My understanding is that a "v" in German is pronounced as the English "f". On several occasions, I have heard it pronounced as a "v" when used in "von" as part of a name, eg. Baron Manfred von Richthofen. What is the correct pronunciation?

Hi, the funny thing is that a lot of Germans pronounce the English "v" like "w". For example when saying the word vegetable or vampire. To a German native speaker it sounds as though an English native speakers changes "v" and "w" around when saying "Volkswagen". You are right, it does sound similar to "f", for example the "v" in "Volk" sounds like the "f" in "for". I guess it also depends on the English accent that you have and the German accent you hear, but generally I would say that you are pretty close if you say it like a "f". I hope that helps. Grüße Paul