In this guide, we’re diving into the world of typing nuances, specifically focusing on how to create the ‘e’ adorned with two dots (ë) in MS Word.
This character, known as the e-diaeresis, features an umlaut—a term that might sound complex but simply refers to the two dots above the vowel, signaling a change in pronunciation.
While it may initially seem like a small detail, mastering the use of the umlaut can significantly enhance your typing skills and document professionalism.
Whether you’re aiming to perfect your linguistic projects or add a touch of accuracy to your documents, this guide will equip you with several methods to seamlessly integrate the ë into your work.
The umlaut is a diacritical mark (two dots) placed over a vowel in German to indicate a change in sound.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
ë with an umlaut (or two dots) Quick Help
The table below contains some quick information about the ‘e with two dots or umlaut’. It has the correct name, the keyboard shortcut if you want to type it on Windows, Mac or even MS Word. It also contains the Alt-Code.
| Name | e-diaeresis |
| Symbol | Ë or ë |
| Alt Code | 0203 or 0235 |
| Alt-Code shortcut | Alt + 0203 or Alt + 0235 |
| Shortcut for Windows | Ctrl+: then e |
| Shortcut for Mac | Option+U then e |
E with two dots keyboard shortcuts
To type the ‘e with two dots’ in Windows using the Alt Code: First, make sure your Num Lock key is on, then, using the numeric keypad, press Alt+0235 to insert the lowercase ë, or Alt + 0203 to type the uppercase e with umlaut.
Aside from using the Alt-Code, you can also use the shortcut for this letter, which is Ctrl+: then e on windows. This works in Microsoft Word only.
To type the ‘e with an umlaut’ letter in Microsoft Word using the keyboard, first press Ctrl+Shift+: simultaneously, then press the letter e. This technique will type the e-diaeresis for you.
On Mac, to type this letter, press Option+U simultaneously, then press the letter e to insert it into your Work.
The above shortcuts are the easiest way you can get the e with two dots into your work.
However, If you are not yet satisfied with the quick help, below is a step-by-step guide on how to type it – ‘ë’.
In Microsoft Word, you can effortlessly type some special symbols directly from your keyboard. One is thecopyright symbol©, which you can insert by entering the text(C)and letting AutoCorrect do the rest.
There are other symbols and characters which are readily available as second keys on the keyboard. One is the @ symbol, which you can type by pressing Shift+2 on the keyboard.
Other characters, however, aren’t that easy to type using the keyboard. One is the e with two dots (ë).
To type this e with umlaut or two dots, you need to tap Word’s library of symbols. Or use the ‘e with two dots‘ alt code. We’ll see how to do that in the upcoming sections.
What is ë?
You may be wondering what character it is. So before we dive into typing it, let’s get the meaning clear.
However, all I can tell you about this character (ë) is that it is a letter in some languages.
For more in-depth information about it, refer to this article. Thank you.
Now let’s move on to the next section.
Ë with two dots alt code
The alt code for e with two dots is 0235.
Below are the steps to type it in windows using the Alt code:
- Turn on yourNum Lock. Use Fn key plus NumLk to turn on Num Lock on laptops without numeric keypad.
- Whilst holding down the[Alt]key, type[0235]on the numeric keypad (on the right). The alt code for the e with two dots is0235.
- Then release the[Alt]key. The e with umlaut (ë) symbol should appear in your document.
NOTE:Click hereto learn how to use the numeric keypad on your laptop if it doesn’t have it on the right side of the keyboard.
Copy and Paste ë
This is my favorite. I like to copy and paste. It just cuts everything short.
Aside from using the symbol library and the alt code or shortcut, you can copy and paste the e with two dots if it already exists in your document. Or you can copy it from somewhere else like a web page.
Below is it if you want to copy and paste:
ë
How to Insert e with two dots in MS Word
Below are two easy steps to insert the e with an umlaut in Word using the symbol library.
- Go toInsert→Symbols→Symbol→More Symbols
These few clicks will display the Symbol dialog box. Now it’s time to hunt for the e with two dots.
- Scroll down or up until you find the e with umlaut in the symbol’s library. Select it and then click Insert.
Alternatively, you can double-click on the character you want and it’ll be inserted into your document.
Bonus Tip: Once you insert the symbol into your document, you don’t have to go through all these steps to insert it again. You can just copy and paste the one you’ve already inserted.
Conclusion
To conclude, typing the ‘e’ with two dots (ë) is not only about adding a special character; it’s about refining your documents with the correct linguistic symbols, enhancing readability, and showing attention to detail.
From quick shortcuts for both Windows and Mac users to a step-by-step guide on utilizing MS Word’s symbol library, this guide has covered the essential methods to include the e-diaeresis in your work effortlessly.
Remember, whether you’re drafting an academic paper, composing a professional document, or simply exploring different languages, the ability to accurately insert special characters like the ë can significantly impact the clarity and professionalism of your work.
So, go ahead, use this guide to your advantage, and elevate your typing skills to the next level.
