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The mute 'e' [ə]
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This is an internal web link, which will open in the same window.Spelling exercises   This is an external web link, which will open a new browser window.Dutch spelling reform in 2006 

English version by Bieneke Berendsen :: other languages
Where other vowels that are placed at the end of a syllable are always Internal link long, the e requires a second look.

Important rule:
An unstressed e is always a mute e ('stomme e')
A mute e is pronounced as English e in the cap: This is a sound file, which will open your media player.

This is slightly distressing, as it is difficult for non-native speakers to determine where the stress lies. However, good dictionaries indicate the position of the stress. In this chapter, the stresses of all words that contain open e's will be underlined.

In the following examples, the stressed syllables are underlined and the mute e's are bold. It goes without saying that stressed e's can be both long or short.

verkennen to explore werkelijk really
wetende knowing rekenen to calculate
gevangen imprisoned bedelen to beg
betreurens-
waardig 		deplorable bedelen to assign, to distribute

Listen:This is a sound file, which will open your media player.verkennen, wetende, gevangen, betreurenswaardig, werkelijk, rekenen, bedelen, bedelen

Rule of thumb: a single, open e at the end of a word is always mute.

Examples: This is a sound file, which will open your media player.gewoonte (habit), waarde (value), Bieneke (that's me), lengte (length), lente (spring)
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