Frequently Asked Questions
What is the German QWERTZ keyboard layout?
QWERTZ is the standard German keyboard layout where Z and Y are swapped compared to QWERTY. It includes German special characters ä, ö, ü, and ß.
How do I type umlauts (ä, ö, ü)?
Umlauts are directly available on the German keyboard: ä is to the right of P, ö is next to L, and ü is next to P on the top row.
How do I type the ß (Eszett) character?
The ß character is located to the right of the 0 key on the number row. It's used in German words like 'Straße' (street).
Can I type uppercase umlauts (Ä, Ö, Ü)?
Yes! Simply use Shift + the umlaut key, or enable Caps Lock. Note that capital ß (ẞ) is a newer addition and may require special input methods.
Why is Z and Y swapped in QWERTZ?
The Z is more common in German than Y, so it was moved to a more accessible position. This makes typing German words more efficient.
How do I type the Euro symbol €?
Press AltGr + E to type the Euro symbol €. AltGr is the right Alt key on German keyboards.
What's the difference between ß and ss?
ß (Eszett) is a German letter representing a sharp 's' sound. While 'ss' can be used as a substitute, ß is preferred in proper German orthography.
How do I access special characters like @ and ~?
Use AltGr combinations: AltGr+Q gives @, AltGr+Plus gives ~. The AltGr key unlocks many special characters on German keyboards.
Can I use QWERTZ for typing in English?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust to the Z/Y swap. All English letters are available, though some symbols are in different positions.
What is the purpose of the ´ (acute) key?
The ´ key is a dead key for creating accented characters. Press ´ then a vowel to create á, é, í, ó, ú - useful for foreign words in German text.