Diaeresis / Umlaut Letters
Two dots, two jobs. In German the umlaut changes the vowel itself (über, schön); in French and English the diaeresis says “read these vowels separately” (naïve, Zoë), and in Spanish it wakes up the otherwise silent u in pingüino. Same shape, different duties. This site lists 32 letters carrying the mark — click any letter below to copy it.
All 32 diaeresis letters, A to Z
Click a letter to copy it; click its name for the letter’s own page with codes and typing guides.
Browse by letter
How to type the diaeresis / umlaut
Every device hides a route into these letters. Pick your platform:
Windows
- Turn on Num Lock, hold Alt and type the four-digit code on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
- In Microsoft Word, Ctrl+Shift+: then the letter works too — ä, ë, ï, ö, ü and ÿ all combine.
Tip: Each letter’s own page on this site lists its Alt code when one exists.
Mac
- Press Option+U — a highlighted diaeresis appears, waiting.
- Type the base letter; the two combine into ä, ë, ï, ö, ü or ÿ.
Tip: Easier still: press and hold the letter key itself and pick the two-dotted form from the pop-up.
iPhone & Android
- Press and hold the letter on the on-screen keyboard.
- A pop-up row of accented versions appears — slide to the two-dotted form and release.
Tip: iPhone and Android long-press menus cover ä, ë, ï, ö, ü and ÿ.