How to Pronounce “Mercedes-Benz”

American (US)

/mərˈseɪdiːz bɛnz/

British (UK)

/mɜːˈseɪdiːz bɛnz/

proper noun — An automotive brand or marque from Daimler-Benz.

Where the stress falls. “Mercedes-Benz” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /mərˈseɪdiːz bɛnz/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /mərˈseɪdiːz bɛnz/ 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 "Mercedes-Benz" mean?

Mercedes-Benz (proper noun): An automotive brand or marque from Daimler-Benz.

How do you pronounce "Mercedes-Benz" in American vs British English?

American English: /mərˈseɪdiːz bɛnz/. British English: /mɜːˈseɪdiːz bɛnz/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Mercedes-Benz"?

/mərˈseɪdiːz bɛnz/ in American English, /mɜːˈseɪdiːz bɛnz/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Mercedes-Benz"?

“Mercedes-Benz” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /mərˈseɪdiːz bɛnz/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.