Pronouncing Dutch "Tante" (Aunt) — IPA & Audio Guide

Dutch "tante" (meaning "aunt") is pronounced:

IPA

/ˈtɑn.tə/

Breakdown

Syllables & Stress

• Two syllables: **TAN-tə**.
• **Stress on first syllable** (ˈ).
• Final **-e** is **always pronounced** as schwa /ə/ in Dutch (unlike French silent e, German silent e, or English silent e).

Common Pitfalls (French/Norwegian/English)

• French "tante" (/tɑ̃t/): Nasalized vowel, silent final e, one syllable. **Wrong.**
• Norwegian "tante" (/ˈtɑn.tə/): Actually *very similar* — but Norwegian /ɑ/ is often more fronted, and final /ə/ may be more open. Close, but Dutch /ɑ/ is deeper/backer.
• English "aunt" (/ænt/ or /ɑːnt/): Different vowel, final t often glottalized/released differently. **Wrong.**

Audio References

• Forvo: forvo.com/word/tante/#nl (multiple native speakers).
• Wiktionary: en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tante#Dutch (audio + IPA).
• Google Translate: Type "tante", select Dutch, click speaker.

Practice

Say **"TAN"** (like "tan" but with open back 'ah') + **"tuh"** (quick, light schwa). **TAN-tuh.** Not "tahnt," not "tont," not "tantee."