German Letter Combination (at the start of a word)
st...
sounds like "sht" at the start of a word
When a German word starts with "st", you don't say "st" like in English "stop" — you say "sht". So "Straße" sounds like "Shtrasse" and "Stuhl" sounds like "Shtool".
Important
This rule only applies when st is at the beginning of a word or syllable. In the middle or end of a word (like "Fenster"), it stays as a normal "st". Think of it like this: if the word starts with st, say "sht".
You know the "sh" sound
Just add a "t" after it
English
shoe
the "sh" sound you know
Hindi
shaam
evening — same "sh" sound
How it works
sh + t = sht
that's the German "st" at the start!
Practice with German words
Every "st" below is at the start — say "sht"! Tap to reveal, press the speaker to hear it.
