Keyboard shortcuts
| Letter | Windows (Alt code) | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| ä Ä | Alt + 0228 / 0196 | Option + U, then A |
| ö Ö | Alt + 0246 / 0214 | Option + U, then O |
| ü Ü | Alt + 0252 / 0220 | Option + U, then U |
| ë Ë | Alt + 0235 / 0203 | Option + U, then E |
| ï Ï | Alt + 0239 / 0207 | Option + U, then I |
| ÿ Ÿ | Alt + 0255 / 0159 | Option + U, then Y |
Mac: On a Mac, press and hold the letter to pick an accent, or use the shortcut in the table: hold Option and press the first key, let go, then type the letter. Add Shift to the letter for a capital.
Windows: On Windows, turn on Num Lock, hold Alt and type the four-digit code on the numeric keypad. Letters without an Alt code need that language's keyboard layout (Settings > Time & language > Language & region), or you can copy them from this page.
iPhone and Android: On iPhone and Android, press and hold the base letter, then slide to the accented version.
Umlaut or diaeresis?
The two dots look the same but do two different jobs. In German, Swedish, Finnish and Hungarian they are an umlaut: they change the vowel's sound (German schon "already" vs schön "beautiful").
In French, Dutch, Spanish and Catalan they are a diaeresis: they show the vowel is pronounced separately (French Noël, Dutch België, Spanish pingüino).
Writing German without umlauts
If you can't type them, German allows ae, oe and ue instead: Maedchen, schoen, ueber. You'll see this in email addresses and URLs. Don't drop the dots without adding the e, since that can make a different word (schon vs schön).
Frequently asked questions
How do I type an umlaut on a keyboard?
On Windows, use the Alt codes: Alt + 0228 for ä, 0246 for ö and 0252 for ü. On a Mac, press Option + U, let go, then the vowel. On a phone, press and hold the vowel. Or click a letter on this page and copy it.
Is ß an umlaut?
No. ß (Eszett or sharp s) is a separate German letter for a double s sound, typed with Alt + 0223 on Windows or Option + S on a Mac. See the ß page for more.
Can I use ae, oe and ue instead of ä, ö and ü?
In German, yes, when the letters aren't available. Swedish and Finnish don't use that substitute: write ä and ö.
What are the two dots called?
In German, Umlaut. When they show a separately pronounced vowel (French, Dutch, Spanish), they're called a diaeresis or trema.