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Spelling Alphabets

Convert text using various phonetic spelling alphabets (NATO, LAPD, German, Dutch, Swedish, Italian, Spanish). Useful for radio communication puzzles.

Alphabet Comparison (A-D)

SystemABCD
NATO/ICAOAlfaBravoCharlieDelta
LAPD/PoliceAdamBoyCharlesDavid
Western UnionAdamsBostonChicagoDenver
German (DIN)AntonBertaCäsarDora
DutchAntonBernhardCornelisDirk

Spelling Alphabets

Spelling alphabets (also called phonetic alphabets or radio alphabets) assign code words to letters for clear communication, especially over radio or telephone.

NATO/ICAO Alphabet

The international standard used by NATO, aviation (ICAO), and maritime communication. Designed for clarity across languages: Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta...

Police/LAPD Alphabet

Used by many US police departments: Adam, Boy, Charles, David... Often heard in crime dramas and police scanner communications.

National Variants

Many countries have their own spelling alphabets using local names and places:

  • German: Anton, Berta, Cäsar, Dora...
  • Italian: Ancona, Bologna, Como... (cities)
  • Spanish: Antonio, Barcelona, Carmen...

Use in Puzzles

Spelling alphabets appear in geocaching when:

  • Clues are given as phonetic words
  • Radio or aviation themes are involved
  • Military or police puzzle contexts
  • First letters of words spell a message