Online tutorial ‘One language for all’ - Gender-sensitive language in German
Language creates reality. What we can name exists, so it can be perceived, discussed or changed. Society shapes language and our language also influences how we treat each other, which people we see and which realities of life we recognise. This tutorial aims to raise awareness among university members to deal with gender-sensitive language, especially in the university context.
The online tutorial explains the background and advantages of gender-sensitive language use, presents language forms in German and English and their use in concrete situations, makes recommendations on language use and supports individual decisions when using a ‘language for all’.
Module 1: Language and reality
The focus of Module 2 is on written communication in the university environment. Written communication includes all texts used at the university.
Module 2: Written communication in German
The focus of Module 2 is on written communication in the university environment. Written communication includes all texts used at the university.
Module 3: Oral communication in German
Module 3 focuses on oral communication in the university environment. Oral communication includes courses, lectures, presentations, applications and other personal conversations.
Module 4: Gender-inclusive language
This episode is dedicated to gender inclusive language in English (in English only).
Supporting text ‘’Participating instead of mere thinking‘’
This text accompanying ‘Language for all’ is an introduction to the possibilities of using the German language in a gender-sensitive way. In addition to the socio-cultural development of gender-sensitive language forms, it also highlights the goals of inclusive language use, lists possible implementations in written and spoken language and describes their application in a university context.
Orientation guide
This collection of examples provides guidance for the practical implementation of gender-sensitive language. It lists various possible wording options: Gender-sensitive language does not have to be cumbersome or incomprehensible, nor does it have to lead to incorrect syntax - there are a variety of linguistic forms available to speak appropriately of all genders.