How to Pronounce “Goethe”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈɡɜːrtə/
- British (UK)
- /ˈɡɜːtə/
What “Goethe” means
proper noun — A surname from German.
Example: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “Goethe” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɡɜːrtə/ 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. /ˈɡɜːrtə/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Goethe" mean?
Goethe (proper noun): A surname from German. For example — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer.
How do you pronounce "Goethe" in American vs British English?
American English: /ˈɡɜːrtə/. British English: /ˈɡɜːtə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "Goethe"?
/ˈɡɜːrtə/ in American English, /ˈɡɜːtə/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "Goethe"?
“Goethe” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɡɜːrtə/ 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.
Related words to practice
Browse the full word index or use the pronunciation tool.