Inclusive language in German

Gender forms from the double form to neutral wording

Gender-inclusive language aims to make all genders visible or to leave gender open on purpose. German marks gender in most nouns for people, so writers have to choose a form. This guide explains the common options and how to decide in a thesis. Our German-language dictionary of more than 250 job titles and person nouns is not yet available on corrected.eu, so the examples here are short.

Two ways to write inclusively

There are two basic routes. The first is to make gender visible, either with the full double form (Studentinnen und Studenten) or with a special character (Student*innen, Student:innen). The second is to neutralise, using words that do not mark gender (Studierende). Which route fits depends on the context and, at university, on the rules of your institution.

The forms at a glance

Double form

Both forms written out, for example Studentinnen und Studenten. Widely accepted and independent of the debate about special characters.

Gender star

Student*innen. The star is meant to include people beyond the two traditional genders.

Colon

Student:innen. Works like the star, with a smaller mark that many screen readers handle more smoothly.

Underscore (gender gap)

Student_innen. The gap stands for people who fall outside the binary.

Internal capital I

StudentInnen. A capital letter inside the word marks the female and male forms together. It is older and now less common.

Slash

Student/-innen. A compact written form of the double form, often used in forms and job ads.

Neutral wording

Participles and collective terms such as Studierende, Lehrkräfte or Mitarbeitende avoid the question altogether, though not every word has a neutral counterpart.

Generic masculine

The traditional form, with a note at the start saying that all genders are meant. Some institutions accept it, others no longer do.

Which form is right for a thesis?

First check the rules of your university or chair. If there are no concrete rules, consistent double forms or gender-neutral wording are the safest routes, because they work independently of the debate about special characters. Above all, choose one variant and use it consistently throughout the text. Mixing forms is the mistake our proofreaders correct most often in this area.

Note that the official orthography of the Council for German Orthography does not currently include the gender star, colon or underscore in its rules, and some institutions and authorities do not allow them. This is another reason to check your university's guidance before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use inclusive language in a thesis?

That is set by your university or chair, not by us. Ask for the written guidance and follow it. If there is none, choose a form and keep it consistent.

What is the safest option?

Double forms and neutral wording. Both are readable for everyone and do not depend on a particular institution accepting special characters.

Does proofreading check gender forms?

Yes. We check that the form you chose is applied consistently. If you ask for a particular form, we follow your wish. For the basics of the service, see proofreading and editing.