What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diaeresis
Example
The word 'naïve' has a diaeresis over the 'i' to indicate it is pronounced separately. [diaeresis: noun]
Example
In poetry, the diaeresis can be used to create a pause between syllables for emphasis. [diaeresis: noun]
umlaut
Example
In German, the umlaut changes the pronunciation of the vowel 'a' to 'ä'. [umlaut: noun]
Example
Linguists use the term umlaut to describe a vowel change in Old English from 'a' to 'e' in certain words. [umlaut: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Diaeresis is less commonly used in English writing than umlaut, which is more specific to German language and linguistics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diaeresis and umlaut?
Both diaeresis and umlaut are formal terms used in linguistics and academic writing, but they are not commonly used in everyday conversation.
