Lautwert

Lautwert is a term used in German linguistics to denote the actual phonetic realization of a linguistic unit, typically a grapheme or a morpheme, in spoken language. It describes how something written is pronounced in a given language or dialect, and is sometimes contrasted with the orthographic value (Schreibwert) or with abstract phonemic representations. The Lautwert is the set of sounds that listeners would perceive when encountering the symbol in ordinary speech, including predictable allophonic variation according to context.

In description and analysis, the Lautwert helps link writing systems to pronunciation. Because pronunciation varies by language, dialect, speaker, and phonological environment, a single grapheme may have multiple possible Lautwerte. For example, the same letter can realize different sounds in different words or positions. Phonological rules or sound changes can alter the Lautwert over time, which is a central concern of historical linguistics.

In practice, scholars commonly represent Lautwerte using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Dictionaries and language-learning materials may note the Lautwert next to the orthographic form to aid correct pronunciation. The concept is widely used in German-speaking linguistic literature, and it complements terms such as Lautschrift (phonetic transcription) and Phonologie.