Also note that 'v' in German is hard (like an English 'f'), whereas 'w' is soft (like the English 'v'). There isn't really an equivalent of the English 'w' soun

Also note that 'v' in German is hard (like an English 'f'), whereas 'w' is soft (like the English 'v'). There isn't really an equivalent of the English 'w' sound in German. (thus the correct pronunciation of 'Volkswagen' is closer to 'Folksvahgen' when applying the [unreliable] English phonetics) The confusion works both ways, German speakers often pronounce English words with too hard v/w sounds, English speakers pronounce German words too soft v/w sounds. It's phenomenal how deeply ingrained these habits can be.