Pronunciation: [bɹˈʌŋkhɔːst] (IPA) 
The spelling of the surname "Brunkhorst" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "Brun," is pronounced with a short "u" sound, represented as /brʌn/. The second syllable, "khorst," has a silent "h" and is pronounced with a long "o" sound, represented as /ˈkɔrst/. The final "t" is also pronounced, as /t/. Therefore, the complete spelling of this surname in IPA is /brʌnkɔrst/.
The word "Brunkhorst" is a German surname, and its etymology can be traced back to the Middle Low German language.
The surname "Brunkhorst" is said to have originated from the combination of two elements: "brun" and "horst". The element "brun" derives from the Middle Low German word "brun" meaning "brown". This could refer to either the color brown or a personal characteristic associated with a brown complexion.
The second element, "horst", comes from the Middle Low German word "horst" which means "a piece of land lifted up by natural forces". In this context, it likely refers to an elevated or raised landscape feature.
Therefore, when combined, "Brunkhorst" can be understood to mean "brown elevated land" or "brown ridge" in terms of its etymology.
