Soft Consonants

So, I mentioned in an earlier post, that a 'k' placed next to 'ö' sounds like a 'sh'. But it's not just 'ö' that causes a change, and it's not only 'k' that changes.

This is an easy pattern (easier than verbs), and I picked it up fairly quickly.

The consonants are G, K, and SK. Normally these consonants will make the same sound they make in English.
However, if you place one of these consonants next to E, I, Y, Ä, or Ö, the sounds get softer.

*For the nitpickers* Technically S and K are two consonants put together, but for this post I'll be referring to them as one.

Just for the record, I've never liked the whole hard and soft consonants thing. It has always confused me. I once had a Russian try to explain it to me (about the Russian sounds) and I ended up more confused than I started. There should be a better way to describe this. Maybe I'll come up with something later.

Back on topic. G, when placed next to one of the vowels above, will make the sound of a Swedish J.
Example: Gillar

K, will make the SH sound.
Example: Köpper

 And SK makes the Swedish SJ sound.
Example: Skära

The SJ sound is tricky. Some people say it's close to the German 'ch' sound but I don't hear it. I do believe that it is important enough to get its own post, and I'll try to do that soon.

Until then, keep practicing.

Tack så mycket for stopping by.

*edit* It seems this guy gives a good explanation of soft consonants as well. I guess I got it right.

Are you a Swede or at least familiar with Swedish grammar? Did this post make sense to you? Let me know how I'm doing. Leave a comment below or email me at tillswedish[at]gmail[dot]com.