In German, "ie" always sounds like a long "ee" — like the vowel in English "see", "free", or "three". Never like "ai". This is the partner rule to "ei" — learn both and you'll never confuse them again.
The golden rule: ie vs. ei
"ie" = "ee" (like "see") and "ei" = "ai" (like "my"). The trick: the second letter wins. In "ie", the "e" dominates → "ee" sound. In "ei", the "i" dominates → "ai" sound.
You already know this sound
English
see
the long "ee" sound
English
free
exactly the "ie" sound
English
machine
the long "ee" in "-ine"
Hindi
deedee
दीदी — the long "ee" sound
Practice with German words
Every "ie" below sounds like "ee". Tap to reveal, press the speaker to hear it!
