In German

Ö

Meaning: the letter Ö (umlaut-O), a rounded vowel not found in English

Example sentences

  • DasÖlistheiß.

    The oil is hot.

  • ÖwieÖl.

    Ö as in Öl (oil).

Grammar note

“Ö” has no real English equivalent — say “ay” (as in “day”) while rounding your lips like you're about to whistle. It's a distinct letter, not a decorated “O”.

Common mistake

Don't substitute a plain “o” for “ö” — the accepted substitute when you can't type it is “oe” (so “Öl” becomes “Oel”), never a plain “o”.

Quick check

Which letter is a rounded vowel written with two dots over an O?

More words on this topic

Othe letter O, pronounced "oh"Üthe letter Ü (umlaut-U), a rounded vowel not found in EnglishÄthe letter Ä (umlaut-A), pronounced like a long English "eh"

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Frequently asked questions

Does English have a sound like “Ö”?

Not really — it's a rounded vowel unique to languages like German.

What do I write if I can't type “ö”?

“oe”, never a plain “o”.