Linguistic equality

Gender equality affects all areas of life and therefore also language. Language reflects reality and in turn creates reality. The use of gender-equitable language makes women and men equally visible.

For a long time, the generic masculine (the use of the masculine term as a gender-independent form) was considered adequate. Formulating a text in a gender-appropriate way means taking into account that women are made visible in language to the same extent as men. Where women are specifically meant, the female form is used. And where we are dealing with (possibly) mixed groups, neutral or both forms of personal designations are used.

In 2021, the Equal Opportunities Unit published "Geschlechtergerechte Sprache: Ein Leitfaden". It is aimed at anyone who needs tips, suggestions and examples for gender-equitable language use.