To content
#klargestellt

(Neo-)Pronouns

In German, the binary gender system is also linguistically reflected in the use of binary pronouns. "Sie"/"ihr" or "er"/"sein" are the common pronouns that are supposed to represent the gender of the person they stand for. Nevertheless, all people are allowed to decide for themselves which pronouns they want to be addressed with.

Some people change the pronouns they wish to be addressed with throughout their lives or prefer multiple pronouns, for example, because they are trans and/or intersex and/or non-binary. It is important to use a person's preferred pronouns. When in doubt, it is helpful to politely ask for the correct pronouns.

Neopronouns refer to neologisms that bypass binary pronouns such as "she" or "he." Examples include the Swedish pronoun "hen," which is gender-neutral for all people, the English "they/them" pronouns, and also German variants such as "sier," "sie*er," "si_er," "xier," etc. Alternatively, the pronoun can be omitted and replaced with the name or the first letter of the name ("I'm going to ask A if A wants to come."/"I like A's shoes."). However, the possibilities of alternative pronouns are not exhausted with these examples (e.g. see AK ProNa, p. 33).


Sources (in German)

The glossary is meant to evolve through mutual exchange with readers.

We regularly put the definition of a term up for discussion under #klargestellt. Do you have questions or suggestions? Join the discussion and contribute to a better understanding of the terms! We welcome your feedback to: shk.gleichstellung@verwaltung.tu-dortmund.de

Back to the glossary
 

Two green speech bubbles © TU Dortmund