More pronunciation
First we will focus on the following topics:
- difference between a and aa, o and oo, e and ee, u and uu. (this page)
- difference between: ee and ie, and words starting with "sch"and the sounds "oe" and "ui" (seperate page).
- different writing and same sound ("ei" and "ij" and "au" and "ou") and the sound "eu" (seperate page)
- difference between short and long sounds for instance with plurals (seperate page)
Warning
The pronunciation section is rather extensive, so remember to do it in parts and to review it periodically. Don't let it prevent you from progressing in your Dutch course! So, if it feels overwhelming, you can pause this section and move on to the next parts of the lesson. Later on, you can come back and repeat the pronunciation section until you have really mastered it.
Now we start with our first word: the Dutch word for horse:
Listen carefully to the "d" at the end of the word as in the Dutch word "paard". The sound of a "d" at the end of a word is similar to a "t", like the "t" of the Dutch word "tas" (bag). If a word starts with a "d" the sound is less sharp like in the Dutch sentence "wat is dat?".
a and aa
You just heard the word "paard" (horse) with aa (the so-called long-a). The next word only has 1 a (the short-a). Listen to the difference!
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As you know the sun is a star. The Dutch word for star is "ster". It looks like the English word star: it is ritten with a short-e: e. But keep in mind: if a words consists of several parts a single "e" may sound like a long-e, like for instance in the Dutch word : beren (bears),We'll come to this at a later moment.
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The next words, the Dutch words for man and moon show the difference in sound between a long-a and a short-a. But keep in mind: if a words consists of several parts a single "a" may sound link a long-a. We'll come to this at a later moment.
Now two words, one with a short-o and one with a long-o. But keep in mind: if a words consists of several parts a single "o" may sound link a long-o. We'll come to this at a later moment.
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Now we present two words, one with a short-e and one with a long-e. But keep in mind: if a words consists of several parts a single "e" may sound link a long-e. We'll come to this at a later moment.
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Now two words, one with a short-u and one with a long-u. But keep in mind: if a words consists of several parts a single "u" may sound link a long-u. We'll come to this at a later moment.
Again we need a break. In this case, we can drink a cup of tea (Dutch: een kopje thee) and of course, we solve this puzzle. All words presented can be found.
Find the words we have presented you
Solution
Intermezzo
After hearing words like star and sun Anna always becomes in a romantic mood. This is the poem she made for me... Listen to the words: do you recognize the new words and their meaning?
Oh Tim, you are my strong tree
You are that beautiful star
You are my sun that warms me
Oh, I love you, you, you!!!
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