How to Pronounce “Beethoven”

American (US)

/ˈbeɪˌtoʊvən/

British (UK)

/ˈbeɪˌtəʊvən/

proper noun — A surname from German [in turn from Dutch], usually applying to Ludwig van Beethoven.

Where the stress falls. “Beethoven” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈbeɪˌtoʊvən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈbeɪˌtoʊvən/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "Beethoven" mean?

Beethoven (proper noun): A surname from German [in turn from Dutch], usually applying to Ludwig van Beethoven.

How do you pronounce "Beethoven" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈbeɪˌtoʊvən/. British English: /ˈbeɪˌtəʊvən/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Beethoven"?

/ˈbeɪˌtoʊvən/ in American English, /ˈbeɪˌtəʊvən/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Beethoven"?

“Beethoven” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈbeɪˌtoʊvən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.