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Long and short ü

Long ü Short ü
Spelling: üh, ü Spelling: ü, y
Pronunciation:

No similar sound in English, but the same as the vowel in French rue. To produce it, say the German long i, then round the lips as for long u. Do not allow your tongue to move toward the back of your mouth as you round your lips. Note the difference between the long rounded back vowel u, and the long rounded front vowel ü.

Note: This is one of the most difficult German sounds for American speakers of English to produce accurately. Practice it until you have internalized its characteristics.

Pronunciation:

A shorter version of German long ü. To produce it, say the German short i, then round the lips as for short u. Do not allow your tongue to move toward the back of your mouth as you round your lips. Note the difference between the short rounded back vowel u, and the short rounded front vowel ü.

Note: This also is a tricky sound for American speakers of English to produce accurately, and thus requires attentive practice.


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Sentences containing the ü-sound
Es grünt so grün, wenn Spaniens Blüten blühn

Goethe-Institut pronunciation guide