Zoo Isn't 'Tsoo': Meet the English Z

In German, the letter Z is pronounced like 'ts,' as in 'Zeit.' But in English, Z is a buzzy, voiced sound made the same way as S, except your vocal cords vibrate while your tongue stays in place. That difference matters a lot: 'zoo' with a German-style 'ts' sounds like 'tsoo,' a word that doesn't exist and can confuse listeners. Try saying 'zoo,' 'zero,' and 'lazy,' putting your fingers lightly on your throat to feel the buzz the whole time you make the Z sound. If the buzzing stops or you hear a 't' sneak in, slow down and restart. Two-minute practice: alternate between 'Sue' and 'zoo,' feeling how your throat stays silent for the first and buzzes for the second. Once your fingers can confirm the vibration, your mouth will start doing it automatically. It's a small correction that clears up a surprising number of German-accented mix-ups.