How to Put 2 Dots Above a Letter
In the world of typography and writing, certain symbols and characters are used to convey specific meanings or to add emphasis to words. One such character is a letter with two dots above it, commonly known as an umlaut. Whether you’re writing in German, Finnish, or any other language that employs this diacritic, knowing how to put two dots above a letter is essential. This article will guide you through the process of adding an umlaut to a letter, whether you’re using a computer, smartphone, or a typewriter.
Using a Computer Keyboard
If you’re using a computer, the process of adding two dots above a letter can vary depending on the operating system and keyboard layout. Here’s how to do it on the most common systems:
1. Windows: Press and hold the `Alt` key, then type `0224` on the numeric keypad to get the umlaut over the letter ‘a’. For other vowels, such as ‘e’ or ‘o’, you can use `0236` and `0246`, respectively. Alternatively, you can use the Character Map tool, which allows you to select the umlaut and copy it to your document.
2. Mac: On a Mac, press and hold the ‘Option’ key, then press ‘e’ to add an umlaut over the letter ‘a’. For other vowels, you can use ‘u’ for ‘ä’, ‘o’ for ‘ö’, and ‘e’ for ‘ü’. This method works with most standard Mac keyboards.
3. Linux: The process is similar to Windows, where you can use the numeric keypad and the `Alt` key, or the Character Map tool.
Using a Smartphone
Smartphones have made it easier than ever to add special characters and diacritics. Here’s how to add an umlaut on different smartphone platforms:
1. iOS: On an iPhone, you can access the umlaut by going to the keyboard settings and enabling the ‘German’ keyboard. Once enabled, you can tap and hold the ‘a’ key to bring up a menu with the umlaut option.
2. Android: For Android users, you can add the German keyboard from the language and input settings. Once installed, you can access the umlaut by long-pressing the letter and selecting the umlaut from the popup menu.
Using a Typewriter
If you’re using a typewriter, adding an umlaut is a bit more challenging, as most typewriters don’t have the capability to type special characters. However, there are a few workarounds:
1. Use a Separate Umlaut Key: Some vintage typewriters, such as the Olympia SM9, have a dedicated umlaut key. If you have one of these, you can simply press the key to add the umlaut.
2. Use a Substitute: If you don’t have a typewriter with an umlaut key, you can use a substitute character. For example, you can type the letter ‘a’ and then use a piece of tape or a sticker to cover the top part of the letter, creating a makeshift umlaut.
In conclusion, adding two dots above a letter, or an umlaut, can be done in various ways depending on the device you’re using. Whether you’re typing on a computer, smartphone, or using a typewriter, knowing the steps to add this diacritic can enhance your writing and make it more accurate and expressive.
