TAW

How do I correctly pronounce:
Hohenschwangau
Neuschwanstein
Herrenchiemsee

Thanks!

annhig

hi TAW,

here are my suggestions -

HOHENSCHWANGAU - ho[ as in hoe] en [as in un] shvang [as it looks] ow [as in ow, it hurts]

NEUSCHWANSTEIN - neu [as in boy] shvan [as it looks] shtein [as in mine]

HERRENCHIEMSEE - Herr [as in hair, almost] en [as in envelope] chiem [ch as in loch, the rest as it sounds] see [as in hay, but with less y at the end]

the good news is that once you have learnt what sounds correspond with which letter groups, they are [almost] always the same.

have fun,

regards, ann

tomboy

Hoe-en-schwan-gow(as in how)
Noosh-wine-stein
Heron-cheeyem-see

Michael

Try this site:

http://www.research.att.com/~ttsweb/tts/demo.php

traveller1959

How can I tell you?

traveller1959

I do not know how to write it. I only know that Annhig's and Tomboy's suggestions are not right.

TAW

Thanks, all. I was looking for a website that had audio. The ATT is perfect for my needs. Thanks again.

traveller1959

Hey,

Michael's site is super correct for the three names - I tried "Klara German" and it is perfect!

Try this site:

http://www.research.att.com/~ttsweb/tts/demo.php

TAW

Yes, the "W" is pronounced as a "V"

Dayenu

I suggest a bottle of Gewürztraminer for training purposes

annhig

traveller1959 - where exactly did I go wrong?

regards, ann

Alec

Herrenchiemsee is pronounced:

Herren- Heren, a bit like the bird heron but with -en at the end
-chiemsee keem-zay; chiem would normally be heem, but it's an irregular pronunciation.

So Herrenchiemsee = Heren-keemzay

bettyk

ann, what I noticed is that the last syllable of Hohenschwangau is gau not au. Also, there are more nuances in the pronunciations than one can give here.

I'm not sure where Tomboy got that pronunciation for Neuschwanstein. Doesn't sound like anything I've ever heard before. Sorry, Tomboy.

I studied German for 2 yrs back when we lived in Vienna but I'm certainly no expert. Over the years, I forgot a lot more than I think I ever knew. Each time we go back to Germany or Austria, I re-learn a little bit.

TAW

Am I gonna be in deep sh*t if I can't speak the language in Austria & Germany? I'm learning basic pleasantries, etc but I'm sure my pronunciation will be horrible. Altho, after I hear something said correctly a few times I can repeat it.

Alec

TAW
Normally, don't worry about it! Those Germans and Austrians who deal regularly with non-German-speaking tourists would understand you and appreciate your efforts. If you mispronounce something - a placename for example and they don't understand you, just show the word.
Your only trouble will be deep in the countryside where most visitors are German-speaking and you have to explain something out of the ordinary to a B&B owner or shop assistant. Younger people - those aged say 40 or under - have learnt English at school and should manage basic conversation.

bettyk

Don't worry about being exact in your pronunciations. As Alec says, most of the people you will come in contact with will understand what you are saying or will speak enough English that it won't be a problem.

We do fine with our mangled German. Besides, we have found that many people enjoy being able to practice their English on you.

Dayenu

TAW, always have a pen and a piece of paper with you. If you can't pronounce it - write it and show to people. They will point you in the right direction.

StCirq

HO-EN-SHVAHN-GOW(like cow)

NOY-SHVAHN-SHTINE(like wine)

HAIR-EN-CHEEM-ZAY (the ch is a glottal sound at the back of your throat as if you were about to cough).

northie

I learnt German to travel in Austria and most people replied in English!!!!!!

logos999

However you pronounce it, there's no "y" in Chiemsee. and it starts with a "K" (=Ch)