How to Pronounce the German R

In German, there are two different ways to pronounce the letter R. The pronunciation depends on where the R appears in the word or syllable.

The Simple R at the End

An R at the end of a word or at the end of a syllable is usually pronounced like a short, reduced A sound. You do not need to use your throat for this.

Examples:

• Mutter (Mother)
• Vater (Father)
• Bier
• für (for)

The Guttural R

The second R is harder to pronounce. It is spoken with vibration in the throat and sounds a bit like a sound made in the back of the throat. This R comes before a vowel or an umlaut.

How to Pronounce the Guttural R

1. Pull your tongue back slightly in your mouth.
2. Relax your tongue.
3. Let air flow from your mouth, creating a vibration in your throat.

You can practice this in front of a mirror to see your tongue position. Another method is to take a sip of water into your mouth and gargle lightly. Then, try to make the same sound without water.

Examples of the Guttural R

• Rot
• Regen (rain)
• sprechen (to speak)
• grün
• groß (big)

This R can also appear before an umlaut. Examples:

• Ärger
• hören (to hear)
• führen (to lead)

Words with Both R Sounds

Some words have both R sounds. The first R sound is spoken gutturally and vibrates, the second R sound at the end of the word is spoken like an A sound.

Examples:

• Lehrer (teacher): The first R vibrates, the second one does not.

If an R is followed by a vowel, then it vibrates. In words like Lehrerin (female teacher), both Rs vibrate because both are followed by a vowel.