How you type umlauts depends on what kind of computer you are using: Mac, PC with number pad, or PC laptop without number pad. The two links below should give you all the information you need, but I will try to summarize for quick reference.

On a Mac, you simply hold the OPTION (or alt) key down while pressing the letter u. (You must HOLD the option key, not simply press it once.) Then release and press the letter you want the umlaut over (a, o or u). A total of two keystrokes: option-u, then a = ä. To type ß, hold option and press s.

On a PC with a number pad, it is easiest to type the alt codes for each letter. Hold the ALT key while typing the four-digit code you need. See this link for the codes for each letter.

On a PC without a number pad, or if you prefer this method on any PC, you can open the CHARACTER MAP application to find the letter you need. Search on Character Map in the Start Menu, and open the app -- it should be self-explanatory but you can reference this link for full instructions.

link 1: simple explanation of Mac and PC umlauts
link 2: more options explained for various situations

Finally, should you have any difficulty with the above methods, as a last resort you can simply copy and paste from any document, so I will include them here. The umlauted letters you may need at some point are: ä ö ü Ä Ö Ü ß .

You can also use THIS HELPFUL WEBSITE to type words you need, then simply copy and paste from there into your Word processing document or into the Blackbaord Discussion Forum.