In German, the letter z is never like the English "z" in "zoo". It always sounds like "ts" — a sharp, quick sound.
Tip
Forget the buzzing English "zzz" sound completely. German "z" is always "ts" — like the "ts" at the end of "cats" or the "ts" in the Hindi name "Vatsala". Quick and sharp, never buzzy.
You already know this sound
Hindi
Vatsala
a name — hear the "ts"
English
cats
the "ts" at the end
English
pizza
"zz" in pizza = "ts" sound
English
bits
the "ts" at the end
Brand
Mozart
the composer — "Mo-ts-art"
Word
tsunami
starts with the "ts" sound
Practice with German words
Every "z" below sounds like "ts". Tap to reveal, press the speaker to hear it!
