zeit
Gendering: Federal Chancellor's Office bans gender language
End of stars: 470 federal chancellor employees should waive the use of gender-specific language. This is "patronizing" and "divisive", says Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer.
2025-08-03 16:55:11
Politics
Germany bans gender-specific language in official communications to preserve tradition
The Federal Chancellor's Office in Germany has implemented a ban on gender-specific language in official communications. Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer, who introduced this policy, argues that gender-neutral expressions such as the use of asterisks or Binnen-I damage the beauty of the German language and deepen societal divisions.
The directive affects 470 employees in Berlin and Bonn, mandating adherence to traditional language norms in professional settings. Weimer emphasizes that while private expression remains unrestricted, official documents must adhere to standard language conventions, using traditional salutations like 'Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren.' This policy is a response to the ongoing debate in Germany regarding gendered language, with Weimer highlighting the importance of unity and alignment with the majority's preferences.
He asserts that the initiative is not meant to be patronizing but aims to preserve linguistic integrity and societal cohesion.
The press radar on this topic:
Tagesspiegel
"Deepening the division of society": Minister of State for Culture Weimer prohibits his staff in the Chancellery from using gender-sensitive language
Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer has ordered his staff in the Federal Chancellery to no longer use gender-sensitive language in official writings. This means that special characters such as the gender-neutral Binnen-I and asterisks are prohibited. Weimer's decision is a reaction to the controversial gender-sensitive language, which has been debated in Germany for years. He also wants to follow the opinion that the use of gender-sensitive language deepens the division of society.
gmx
Cultural Minister Bans Employees from Using Gender-Inclusive Language
The Cultural Minister Wolfram Weimer has instructed his employees not to use gender-inclusive language in official correspondence. Instead, they should use the traditional salutation 'Dear Ladies and Gentlemen'. Weimer justified this decision by stating that he wants to respect the wish of the majority of Germans who want to express themselves in this way. This, he said, should unite language, not divide it.
Frankfurter Rundschau
Wolfram Weimer Prohibits Gender-Sensitive Language in His Authority
Wolfram Weimer, the Minister of State for Culture, has prohibited the use of gender-sensitive language in official correspondence of his authority. The politician argues that forced gendering would cause a division in society and that one should adhere to traditional forms of address. A note on this was published on Friday in the intranet of the authority.
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