As a Bavarian (South of Germany) I agree with the Ch at the start of the word being pronounced like a K (Chiemsee starts with the sound K), but with it depends on the region. I start “China” and “Chemie” with K, but a lot of people start it with “sch” (which sounds like sh in English). But that’s really weird for my ears.
And the father of my ex wife is from Cologne, his “ch” sound quite like “sh” as well. Kirche (church) sounds like Kirsche (cherry) when he says it. Funnily his last name has two “ch”.
Ah yes, of course there’s exceptions, as always. And of course it varies by region and dialect. Should have been a bit more careful. At least half of Germany probably pronounces China and Chemie with a soft “ch”, though I believe almost everyone pronounces Chiemsee with a K (which makes sense since it’s a proper name).
As a Bavarian (South of Germany) I agree with the Ch at the start of the word being pronounced like a K (Chiemsee starts with the sound K), but with it depends on the region. I start “China” and “Chemie” with K, but a lot of people start it with “sch” (which sounds like sh in English). But that’s really weird for my ears.
And the father of my ex wife is from Cologne, his “ch” sound quite like “sh” as well. Kirche (church) sounds like Kirsche (cherry) when he says it. Funnily his last name has two “ch”.
Ah yes, of course there’s exceptions, as always. And of course it varies by region and dialect. Should have been a bit more careful. At least half of Germany probably pronounces China and Chemie with a soft “ch”, though I believe almost everyone pronounces Chiemsee with a K (which makes sense since it’s a proper name).