Alphabet Morse Code: All characters simply explained
If you want to learn the Morse code alphabet, you only need an overview of the 26 letters. We show you which characters you need to know.
The Morse Code: How to Learn the Alphabet
- The Morse code consists only of short and long signals. These signals are usually transmitted in the form of tones. There is a short pause after each transmitted character.
- Letters consist of two to four signals. Numbers consist of five signals, a punctuation mark has five to six signals. The letter B is composed, for example, of the signals long-short-short-short.
- Tip: Learn to listen to the Morse code before you send it. This way you think from the beginning with the length of the notes and not with the words "long" and "short".
An overview of the Morse alphabet
The Morse code consists of long and short signals. Instead of long and short, lines and dots are used in the written version. There is no difference between upper and lower case.
- A · - B - · · · C - · - · D - · · E · F · · - · G - - · H · · · · I · · J · - - - K - · - L · - · · M - - N - · O - - - P · - - · Q - - · - R · - · S · · · T - U · · - - V · · · - W · - - X - · · - Y - · - - Z - - · · ·
- Ä · - · - Ö - - - · Ü · · - - ß · · · - - · ·
- 1 · - - - - 2 · · - - - 3 · · · - - 4 · · · · - 5 · · · · · 6 - · · · · 7 - - · · · 8 - - - · · 9 - - - - · 0 - - - - -
- ? (IMI) · · - - · ·. (AAA) · - · - · -, (MIM) - - · · - -: (OS) - - - · · ·; (NNN) - · - · - · - (BA) - · · · · -
Further signals for Morse code
In addition to the letters, numbers and punctuation marks, you also need a few other commands for Morse code. You can also remember this as a combination of two letters.
- A radio message always begins with the opening - · - · - (KA)
- The radio message is ended with · - · - · (AR)
- Take a break with - · · · - (BT)
- With · · · - · (VE) you confirm that you have understood
- End the radio contact with · · · - · - (SK)
- In the event of an error, send · · · · · · · · (HH) to repeat the last word again
The SOS emergency call is probably the best known string when it comes to Morse code. What exactly is behind the three letters, we will clarify in the next practical tip.