Writing in Foreign Languages: German

This guide is always evolving. Suggestions for software or resources to link to are welcome.

Accent & Diacritical Marks

Software for Macs

Software for PCs

Setting Up Foreign Language Keyboards

The following accent shortcuts work with most applications and broswers, including Microsoft Word and Gmail.

Typing German accent marks on a Mac:

Typing German accent marks on a PC:

The Microsoft Office suite supports German spell check. You can set it as your default language in Office for Mac using these instructions.

Gmail also supports German spell check. To use this, click on the drop-down menu for spell check in an email and select Deutsch. You may still have correctly spelled words appear misspelled depending on your browser settings.

To change your browser language:

Firefox: In the Preferences window go to the Content tab and set the Language.

Chrome: Settings -> Advanced settings -> Languages

The Microsoft Office suite supports German spell check. You can set it as your default language using these instructions.

Gmail also supports German spell check. To use this, click on the drop-down menu for spell check in an email and select Deutsch. You may still have correctly spelled words appear misspelled depending on your browser settings.

To change your browser language:

Firefox: In the Options window go to the Content tab and set the Language.

Chrome: Settings -> Advanced settings -> Languages

Here are the LTS instructions for setting up a foreign language keyboard: