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Learn How to Pronounce Aachen | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Aachen

Quick Answer: In German, the name Aachen is pronounced [ˈʔaːxn̩].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Aachen, a historic spa city situated in the westernmost corner of Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia state at the nexus of three borders—Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands—holds a unique and profound place in European history. Founded as a Roman spa settlement due to its thermal springs, its greatest prominence came as the preferred palace and final resting place of Emperor Charlemagne, who made it the center of his Frankish Empire around 800 AD. This legacy is enshrined in the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe, where for over 600 years German kings were crowned. Beyond its Charlemagne and Imperial Cathedral heritage, Aachen is a vibrant modern hub known for the prestigious RWTH Aachen University, a leading institution in engineering and technology, and hosts the annual International Charlemagne Prize awarded for service to European unity. The city's distinct culture is also celebrated during the lively Aachen Christmas Market and through its iconic pastry, the Aachener Printen, a type of gingerbread.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling "Aachen" is standard in both German and English, though the city is known by different names in neighboring languages, which can sometimes lead to confusion or misspelling in international contexts. In French and Dutch, the city is referred to as "Aix-la-Chapelle," a direct reference to its famous chapel (the Palatine Chapel in the cathedral). Common misspellings in English often involve the unique "Aach" beginning, resulting in errors like "Achen," "Achan," or "Aachan." Another frequent typo is the doubling of the 'c', as in "Aacchen." When searching for information, it is useful to be aware of these alternate forms, as historical texts, especially those pertaining to the era of Charlemagne or the Holy Roman Empire, may use the French designation.

Example Sentences

No visit to western Germany is complete without exploring the architectural marvels and thermal baths in Aachen.

Scholars from around the world flock to RWTH Aachen University, renowned for its cutting-edge research in engineering.

The Aachen Cathedral, with its stunning Palatine Chapel, has been a pilgrimage site since Charlemagne was entombed there in 814.

Every December, the city's medieval square transforms into a festive wonderland for the Aachen Christmas Market.

She brought back several boxes of spicy Aachener Printen as edible souvenirs for her colleagues.

The signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748 was a significant event in European diplomatic history.

Related Pronunciations


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