Gender‐Inclusive Language Instruction in the German Classroom

ABSTRACT With the ever‐changing social and linguistic landscape, it is the responsibility of educators to create a learning environment that is respectful of all identities and relevant to the ongoing changes. It is important to recognize the challenges faced by transgender and gender‐expansive learners, who often endure harassment leading to diminished educational performance and mental health struggles. Educators are responsible for emphasizing the essential role of gender‐inclusive language in fostering a safer and more inclusive learning environment. This is achieved through the evolving use of gender‐inclusive language in German, as well as in other world languages, and encompasses the adoption of neopronouns and alternative linguistic adaptations. Educators must modify prompts, presentations, and educational materials to promote inclusivity, which underlines the normalization of such language changes. The language educators use in their classrooms truly saves lives. When students feel safe, they are more likely to attend school and continue taking classes with educators who create and maintain that safe space. This article discusses the issues surrounding transgender and gender‐expansive learners, the current changes in the German‐speaking world, and how to effectively implement them in the Deutsch als Fremdsprache classroom.