2 syllables: Stras, bourg. Stress on Stras.
STRAS-bawrg
/ˈstɹæˌsbɔɹɡ/
Strasbourg is pronounced STRAS-bawrg (/ˈstɹæˌsbɔɹɡ/). It has two syllables (Stras-bourg), with the stress on "Stras". Strasbourg is a city in eastern France, known for its historic center and role as a European political hub. The name refers to the city itself, and, by extension, to its distinctive Alsatian culture and institutions. The term is used as a proper noun in geography, diplomacy, and cultural contexts, often in discussions of French-German history and European Union activities.
nounStrasbourg is a city in eastern France, known for its historic center and role as a European political hub. The name refers to the city itself, and, by extension, to its distinctive Alsatian culture and institutions. The term is used as a proper noun in geography, diplomacy, and cultural contexts, often in discussions of French-German history and European Union activities.
- You may slip into an overly aggressive second syllable, rendering Strasbourg as STRAZ-BURG with an abrupt end; instead, gently close the second syllable with a soft /ɡ/. - Another error is using a long /ɔː/ or /ɔ/ in the final, which distorts the sound; aim for a compact /ɜːɡ/ or /ɡ/ with a shorter vowel. - Finally, misplacing the stress or reducing the first syllable too much can create a weak beginning; place strong emphasis on the first syllable. Practice with minimal pairs, and employ a slow tempo before speed to maintain accuracy.
How to Pronounce Strasbourg
"I spent a weekend in Strasbourg exploring the Petite France district."
"The Strasbourg Parliament meets at the European Parliament’s Strasbourg site."
"Strasbourg’s cathedral dominates the skyline with its Gothic spire."
Pronounce Strasbourg as /ˈstɹæz.bɜːɡ/ in General American or /ˈstræz.bɜːɡ/ in some accents. The expected syllables are STRAZ-burg with primary stress on the first syllable. For a more authentic French-influenced version, aim for /stʁa.zɔʁ/ when using French pronunciation; in English-speaking contexts, you’ll typically hear /ˈstɹæz.bɜːɡ/. Practice the first syllable with a crisp 'straze' and close the second syllable with a voiced 'burg'.
Common errors: (1) Merging the two syllables too quickly, producing STRAZBURG without a distinct second syllable. (2) Mispronouncing the second syllable as -burg with a hard /g/; instead, use a softer, more grounded final /ɡ/ with slight vowel reduction. (3) English dictionaries sometimes render it as 'Strasz-burg' or 'Strossburg'; avoid the 'ow' sound and ensure the first syllable has the /æ/ or /ɑ/ quality depending on your accent.
US: /ˈstɹæz.bɜːɡ/ with rhotic /ɹ/ and a broad 'burg' vowel. UK: /ˈstræz.bɜːɡ/ similar to US but with non-rhotic tendencies; length of vowel may shift slightly. AU: /ˈstɹæz.bəɡ/ or /ˈstræz.bɜːɡ/, often with a flatter intonation and less vowel darkening. In all, the initial 'stra' cluster remains, but rhoticity and vowel quality of the second syllable vary; French-influenced speakers may produce /stʁa.zɔʁ/ in French, which is distinct.
The difficulty lies in the consonant cluster at the start and the final consonant; the 'str' onset can be challenging, and the second syllable ends with a voiced velar stop /ɡ/ that often blends with a schwa or reduced vowel in fast speech. Additionally, the city’s French-German heritage introduces a subtle French r [ʁ] and a possible adherence to French vowel qualities in formal contexts, which English speakers may not anticipate. Mastery requires practicing the two-syllable rhythm and the proper vowel length.
A unique aspect is the French-German linguistic heritage that influences the toponym. In French contexts, you may hear /stʁa.zoʁ/ or /stʁa.zɔʁ/ with the final r pronounced as a uvular trill [ʁ] or fricative, and a lighter second syllable close to /ɔʁ/. In English, many speakers default to /ˈstɹæz.bɜːɡ/, but a careful speaker will preserve the root 'Straz-' with a voiced velar end. Knowing this helps when choosing a pronunciation aligned with your audience.
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- US: emphasize rhotic /ɹ/ and a slightly broader 'str-' onset; ensure the /æ/ quality in the first syllable. - UK: less rhotic; keep the /ɹ/ subtle, with a crisp /æ/ and a longer second syllable; watch for non-rhoticity and French-influenced vowels. - AU: flatter intonation, may reduce the second-syllable vowel more; keep the /ɡ/ clear and the first syllable strong. Use IPA references to guide vowel quality, and practice with contrasting vowels in similar onset clusters.
Strasbourg derives from the Germanic compound Stam (stem, root) or Straz (camp) and Burg (fortress, fortress, town). The city's name reflects its location at the bend of the Ill River, with historical Germanic influence due to periods of rule by the Holy Roman Empire and later annexations. In Old High German, the area was associated with Strazaburc or Strasbourg, evolving into Strasbourg in French usage after the 17th century. The city’s bilingual and bicultural identity—reflecting both Alsatian and Alsace region—emerges in its name’s evolution, as French administrators standardized spellings while local dialects preserved older forms. First known uses in Latin and Germanic chronicles appear in medieval texts, with Germanic forms spanning 9th–12th centuries and French forms widely used from the 17th century onward. The toponym’s phonology shifted through contact with French pronunciation, culminating in contemporary French pronunciation while preserving its Germanic roots in etymology.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Strasbourg" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Strasbourg" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Strasbourg" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Strasbourg"
-our sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
