Xmodmap

This is my ~/.Xmodmap. It adds German umlauts to the default (no deadkeys) US layout.

!! umlauts on a US keyboard
!! keycode <number> = <simple press> <with Shift> <with Mode_switch> <with Mode_swtich and Shift>
!! <Mode_switch> on a european 105-key-layout is usually AltGr
keycode 26 = e E EuroSign EuroSign
keycode 38 = a A adiaeresis Adiaeresis
keycode 30 = u U udiaeresis Udiaeresis
keycode 32 = o O odiaeresis Odiaeresis
keycode 39 = s S ssharp
keycode 108 = Mode_switch
clear Lock

Download here.