How to Type Ë and ë (E with Two Dots / E Umlaut) on Keyboard

The letter ë (known as the e with two dots, e with diaeresis, or e umlaut) is a fascinating character that bridges linguistics, typography, and international names. Whether you are writing a greeting card for Noël, penning a character named Zoë, or studying global languages, mastering this character is essential.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the letter, what its dots actually do, and step-by-step instructions on how to type it across every major device.

What Is the E with Two Dots Called?

Technically, the two dots are called a diaeresis. In everyday typing, many people call it an e umlaut, even though that term is more commonly associated with German vowels like ü and ö.

Capital and lowercase forms

• Ë = capital e with two dots
• ë = lowercase e with two dots

How to Type E with Two Dots Across All Devices

If you need to type ë or Ë for a document, name, or message, use the instructions below based on your operating system:

Typing Ë on Windows (Alt Codes)

To use Alt codes, ensure your Num Lock is turned on:

• Lowercase ë: Press and hold Alt, type 0235 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
• Uppercase Ë: Press and hold Alt, type 0203 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.

Type E Umlaut on Mac

Mac makes typing accented characters very straightforward:

• Lowercase ë: Press Option + U, release both keys, then press E.
• Uppercase Ë: Press Option + U, release both keys, then press Shift + E.

How to Type E with Two Dots in Word

In Microsoft Word, you can type ë and Ë in several easy ways:

• Open your document in Microsoft Word.
• Click the “Insert” tab at the top.
• Select “Symbol” from the menu.
• Choose “More Symbols” to open the character list.
• Scroll and find ë or Ë (e with dots).
• Click the letter and press “Insert.”

You can also use keyboard shortcuts on Windows:

• Hold “Alt” and type “0235” for ë.
• Hold “Alt” and type “0203” for Ë.
• Use the numeric keypad and keep “Num Lock” turned on.
• Alt codes are useful if you type these characters often.

How to Type E with Two Dots on Chromebook

Chromebooks use a Unicode input method for special characters:

1. Place your cursor where you want the e umlaut letter.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + U together, then release. (An underlined “u” will appear).
3. Type 00eb and press Enter. The lowercase ë will appear.

How to Type E with umlaut on Android and iPhone

Mobile keyboards require just a tap-and-hold gesture:

• Android / iPhone / iPad: Tap and hold the e key on your virtual keyboard. A small menu of accented variations will pop up. Slide your finger to select ë and release.

How to Pronounce E with Two Dots

The pronunciation depends on the language:

• In Dutch, ë often indicates that the vowel is pronounced separately from the previous vowel.
• In names like Zoë, it tells you to pronounce both vowels separately: “Zo-ee”.
• In Noël, it separates the sounds: “No-el”.

So the symbol usually changes pronunciation or syllable separation.

Need the accented version instead? See e with accent (é, è, ê). For the same mark on a different vowel, check ï or ü.