Two more inclusive alternatives are the underscored so-called Gender-Gap (e.g. But even this spelling conforms to gender binarism. The introduction of the so-called Binnen-I (medial capital I) as in LehrerIn (teacher, both male and female), is one attempt to replace the generic masculine for professions in German with a gender-inclusive form. Lately, however, German has introduced a number of new gender markers. The German language traditionally adheres to a binary male/female gender construct. Language learning necessarily involves using nouns that refer to people. Teachers can make a contribution to efforts to raise gender-consciousness in society by drawing their pupils’ attention to gender-inclusive language. But how can this spectrum be reflected in German? Above and beyond the official norms of German usage, there are a number of more gender-inclusive ways of using the language. Rather, gender should be understood as a broad spectrum of social identities.
Not all language learners identify with either of the binary categories 'male' or 'female'. Why do we need gender-inclusive language in German lessons? How can you help your pupils express non-binary gender identities?
Even in language classes for beginners, pupils talk about themselves, their experiences and their relationships. Languages, and therefore language learning, are closely linked to identity.
