German w

/v/

Accent-Specific Coaching

For American Speakers

German 'w' is pronounced as English 'v' — NOT as English 'w'. 'Wasser' = 'vasser', 'Wein' = 'vine'. Simply use your English 'v' sound wherever you see German 'w'. Upper teeth on lower lip, voiced friction.

For British Speakers

German w = English v. 'Wein' = 'vine'. Simple substitution — the sound is identical to your v.

For Australian / NZ Speakers

German w = English v. 'Wein' = 'vine'. Upper teeth on lower lip. Don't use the English 'w'.

For Irish Speakers

German w = English v. Use your v sound for German w.

For Scottish Speakers

German w = English v. Simple substitution.

For Indian Speakers

German w is pronounced as 'v' — upper teeth on lower lip with voiced friction. Hindi व can be either a labio-dental approximant or fricative depending on speaker. For German, make sure it's a clear fricative: upper teeth firmly touching lower lip. 'Wasser' = 'vasser'.

For South African Speakers

German w = English v. Wein = vine. Simple substitution. If you know Afrikaans, same rule.

For Nigerian / W. African Speakers

German w = English v. Say 'vine' — that's 'Wein'. Upper teeth on lower lip, voiced friction. Do NOT use the English 'w' sound. This is the most common mistake all English speakers make.