German Sounds and Spelling: Sounds and Basics · Lesson 1 · 3 minutes

Short vowel rule

Spot short vowels before double consonants

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  1. Short Vowel Rule

    Jan reads the menu in a German cafe. A vowel before a double consonant has a short sound.

    Short Vowel Rule. Jan reads the menu in a German cafe. A vowel before a double consonant has a short sound.

  2. Jan sees the word 'Kaffee'. Why is the 'a' sound short?

    • It comes before a double 'f'
    • Two consonants make every sound longer

    Answer: It comes before a double 'f'

    Two consonants together make the vowel before them short.

  3. Complete the rule for the word 'bitte'.

    The vowel 'i' in 'bitte' is ___ because of the double ___.

    Answer: The vowel 'i' in 'bitte' is short because of the double tt.

    Double 'tt' keeps the vowel 'i' short.

  4. Spotting Double Letters

    Look closely at words like Tasse or Sonne. The double letter acts like a stop sign, shortening the vowel.

    Spotting Double Letters. Look closely at words like Tasse or Sonne. The double letter acts like a stop sign, shortening the vowel.

  5. Explain how Jan says the word 'Tasse' (cup).

    Answer: Double ss makes the vowel 'a' short and quick

    Double consonants signal a quick, short vowel sound.

  6. Which word has a short vowel sound?

    • Sonne (sun)
    • Tag (day)

    Answer: Sonne (sun)

    Double 'nn' shortens the 'o' sound in Sonne.

  7. Trace how double letters change the vowel sound in 'Wasser'.

    This one uses your voice or your writing. It is in the Breni app.

What to remember

  • A vowel before a double consonant is usually short.
  • Double letters like ff, ss, tt, and nn shorten the vowel sound before them.

Next in this course: Long silent h. It carries on in the Breni app.

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