diff --git a/i3status.conf b/i3status.conf
index 99640d0..49ea488 100644
--- a/i3status.conf
+++ b/i3status.conf
@@ -1,3 +1,11 @@
+# i3status configuration file.
+# see "man i3status" for documentation.
+
+# It is important that this file is edited as UTF-8.
+# The following line should contain a sharp s:
+# ß
+# If the above line is not correctly displayed, fix your editor first!
+
 general {
         colors = true
         interval = 5