German ei/ai
/aɪ/Accent-Specific Coaching
For American Speakers
Direct transfer. German 'ei' and 'ai' are pronounced exactly like English 'eye' or the 'i' in 'time'. Mein = 'mine'. Wein = 'wine'. Freebie — but don't confuse with 'ie' which is 'ee' (long i).
For British Speakers
Direct transfer. German ei = English 'eye'. Mein = mine.
For Australian / NZ Speakers
Direct transfer, though your Australian 'eye' diphthong starts more open/back. German ei/ai is 'eye'. Your version works fine.
For Irish Speakers
Direct transfer.
For Scottish Speakers
Direct transfer.
For Indian Speakers
Direct transfer. German ei/ai = English 'eye'. Hindi ऐ is also close. Mein = mine.
For South African Speakers
Direct transfer. German ei = eye.
For Nigerian / W. African Speakers
Direct transfer. German ei/ai = English 'eye'. Mein = mine. The sound is identical — only the spelling is different.
Practice Words
mein
Stein
Kaiser
weit
drei
Practice Sentence
Always 'eye' — mein, Stein, Kaiser, weit, drei
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