Chapter 6: Stress & Intonation
Without stress and intonation, we sound dull and lifeless, like a retro computer voice. Nostalgic, perhaps, but not proficient. They’re the heartbeat of language—enhancing comprehension, emphasizing important points, and infusing words with emotions.
Word Stress
The best way to get a feel for word stress is to say the English word record twice—like a broken record. Once with the stress on the first syllable, as in record, and once with the stress on the second syllable, as in record. This simple shift in stress turns the noun into a verb and changes its meaning; a party trick only linguists can truly appreciate.
Word stress is something we use instinctively, without even realizing. It’s one of those things we only notice when it’s absent, as it makes speech much harder to follow. To sound more natural, it's crucial to master it.
In native German words, the stress typically falls on the first syllable. Examples include geben (to give), Messer (knife), sehen (to see), and Vater (father).
Intonation
German intonation can be described using just two tone levels: high and low. When combined, these tones create the distinct patterns that occur at the end of sentences to convey meaning, intent, and emotions.
The terminal fall, whereby the intonation falls at the end of the sentence, is the most common intonation pattern in German. It’s commonly used in statements, as well as questions that begin with a question word, such as wer (who), wie (how), was (what), and so on. Here, the terminal fall gives the question a neutral tone.
To make a question sound friendlier and more polite, a rising intonation at the end of a sentence can be used instead. This instantly gives the question a more welcoming and conversational tone, signaling curiosity rather than demand.