, the written h is not pronounced as a separate h sound. This is different from initial h in Haus. Listen to the vowel and syllable structure rather than sounding every written letter separately.
• Die kleine Uhr über dem Fenster geht richtig.The small clock above the window keeps correct time.Target in context: a written h that is not a separate sound. In the selected forms fahren, wohnen, Zahn, Uhr, sehen and gehen, the written h is not pronounced as a separate h sound. This is different from initial h in Haus. Listen to the vowel and syllable structure rather than sounding every written letter separately.
• Vom Balkon sehen wir den ganzen Marktplatz.From the balcony, we can see the entire market square.Target in context: a written h that is not a separate sound. In the selected forms fahren, wohnen, Zahn, Uhr, sehen and gehen, the written h is not pronounced as a separate h sound. This is different from initial h in Haus. Listen to the vowel and syllable structure rather than sounding every written letter separately.
• Nach dem Essen gehen wir noch eine Runde hinaus.After eating, we go outside for another short walk.Target in context: a written h that is not a separate sound. In the selected forms fahren, wohnen, Zahn, Uhr, sehen and gehen, the written h is not pronounced as a separate h sound. This is different from initial h in Haus. Listen to the vowel and syllable structure rather than sounding every written letter separately.

Watch out

Do not breathe an extra h between every written vowel and consonant; the selected h is a spelling feature.

Try it yourself

1. Mark the target spot in these words, then read the full example sentence aloud: fahren; Zahn; Uhr.

   Show answer or example answer

   Zielwörter: fahren; Zahn; Uhr. Beachte dazu: In fahren, wohnen, Zahn, Uhr, sehen und gehen wird das geschriebene h nicht als eigener h-Laut gesprochen. Das unterscheidet sich vom anlautenden h in Haus. Achte auf Vokal und Silbenstruktur, statt jeden Buchstaben einzeln zu vertonen.

   The target set is fahren; Zahn; Uhr. In the selected forms fahren, wohnen, Zahn, Uhr, sehen and gehen, the written h is not pronounced as a separate h sound. This is different from initial h in Haus. Listen to the vowel and syllable structure rather than sounding every written letter separately.

2. Explain the pronunciation practised here to a study partner. Give one example and one limit of the rule.

   Show answer or example answer

   In fahren, wohnen, Zahn, Uhr, sehen und gehen wird das geschriebene h nicht als eigener h-Laut gesprochen. Das unterscheidet sich vom anlautenden h in Haus. Achte auf Vokal und Silbenstruktur, statt jeden Buchstaben einzeln zu vertonen. Sprich nicht an jeder geschriebenen h-Stelle einen zusätzlichen Hauchlaut; das h gehört hier zum Schriftbild.

   Do not breathe an extra h between every written vowel and consonant; the selected h is a spelling feature. A useful explanation includes the selected pattern and its context rather than a rule about every German word.

3. Say two sentences of your own with the target words. Compare them first slowly, then at a clear, normal pace.

   Show answer or example answer

   Mögliche Satzmuster: Wir fahren am frühen Morgen zum See. Meine Großeltern wohnen am anderen Ende der Straße. Achte auf Verständlichkeit und das konkrete Ziel, nicht auf möglichst hohes Tempo.

   Many original sentences are possible. The intended word and message should remain recognizable. Use a relevant spoken model and listener feedback; the page does not automatically assess the recording.

Use it today

Take “Wir fahren am frühen Morgen zum See.” and “Meine Großeltern wohnen am anderen Ende der Straße.” and change one detail in each while keeping the focus on fahren; Zahn; Uhr. Say each slowly and then at a comfortable conversational pace. Ask a listener what they understood. If you record yourself in your own recording app, compare a specific feature rather than judging your entire accent at once.