W vs V
W vs V Distinction
In German: W = /v/ (like English 'v') in all cases — was, wo, wie. V = /f/ in German words (Vater, von, viel) or /v/ in foreign words (Verb, Visum, Vase). F = always /f/. The main trap: German W is NOT English W!
Sounds
| IPA | Beispiel | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| W /v/ | was | what |
| V /f/ German | Vater | father |
| V /v/ foreign | Verb | verb |
Minimal Pairs
wir /v/
we
vier /f/
four
Wein /v/
wine
fein /f/
fine
Tips
W in German = V in English. The letter V in native German words = F sound.
Foreign/Latin words with V keep the /v/ sound: Verb, Visum, Vitamin, Vase.
Common Mistakes
Pronouncing W as English 'w'
Related Sounds
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