How to get the "TH" sound right

If you grew up speaking German, chances are your mouth isn't used to making the "TH" sound. That's why words like "this" and "that" might feel awkward to say. It all comes down to positioning your tongue the right way. Once you get that right, it feels much easier. Promise.

Soft "TH" sound

This "TH" sound is soft and breathy, like in the words "thin" and "thumb." To make it, place the tip of your tongue just behind your top front teeth and let the air flow out smoothly. There's no vibration — just air passing through.

Here are some words to practice:

Bath: "I need a hot bath after this long day."

Moth: "A moth flew into the room when I opened the window."

Cloth: "She wiped the table with a damp cloth."

As you say them, focus on keeping the sound light and airy — your tongue should barely touch your teeth. No pressure, just a soft breath.

To get even more comfortable with this sound, try these sentences:

"Three thin cats sat on the fence."

"She bought three thick blankets for winter."

"I thought the path was shorter than this."

Voiced "TH" sound

The voiced "TH" sound is different from the soft one — it buzzes because your vocal cords vibrate when you say it. You'll hear it in words like "this," "that," and "the."

To make this sound, put the tip of your tongue behind your top front teeth, just like with the soft "TH." But this time, use your voice — you should feel a slight vibration in your throat.

Here are some words to practice:

There: "Look over there — it's so bright!"

Brother: "My brother always helps me with homework."

This: "This is exactly what I was looking for."

Try touching your throat as you say these words — you should feel the vibration.

To get even more comfortable with this sound, practice these sentences:

"This weather is better than that."

"Their mother told them to be there by three."

"I love this song, but that one is my favorite."

Putting it all together

Now that you know both "TH" sounds, let's practice them side by side. Take this sentence:

"This thick cloth feels softer than that thin one."

Here's how it breaks down:

Voiced "TH": This, that, than

Soft "TH": Thick, cloth, thin

Start slowly, making sure to feel the vibration on the voiced sounds and keep the air flowing on the soft ones. Once you're comfortable, try saying it a little faster. You've got this!

Like anything new, it takes time. But if you keep practicing, the "TH" sound will stop feeling awkward. Stick with it, and eventually, it will sound more natural in conversation.

Still unsure if you're saying "TH" right? Check out our Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs video for a step-by-step guide — you'll hear exactly how it should sound!