How to pronounce Copenhagen
Say it like KOH-pun-hay-gun. Copenhagen has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Copenhagen. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOH
- pun
- hay
- gun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Copenhagen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- punKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- hayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- gunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Copenhagen
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: KOH-pun-hay-gun.
What does Copenhagen mean?
- The capital city of Denmark.
Where does Copenhagen come from?
From Low German Kopenhagen, a calque (perhaps modified by folk etymology) of Danish København.
Questions about saying Copenhagen
How do you pronounce Copenhagen?
Say KOH-pun-hay-gun. The American pronunciation is /ˈkoʊpənˌheɪɡən/. In British English it is /ˈkəʊpənˌheɪɡən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOH). Broken into parts: KOH · pun · hay · gun.
Is Copenhagen pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈkəʊpənˌheɪɡən/ (KOH-pun-hay-gun).