Select your language

Abbildung einer Tastatur mit Umlauten ä, ö, ü und grossem https://www. Schriftzug als Symbol für Domains mit Umlauten

Umlaut domains? Maybe. Maybe not.

Domains with umlauts like ä, ö, or ü feel familiar and authentic – especially in Switzerland, where many place names and brand names include these characters. At first glance, it seems only logical to use them in your domain name as well. But umlaut domains (also called IDN domains) come with both benefits and some technical hurdles.

This article explains when umlaut domains make sense, what advantages they offer in Switzerland, and when it’s better to stick with the standard version without special characters.

What is an umlaut domain? (IDN domains in Switzerland)

Umlaut domains are part of the Internationalized Domain Names (IDN) standard. They allow special characters and umlauts to be included directly in your web address. Here’s a real example from Switzerland:

www.muenchenstein.ch (Official website of the municipality of Münchenstein in the canton of Basel-Landschaft)

To ensure that browsers, search engines, and servers worldwide can correctly process them, every umlaut domain is automatically converted into what’s called Punycode.
For münchenstein.ch, the encoded version looks like this:

www.xn--mnchenstein-thb.ch

If you’d like to see how your own domain is converted, you can try this tool:
IDN/Punycode converter

Woman and man successfully create a website with WordPress

Register your personal domain

Over 270 different top-level-domains (i.e. webiste names ending in .ch / .de / .com / .swiss) are available at Green. With our domain checker, you can check immediately whether your desired domain is available. If it is already taken, try another ending such as .swiss / .com / .org / .net and secure the name for your website.

Register domain

Transfer domain

Advantages of umlaut domains in Switzerland

1. Strong recognition

A domain name with umlauts comes across as credible and authentic. Many users expect to see the correct spelling of names like Münchenstein. If someone types münchenstein.ch, they immediately recognize it as the official site.

 

2. Brand protection

Another major reason to register umlaut domains is brand protection. It prevents others from registering similar names and potentially diverting your visitors.

3. SEO potential

Search engines like Google can index umlaut domains correctly. If users specifically search for your brand or a location name including an umlaut, this can improve your visibility in search results.

Drawbacks and risks of umlaut domains

1. Technical compatibility

Not all systems support umlaut domains reliably. One of the biggest issues is email addresses:

info@münchenstein.ch is not allowed.
info@muenchenstein.ch works without any issues.

2. Confusion and typos

Many people will automatically type the domain without umlauts. That’s why it’s critical to register the version without special characters as well and redirect traffic accordingly.

3. Display in links and QR codes

In newsletters, social media posts, or QR codes, you’ll often see the encoded Punycode version:

www.xn--mnchenstein-thb.ch

This can look confusing or even suspicious to some users. Better use the domain without the umlaut and then set up a redirect.

www.muenchenstein.ch

 

Don't miss out

Get our free Newsletter

When does it make sense to use an umlaut domain?

In Switzerland, umlaut domains make the most sense if:

✅ You operate locally (e.g., a municipality, small business, or association)
✅ Your brand or location name inherently includes an umlaut
✅ Your target audience is primarily German-speaking

If your business has an international focus, it’s usually better to rely on the standard version without umlauts as your main domain.

Practical tips for umlaut domains in Switzerland

To avoid common pitfalls, consider these best practices:

  • Register both versions: The umlaut domain and the version without special characters.
  • Set up a 301 redirect: This ensures visitors automatically land on your primary domain.
    How to set up domain forwarding
    Domain forwarding with a hosting package
  • Never use umlauts in email addresses.
  • Test QR codes, links, and newsletters: Check how your domain displays across channels.
  • Communicate clearly: Let your customers know which spelling is the official one.

Frequently asked questions about umlaut domains

  • Are umlaut domains good for SEO?

    Yes, especially if people are searching for your brand with the umlaut spelling. For more generic or international searches, the version without umlauts often performs better.

  • How much does an umlaut domain cost in Switzerland?

    The price is the same as standard domains. You can easily register such domains with official registrars or directly with us.

  • Do I really need both versions?

    Absolutely. This is the only way to avoid confusion and protect your brand in the long term.

Helpful links on umlaut domains

Conclusion: Use umlaut domains smartly

Domains with umlauts are a powerful way to show regional roots and authenticity – especially in Switzerland. If you secure both spellings, set up redirects, and consistently use email addresses without special characters, you’ll be on safe ground both technically and legally. That way, your web address stays clear, trustworthy, and easy to find.

More reading tips:

Copied to clipboard