{"id":1165,"date":"2010-10-12T10:27:19","date_gmt":"2010-10-12T10:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/german\/?p=1165"},"modified":"2010-10-12T01:31:10","modified_gmt":"2010-10-12T01:31:10","slug":"exploring-the-german-letter-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/german\/exploring-the-german-letter-s\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the German letter \u00df"},"content":{"rendered":"

The German language has a letter that does not appear in its alphabet: the letter \u00df. Because of its shape the letter \u00df can be easily mistaken for a B. The \u00df, pronounced Eszett<\/em>, is a ligature of the initial- and inner-s and the final-s of the German type font, which was used from the 16th<\/sup> century until about 1940.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the untruth exists that the letter \u00df does fully correspond to a double-s. It is true that we can spell a word alternatively with a double-s instead of an \u00df whenever and wherever it is suitable, e.g. in crossword puzzles or when you do not have an \u00df-key on your keyboard. Nevertheless, you should avoid overusing it because there is a clear rule when a word has to be spelled with an \u00df and when with a double-s.<\/p>\n

The letter \u00df has a particular function in the German language. Firstly, it represents a sharp s-sound \u2013 just like a double-s. And secondly, it indicates that we have to utter a long<\/strong> vowel before the \u00df, whereas we utter a short<\/strong> vowel before a double-s. Thus, the spelling of a word can affect both the pronunciation and even the meaning of a word.<\/p>\n

Here you can find a video in which I give some example words and their correct pronunciation and spelling. I hope you will find it helpful.<\/p>\n