Voice & Singing · Singing in English
Voice Types and Range in English
Soprano, alto, tenor, bass – and how to describe your own voice.
Every voice is different. Learn the English names for voice types and registers, and how to talk about your range when you join a choir or start singing lessons.
Key Words
Ten essential words with their German meaning and an example sentence.
| English | German | Example |
|---|---|---|
| soprano | Sopran | She sings soprano in the church choir. |
| mezzo-soprano | Mezzosopran | The role was written for a mezzo-soprano. |
| alto | Alt | The altos sing the lower part. |
| tenor | Tenor | Good tenors are always in demand. |
| baritone | Bariton | He has a rich baritone voice. |
| bass | Bass | The basses hold the low notes. |
| range | Stimmumfang | Her range is over two octaves. |
| chest voice | Bruststimme | Most people speak in their chest voice. |
| head voice | Kopfstimme | Switch to head voice for the high notes. |
| falsetto | Falsett | He sang the high part in falsetto. |
Word Partners
Natural English depends on words that belong together. Learn these as complete phrases.
- a wide range
- the top of my range
- low notes
- high notes
- to switch registers
- a vocal break
- a powerful voice
- a light voice
"That note is right at the top of my range."
Useful Phrases
Sentence patterns you can use straight away.
Talking about your voice
- I'm a tenor, but I can sing some baritone parts.
- My range is about an octave and a half.
- My voice breaks around this note.
- I'm more comfortable in the lower range.
Joining a choir
- Which part do you sing?
- Could you test my range?
- I think I'm an alto.
- Is this part too high for me?
Talk About It
Answer these questions aloud, write a short paragraph, or discuss them with a partner.
- What is your voice type, or what do you think it might be?
- Which voice type do you enjoy listening to most?
- Has your voice changed over the years?
- Is it easier for you to sing high or low?
Test Yourself
Click a question to see the answer.
1. What is the lowest male voice type?
Bass.
2. What is "Stimmumfang" in English?
Range.
3. What is "Kopfstimme" in English?
Head voice.
Explore More
More pages in the Voice & Singing series.
Know your voice.
Learn the words, use them in real sentences and enjoy using your voice in English.
Find your range. Find your part.