Pronunciation of ch

A1 · Beginner · Basics

The rule

After a, o, u, au it is rough (Buch); after e, i, ä, ö, ü it is soft (ich).

How it works

The letters ch have two main sounds. After a, o, u and au the sound is a rough, throaty "ach" sound. After e, i, ä, ö, ü and consonants it is a soft "ich" sound made with the front of the tongue against the palate. Learners who use "k" for both sounds are easy to understand but sound less natural.

When to use it

Use the soft "ich" sound after e, i, ä, ö, ü and consonants; use the rough "ach" sound after a, o, u, au.

Use cases

Pronouncing words like Nacht, Milch and Küche correctly
Recognising the sound in names such as Bach and Bücher
Distinguishing ich from ach in conversation

Examples

ich – I
Buch – book
Ich mache das nicht. – I do not do that.
Die Nacht ist kurz. – The night is short.
Das Buch ist auf dem Tisch. – The book is on the table.

Common mistake

Saying "ich" with a hard "k" sound, which makes it sound like "ik".

Memory tip

Say "ich" and "ach" in a row: the first is a soft hiss, the second is a throaty sound.

Read the wider picture in our guide: German Pronunciation Guide for English Speakers.