Eszett / Sharp S (ß)
To type the German eszett or sharp S (ß): press ⌥S (Option + S) on a Mac, or hold Alt and type 0223 on the numeric keypad on Windows. It appears in words like Straße and groß.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eszett ß | ⌥S | Alt+0223 | |
| ß (copy) | ß | ß |
The eszett on Mac vs Windows
The eszett (ß), also called the sharp S or scharfes S, is a German letter that stands for a double s. On a Mac press ⌥S (Option + S). On Windows, hold Alt and type 0223 on the numeric keypad (NumLock on), then release. No number pad? Copy the ß above, or use the Windows emoji panel Win+..
Where you use ß
The eszett appears after long vowels and diphthongs in German: Straße (street), groß (big), Fußball (football). It has no uppercase in traditional spelling (words are written with SS in all-caps), though a capital ẞ now exists. Swiss German drops ß and always writes ss.
FAQ
What is the eszett (ß) shortcut?
On a Mac press ⌥S (Option + S). On Windows hold Alt and type 0223 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
Is ß the same as a double s?
It represents a double s sound after long vowels. In all-caps or on keyboards without it, German writes ss instead — for example STRASSE for Straße.