Mutated vowels or special characters in the domain name - simple explanation

Umlauts and special characters were not intended for domain names in the early days of the internet. However, increasing globalisation and the need to make the internet more inclusive have meant that it is now possible to register such domains. But is it advisable?

Which domain should you buy?

Let's look at two options:

• www.saengerin.at
• www.sängerin.at

Our recommendation is: Buy both domains, but actively use the variant without umlauts (saengerin.at).

Why you should not use umlauts

The use of umlauts in domain names can lead to a number of problems in practice. Here are a few examples:

Problems when sending email addresses:

Emails sent from a domain with umlauts can have delivery problems. Recipients may receive messages that say: "Sorry, this email cannot be delivered." This is often due to the fact that some email servers still cannot handle umlauts in domain names properly.

Problems when sending links:

Web links that contain umlauts can be unsightly and difficult to recognise. For example, a link like www.söhne.at could look like this in a split state: www.s%E2%80%93hne.at. Not only can this affect the user experience, but it can also make sharing links on social media platforms more difficult.

Why you should buy the domain with umlauts

Despite the disadvantages mentioned, we still recommend purchasing the domain variant with umlauts. The main reason for this is brand protection. For example, if you own the domain www.soehne.at and a competitor buys www.söhne.at, they could redirect visitors who accidentally enter the umlaut version to their own website. This can lead to customer confusion and potentially loss of business.

Additional considerations

SEO aspects

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is another important aspect. Domains without umlauts are often easier to optimise, as they can be entered more universally and without errors in search queries. However, it can be useful to register both variants of the domain and set up appropriate redirects to ensure that visitors arrive at the correct page regardless of the spelling.

International accessibility

For global companies, the use of umlauts and special characters in domain names is worth considering, especially when it comes to targeting local markets and reflecting the local language. In such cases, however, the pros and cons should be carefully weighed up and strategies developed to minimise the problems mentioned above.

Technical compatibility

Although support for umlauts and special characters in domain names has improved in recent years, there is still a risk of technical incompatibilities. It is important to understand the technical infrastructure of the target group and carry out appropriate tests to ensure that the domain is easily accessible for all users.

Conclusion

The decision to use umlauts or special characters in domain names depends on several factors, including the target audience, brand strategy and technical infrastructure. While there are practical reasons to avoid them, in certain cases it may make sense to use them.

Regardless of the decision, it is advisable to secure both variants of a domain to protect the brand and ensure that users get to the desired website regardless of the spelling.