Wo Ist Auf Der Englischen Tastatur Das

Willkommen! Planning a trip to an English-speaking country, maybe the UK, the USA, or even Australia? One of the first things you might encounter is the English keyboard. And you're likely thinking, "Wo ist auf der englischen Tastatur das…?" (Where is the… on the English keyboard?). Don't worry, it's a common question, and this guide will help you navigate the differences with ease! We'll cover the key differences, common special characters, and even some helpful tips for typing efficiently.

The QWERTY Layout: A Universal (Almost!) Starting Point

The most important thing to understand is that the English keyboard, like the German keyboard, generally uses the QWERTY layout. This means the top left row of letters starts with Q-W-E-R-T-Y. You're already halfway there! However, there are a few crucial differences that can trip you up, so let's dive into those specifically relevant to German speakers.

The Missing Umlauts: Ä, Ö, Ü

This is probably the biggest hurdle for German speakers. English keyboards, unsurprisingly, do not have dedicated keys for Ä, Ö, and Ü. So, how do you type them? There are several solutions, and the best one depends on your specific needs and the operating system you're using:

Using the Alt Code (Windows): This method works almost universally on Windows. Hold down the Alt key and type the following codes on the numeric keypad (the numbers to the right of the keyboard, not the number row above the letters):
- Ä: Alt + 0196
- ä: Alt + 0228
- Ö: Alt + 0214
- ö: Alt + 0246
- Ü: Alt + 0220
- ü: Alt + 0252
- ß: Alt + 0223
Important: This method only works with the numeric keypad, and Num Lock needs to be enabled. It can be a bit cumbersome for frequent use, but it's a reliable backup.
Using the Character Map (Windows): Windows has a built-in Character Map application that contains a comprehensive list of characters, including the umlauts. You can find it by searching for "Character Map" in the Windows search bar. Select the character you need, copy it, and paste it into your document. This is good for occasional use.
Using the Option Key (Mac): On a Mac, you can use the Option (⌥) key in combination with other keys to create special characters. To type umlauts:
- Ä: Option + U, then A
- ä: Option + U, then a
- Ö: Option + U, then O
- ö: Option + U, then o
- Ü: Option + U, then U
- ü: Option + U, then u
- ß: There isn't a standard shortcut for 'ß' using Option Key, best option would be copy & pasting (like through Character Viewer, explained below).
Important: This method involves a sequence. First you hold the Option key and press "U". Then release both and press the letter that you want the Umlaut over (A, a, O, o, U or u)
Using the Character Viewer (Mac): Macs also have a Character Viewer (accessible through the Input Menu in the menu bar, or by searching for "Character Viewer"). Similar to the Windows Character Map, you can find and insert any character you need. You might need to enable the Input Menu in System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Input Sources.
Installing an International Keyboard Layout: Both Windows and macOS allow you to add additional keyboard layouts. You could install the "US International" layout, which allows you to type umlauts by using the apostrophe (') followed by the vowel. For example, type 'a to get á. Type '"a" to get ä (single quote followed by letter). It can take some getting used to, but it's a convenient solution for frequent typing. To get just a normal single quote, you'll need to type it followed by a space: '
Using Autocorrect/Text Replacement: Many word processors (like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages) and operating systems allow you to set up autocorrect or text replacement rules. You could, for example, set "ae" to automatically change to "ä". This can be very efficient if you're writing a long document with many umlauts.
Online Tools: When using a computer where you cannot install a keyboard layout or configure anything (like a cybercafe or hotel computer), use an online tool. Search on Google for "Umlaut generator online", and you will find numerous websites that allow you to type a character and output the same character with an umlaut. You can copy and paste from there.

The Z and Y Swap: A Classic Conundrum

This is a well-known difference: On a German keyboard, the Z key is where the Y key is on an English keyboard, and vice versa. This can lead to some frustrating typos, especially when typing passwords! Just remember to consciously swap them in your mind. Practice makes perfect! Typing "XYZ" will then require your hands to move across the bottom left of the keyboard.

Different Special Characters and Their Locations

Here's a rundown of some other common special characters and where to find them on an English keyboard (compared to their German counterparts):

@ (At Symbol): On an English keyboard, this is usually Shift + 2 (on a German keyboard, it's often Alt Gr + Q).
" (Double Quote): On an English keyboard, this is usually Shift + ' (on a German keyboard, it is simply Shift + 2).
' (Single Quote/Apostrophe): On an English keyboard, this is the key to the left of the Enter key (on a German keyboard, it's often Shift + #). This is used in the US International layout as outlined above to type Umlauts.
# (Hashtag/Pound Sign): This is usually Shift + 3. On a German keyboard, it is the same, Shift + 3.
$ (Dollar Sign): This is usually Shift + 4. On a German keyboard, it is Shift + 4 too.
& (Ampersand): This is usually Shift + 7. On a German keyboard, it is Shift + 6!
/ (Forward Slash): This is usually the key to the right of the Shift key, on the bottom right. The German keyboard is the same.
\ (Backslash): Finding the backslash can be tricky! On a US English keyboard it is usually above the Enter key (to the right of the Delete key). It could also be Alt + \ if you can't find a dedicated backslash key.
€ (Euro Sign): The Euro sign isn't usually directly available on a standard English keyboard. You can find it using the Character Map (Windows) or Character Viewer (Mac), or you can use Alt + 0128 (Windows). Some newer keyboards might have it accessible through a key combination (like Alt Gr + 4, but this is rare).

Other Minor Differences to Be Aware Of

Here are some other things you might find when searching:

The Size and Shape of the Enter Key: On some European keyboards, the Enter key is taller and narrower, sometimes shaped like a backwards "L". On many English keyboards, it's a wider, horizontal key. This might affect your hand placement slightly.
Dead Keys: The German keyboard uses "dead keys" in some situations. For example, pressing the ` key followed by a vowel creates an accented vowel (à, è, ì, ò, ù). English keyboards don't typically use this system, but you can achieve similar results using the methods mentioned above for umlauts (especially with the US International layout).
Alt Gr Key: The German keyboard has an Alt Gr key which lets you get access to a third character that is imprinted on the key. The English keyboard doesn't have that. You usually press Shift to get the upper character.

Tips for Getting Used to the English Keyboard

Here are a few tips to help you adapt to the English keyboard quickly:

Practice Typing: The best way to get comfortable is to practice! Use online typing tutorials or games specifically designed for learning different keyboard layouts. There are plenty of free resources available online.
Use Keyboard Stickers: If you're using your own laptop, you can buy keyboard stickers with the German layout printed on them. This can be a helpful visual aid, especially in the beginning.
Change the Keyboard Layout in Your Operating System: As mentioned earlier, you can change the keyboard layout in your operating system to match the physical keyboard you're using. This can prevent confusion and ensure that the correct characters are displayed when you type.
Be Patient: It takes time to adjust to a new keyboard layout. Don't get discouraged if you make mistakes. Just keep practicing, and you'll eventually get the hang of it!
Touch Typing: Try learning touch typing. You can learn where each letter is without having to look. There are numerous courses online, some of which are free. It will make you more productive once you are confident in your skills!

Embrace the Challenge!

While navigating a new keyboard layout can be a bit frustrating at first, it's a skill that will definitely come in handy during your travels or stay in an English-speaking country. With a little patience and practice, you'll be typing like a pro in no time. Don't be afraid to experiment, explore the different methods for typing special characters, and most importantly, have fun! Gute Reise!