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How to add a German keyboard

German uses special characters: ä, ö, ü, ß. Here’s how to unlock them on your device.

🇩🇪 Deutsch Keyboard

Special characters in German

Ä a-Umlaut

ä a-Umlaut

Ö o-Umlaut

ö o-Umlaut

Ü u-Umlaut

ü u-Umlaut

ß Eszett

📱 Add a German keyboard on Android

Open keyboard settings

While typing, long-press the 🌐 (globe) icon or the spacebar on Gboard. Or go to:

Settings → System → Languages & input → On-screen keyboard

Open Gboard → Languages

Tap Gboard (or your active keyboard), then Languages.

Add language

Tap Add keyboard, search for Deutsch (Deutschland) and choose the QWERTZ layout. Tap Done.

Switch keyboards

While typing, tap the 🌐 (globe) icon to switch between keyboards.

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Gboard tip: Even on an English Gboard keyboard, long-pressing a letter (e.g. a) usually shows accented variants. Check if yours supports it!

🍏 Add a German keyboard on iPhone / iPad

Open Settings

Go to the Settings app on your home screen.

Settings → General → Keyboard

Go to Keyboards

Tap Keyboards (you'll see a list of active keyboards at the top).

Add a new keyboard

Tap Add New Keyboard..., search for German (Germany), and tap to add.

Switch keyboards

While typing, tap the 🌐 (globe) icon in the bottom-left corner to switch languages.

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Quick method: On the iOS keyboard, long-press a letter to see accent variants. Note: available variants depend on the active keyboard layout.

🪟 Add a German keyboard on Windows

Open language settings

Press Win + I to open Settings, or search for Language settings in the Start menu.

Settings → Time & Language → Language & region

Add a language

Click Add a language, search for Deutsch (Deutschland), click Next, then Install.

Switch keyboards

Use Win + Space or click the language indicator in the taskbar to switch.

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Without installing: You can also type special characters using Alt codes. Hold Alt and type the code on the numeric keypad.

Keyboard shortcuts (Alt codes)

Character	Alt Code	Description
ä	`Alt + 132`	a-umlaut (lowercase)
Ä	`Alt + 142`	A-umlaut (uppercase)
ö	`Alt + 148`	o-umlaut (lowercase)
Ö	`Alt + 153`	O-umlaut (uppercase)
ü	`Alt + 129`	u-umlaut (lowercase)
Ü	`Alt + 154`	U-umlaut (uppercase)
ß	`Alt + 225`	Eszett (sharp s)

💻 Add a German keyboard on macOS

Open System Settings

Click the  (Apple) menu in the top-left corner and choose System Settings.

→ System Settings → Keyboard

Add an input source

Go to Input Sources, click Edit... or +, search for Deutsch, and add it.

Show in menu bar

Make sure Show Input menu in menu bar is enabled.

Switch keyboards

Use Ctrl + Space or click the input source indicator in the menu bar.

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Why add a keyboard? Long-press (holding a key) shows variants defined for the active keyboard layout. On an English layout, not all German characters may be available.

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Long-press works for umlauts: On an English keyboard, long-pressing a, o, or u usually shows ä, ö, ü. Long-pressing s shows ß. A dedicated German keyboard adds autocorrect and a QWERTZ layout.

All set? Test your keyboard!

Go back to learning and try typing: Größe, Übung, Ärger

Back to learning →