Dutch · Pronunciation Guide

How do you pronounce "lekker" in Dutch?

Q: How do you pronounce lekker in Dutch?

lekker is pronounced with the stress described below. In IPA it is written /ˈlɛkər/. It means “tasty / nice.” LEK-ur — short "eh," one k despite the doubled spelling, and a weak second syllable.

LEK-ur — short "eh," one k despite the doubled spelling, and a weak second syllable.

lekker /ˈlɛkər/

The doubled k is the spelling clue telling you the stressed vowel stays short, and the drop into the weak ending is steep. Compare a hypothetical "leker," where a single consonant would force a long vowel — Dutch encodes rhythm in its consonants.

Listen: lekker

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Sound it out

l Bright and forward, tongue tip on the ridge and the body kept low.

e The vowel of "deck," no longer than that. The doubled consonant behind it is the spelling's guarantee.

kk One unaspirated k in speech. The doubling on paper is a length marker for the vowel, not an instruction to hold the consonant.

er The weak ending: schwa plus a very light r, often reduced to little more than "-uh."

Hear it in a sentence

Deze soep is heel lekker.

This soup is very tasty.

Listen: Deze soep is heel lekker.

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"Deze soep is heel lekker" ends on the adjective, so the weak -er syllable closes the sentence and should genuinely fade. "Lekker" is one of the most useful words in Dutch, covering tasty, pleasant, comfortable and more, and this sentence is the template for all of them.

Where English speakers slip

English speakers hold the double k, producing "lek-ker" with a break in the middle. There is one k. The -er ending also picks up an American r, which inflates a syllable that should barely be there. Learners additionally under-use the word: Dutch applies "lekker" to weather, sleep and chairs, not just food.