The @ symbol is a commonly used character on a Dutch keyboard, especially when typing email addresses. Sometimes, you may suddenly find that you can no longer type this symbol on your keyboard. This most often happens on Windows devices, usually because the input language has accidentally been changed. Fortunately, there are several ways to get the @ symbol working again.
Normally, on both Windows and Apple devices, you create the @ symbol by pressing ‘Shift + 2’ on your keyboard. Occasionally, this stops working or produces a completely different character when you use this key combination. There’s a good chance this is due to a changed input language. With the following 3 methods, you’ll be able to type the @ symbol as usual in no time.
On Windows devices, you can quickly and easily change the input language by pressing the Ctrl and Shift keys at the same time. This is handy, but it’s also possible to accidentally press these keys and change the input language without realising it. Press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys together again and check whether ‘Shift + 2’ now produces the @ symbol. Since the Ctrl + Shift combination does not exist on a MacBook, you will not encounter this problem on a Mac.
Another way to change your keyboard’s input language is through your Windows computer or laptop’s settings.
*In the Netherlands, we use the QWERTY keyboard layout, the same as the one used in the United States. This is therefore the correct setting for a Dutch keyboard.
You can also use an alt code for the @ symbol. An alt code is a combination of the Alt key and a number code, which allows you to type special characters. Ensure that Num Lock is on. Then, hold down the Alt key and type the numbers ‘064’. When you release the Alt key, the @ symbol will appear on your screen.
If you are in Belgium, read the article 'Apenstaartje @ werkt niet meer' on MediaMarkt Belgium.
