English is my mother tongue.
I have studied German for a few years, but am nowhere near fluent.
I can make myself understood to native Germans, but with much patience on their part, and difficulty on mine.
I am really having trouble with vowels, and I am working hard in the labs to improve my pronounciation, but I end up exaggerating, and it does not sound native.
What are the typical 'hallmarks' of an English accent in German, and how are they best eliminated?
I am especially having trouble with stressed and unstressed ö and ü.
Danke schön!
2007-03-16 06:26:40 · 5 answers · asked by inprimeform 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Unfortunately, you didn't tell us whether you live in Germany or not, but I gather that you don't. That will make it even more difficult for you to improve your pronunciation. As others have pointed out, you will never be able to achieve a "native" pronunciation, that can only be done by young children who learn their second language early in life. The example of Arnold Schwarzenegger has already been pointed out to you. Now look at Henry Kissinger. I believe he was 13 years old when he came to the United States, but he never lost his strong German accent.
So be realistic and don't set your goals too high. If you follow this advice, you won't be disappointed.
2007-03-16 06:59:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The strongest hallmarks of an English accent in German are the l and r if you pronounce them like in English, and vowels. Sorry I can't explain on Internet how to pronounce ö and ü, I would need to speak to you in reality to show you. I spent a lot of time trying to teach a friend from Egypt how to pronounce ü and she had a lot of problems with it. For grown up people it is mostly hard to learn any new sounds.
I'd say better concentrate on learning to speak fluently and to make yourself understood, accent is secondary. I know several people who have learned German as an adult and speak it fluently but with an accent, but who cares. I think most foreign accents sound nice.
2007-03-16 06:59:16 · answer #2 · answered by Elly 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a native German living in the US since 20 years...I do have to admit, I am not sure how to best eliminate your accent...listen, listen, listen, I guess is the best way...although, over the years, I have noticed that some of us just seem to be better at languages and their pronounciation than others (e.g. look at Arnold Schwarzenegger, the man has had all kinds of voice/speech training, and I am sure he had the best of the best - you still hear his native language as being German...). I feel, each language has their own music and trying to pronounce, to speak it, is listening to that music and trying to fall into the rythm...a good way to do so is watching movies...find one you really like (in German, of course), and then watch it, several times...good luck! Viel Glueck! Auch mit den Umlauten!!!
2007-03-16 06:45:49 · answer #3 · answered by avechm 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, but a wonderful question! I'm an American working on my German as well (6 years of classes plus time on my own), and I am in the same proverbial boat! Thanks for asking, I am curious to find out, too!
2007-03-16 06:31:10 · answer #4 · answered by Beanzai 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be patient. You are a foreigner in Deutschland! your accent will change after you practice more and more tha language.
2007-03-19 17:11:08 · answer #5 · answered by Aztlantevich 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋