IPA: /z, s, s/

S, SS, ß

S before vowels = voiced /z/ (Sonne, lesen). SS and ß = voiceless /s/. After the 1996 reform: ß after long vowels (Straße, groß), SS after short vowels (Wasser, müssen). At word start before t/p: S = /ʃ/ (spielen, stehen).

Sounds

IPA	Beispiel	Translation
/z/ before vowel	Sonne	sun
/s/ SS	Wasser	water
/s/ ß	Straße	street

Minimal Pairs

reisen /z/

to travel

reißen /s/

to tear

Buße

penance

Busse

buses

Tips

S at word start before a vowel = /z/ (voiced, like English 'zoo'). Most learners miss this!

After the reform: ß after LONG vowels (Straße), SS after SHORT vowels (Wasser). Both = /s/.

Common Mistakes

Pronouncing initial S as voiceless /s/

Fix: Before vowels at word start, German S is VOICED /z/

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