What does umlaut mean?
An umlaut is a diacritic mark (¨) used in various languages, including German and Swedish, to alter the sound of vowels. It typically indicates a shift towards a more closed or centralized pronunciation. The term can refer to both the mark and the resulting sound change. Umlauts are crucial in languages where they appear, as they can significantly affect word meanings and pronunciations. For instance, in German, 'Haus' (house) differs from 'Häuschen' (little house) solely by the presence of the umlaut. Understanding umlauts is essential for accurate pronunciation and spelling in affected languages.
nounA diacritic mark (¨) placed over a vowel in some languages, such as German and Swedish, to indicate a change in the sound of the vowel.
- A mark used to indicate a change in vowel sound.
- A change in vowel sound resulting from the use of this mark.
"The German word 'Hütte' features an umlaut over the 'u'."
"The umlaut in 'Kätzchen' changes the pronunciation of the 'a'."
"In Germanic languages, umlauts often indicate historical sound shifts."
The plural form is used when referring to multiple instances of the diacritic mark or the sound changes it represents.
"The German language features several words with umlauts."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of umlaut
The term 'umlaut' comes from the German words 'um' (around) and 'lauten' (to sound), reflecting the change in sound that the diacritic mark indicates. The concept of umlaut originated in the study of Germanic languages, where it describes a historical sound shift. The diacritic mark itself has its roots in medieval Latin manuscripts.
Usage notes
The term 'umlaut' is often used to refer to both the diacritic mark itself and the sound change it represents.