How to Pronounce "umlauts"

word

ˈʌm.laʊts

UHM-louts

ˈʌmlaʊts

UHM-louts

Definition

Umlauts are two dots placed above certain vowels, mostly in German, to show a change in pronunciation. They can also refer more generally to the vowel sounds that change because of these marks.

IPA Transcription

American English

ˈʌm.laʊts

British English

ˈʌmlaʊts

Simplified Pronunciation

UHM-louts

Listen in Context

In German, some words use umlauts to change the sound of vowels.

The letter 'ä' has an umlaut above it.

Not every German vowel can take umlauts.

I always struggled to pronounce German words with umlauts when I was learning.