To type an umlaut on an English keyboard, the easiest method on Windows is usually to switch to a US International layout and then type the quote key followed by the vowel: " + a = ä, " + o = ö, and " + u = ü. On a Mac, press Option + u, then the vowel you want.

Common methods

  • Windows, US International layout: type ", then the vowel for ä, ö, ü.
  • Windows alt codes: hold Alt and type the numeric code on the number pad, such as Alt + 0228 for ä, Alt + 0246 for ö, and Alt + 0252 for ü.
  • Mac: press Option + u, then a, o, or u.
  • Copy and paste: use ä, ö, ü directly from a character map or a text source when you only need them occasionally.

Handy codes

LetterWindows Alt code
äAlt + 0228
öAlt + 0246
üAlt + 0252
ÄAlt + 0196
ÖAlt + 0214
ÜAlt + 0220

Quick tip

If you type German words often, changing your keyboard layout is usually faster than remembering codes every time.