The German alphabets are quite similar to the English alphabet, as both use the Latin script. However, there are key differences that learners should be aware of, especially at A1 level German.
One of the biggest distinctions is the presence of four additional characters in German: ä, ö, ü, and ß. These letters affect pronunciation and meaning, making them crucial to master. The umlauted vowels (ä, ö, ü) modify the sounds of their base vowels, which can sometimes change a word’s definition entirely. For example, "schon" means "already," while "schön" means "beautiful."
Another notable difference is the use of capital letters. In German, all nouns are capitalized, regardless of where they appear in a sentence. This can be confusing for English speakers, but it helps in identifying nouns quickly when reading.
Additionally, some letters are pronounced differently. The German "V" is often pronounced like an English "F" (e.g., "Vater" sounds like "Fater"), and the letter "W" is pronounced like an English "V." Understanding these pronunciation differences is essential for learners progressing in A1 level German.
By familiarizing themselves with these differences early on, learners can avoid confusion and develop a strong foundation in German pronunciation and spelling.