What is the difference between long and short vowels in German?

In German, long vowels are pronounced more extended in duration and often indicate a difference in meaning compared to short vowels. Long vowels can be marked by doubling the vowel itself, following it with an 'h', or using vowel-consonant combinations, whereas short vowels typically precede multiple consonants.

How do you recognise long and short vowels in German words?

In German, long vowels are often marked by a following "h" or double vowels (ee, ie), and are prevalent in open syllables (no consonant closure). Short vowels, conversely, typically appear in closed syllables (ending with one or more consonants) and are not doubled or followed by "h".

Why do some vowels in German have dots over them, and how does this affect vowel quantity?

Vowels with dots over them in German are called umlauts (ä, ö, ü) and indicate a change in the vowel's sound, affecting its pronunciation rather than its quantity. Umlauts can signal grammatical variations and sometimes result in vowel lengthening, but vowel quantity is primarily determined by context and spelling rules, not just by the presence of umlauts.

How does vowel quantity affect the pronunciation of German words?

Vowel quantity affects the pronunciation of German words by differentiating between long and short vowel sounds, which can alter the meaning of words. Long vowels are often marked by doubling the vowel or following it with an 'h', while short vowels typically precede a double consonant.

Do double consonants following a vowel in German words always indicate a short vowel?

Yes, double consonants following a vowel in German usually indicate that the preceding vowel is short. This rule helps differentiate between words where vowel length can change the meaning, such as "Schrot" (scrap) versus "Schrott" (junk), where the double 't' signals a short 'o'.