The letter ü—also known as U with two dots, U Umlaut, or U with diaeresis—is used in several languages including German and Turkish. It changes the pronunciation of “U” to a more rounded or fronted sound. Whether you’re writing in a foreign language, adding special characters, or typing names like “München,” this guide will show you how to type or insert the character ü on all major platforms.
What Is U with Two Dots (ü) Called?
The “U with two dots” is officially called Ü (uppercase) or ü (lowercase). The two dots are known as an umlaut or diaeresis.
- In German, it’s an umlaut and changes how the vowel is pronounced.
- In Spanish, it appears rarely, such as in vergüenza, to indicate that the “u” is pronounced.
- In linguistics, it helps clarify pronunciation across many languages.
How to Type ü on Windows (Alt Code)
If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, you can use the Alt code method:
- Lowercase ü: Hold Alt and type 0252 → ü
- Uppercase Ü: Hold Alt and type 0220 → Ü
Make sure Num Lock is ON. This only works on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top).
How to Type ü on Mac (U with umlaut)
On macOS, you can type “ü” using the Option key combinations:
- ü (lowercase): Option + u, then u
- Ü (uppercase): Option + u, then Shift + U
Press Option + u first, release, then type the letter “u”.
How to Insert ü in Google Docs, Word, and Gmail
Google Docs
- Click on the position where you want the character.
- Go to Insert > Special characters.
- Search “u with two dots” “u umlaut” or just “ü”.
- Click to insert.
Microsoft Word
To type ü (lowercase)
Press Ctrl + Shift + : → release → press u → outputs ü
To type Ü (uppercase)
Press Ctrl + Shift + : → release → press Shift + U → outputs Ü
Gmail (Windows/Mac)
- Use Alt code (Windows) or Option shortcut (Mac), OR
- Use emoji/symbol panel (right-click > Emoji > type ü)
Unicode and HTML for ü
If you’re coding or using ü in websites or documents, here are the technical formats:
- Unicode (lowercase ü):
U+00FC - Unicode (uppercase Ü):
U+00DC - HTML Entity ü:
ü - HTML Entity Ü:
Ü
ü Copy-Paste Tool
You can skip the shortcut and directly copy the accented “ü” from here—perfect for when you’re unsure how to type ü on a laptop or mobile.
Just click to copy the letter you need:
Lowercase ü:
Uppercase Ü:
Languages That Use ü
- German: Common in words like “München”, “für”, and “über”.
- Turkish: Found in “tür”, “gül”, “mühendis”.
- Hungarian: Used in “fül”, “tükör”, etc.
- Estonian, Catalan, Spanish (loanwords): Occasionally used
The pronunciation of “ü” differs across languages but usually involves a front-rounded vowel, unlike standard “u”.
FAQ – U with Two Dots (ü)
What Is the ‘U’ With Two Dots Called?
It’s called an Umlaut or Diaeresis. The character is written as ü (lowercase) or Ü (uppercase).
What Is the Alt Code for Ü?
On Windows, hold Alt and type 0252 for ü, or 0220 for Ü.
How Do I Type Ü Without a Numeric Keypad?
Use the Character Map on Windows or copy-paste from this page.
On Mac, press Option + u, then u.
What Languages Use Ü?
Languages like German, Turkish, Hungarian, Estonian, and others use the letter ü.
How to Pronounce ‘U’ With Two Dots?
In German, ü is pronounced like a front-rounded vowel — similar to saying “ee” with rounded lips.
Need other U accents? Check our full guide here: How to Type U with Accent (Ú, Ù, Û, Ũ, Ü)