MinimalPairs
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Minimal pair · Standard German in Germany; stressed citation forms

German /oː/ vs /ɔ//oː/ / /ɔ/

Learn to hear the difference between oː and ɔ in German words.

Practice these sounds
/oː/

A long, back rounded vowel

The lips stay rounded and the tongue is farther back than for /øː/.

As inOfen
/ɔ/

An open-mid, rounded vowel

A more open back vowel than /o/. The guide below identifies the reference variety used here.

As inoffen

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

A small change.
A different word.

Learn to hear the difference between oː and ɔ in German words.

Listen for the target sound in each word.

Sound examples

Tap to hear each word
Ofen
/ˈoːfən/oven or stove
Sohlen
/ˈzoːlən/soles
schon
/ʃoːn/already
Rohre
/ˈʁoːʁə/pipes
rote
/ˈʁoːtə/red, inflected
offen
/ˈɔfən/open
sollen
/ˈzɔlən/to be supposed to
Sonne
/ˈzɔnə/sun
Koffer
/ˈkɔfɐ/suitcase
Kopf
/kɔpf/head
Koch
/kɔx/cook; person

11 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.

Now, let your ears decide.

Can you hear the difference? Listen to two examples, then decide which sound you hear in a new word. Get feedback after every answer.

Practice these sounds

Keep the sound. Change the word.

Learn to hear the difference between oː and ɔ in German words.

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