The use of gender-neutral language in writing is not recommended by the German Spelling Council, because gender-related writing could affect the comprehensibility of texts. The acceptance of the topic is also steadily decreasing. In several German states, there is even a gender ban in schools, universities and authorities. In Saxony, there will be a deduction of points from the next school year.
In 2021, the German Spelling Council reiterated its position that “all people should be approached with gender-appropriate language and addressed sensitively. However, this is a social and socio-political task that cannot be solved with orthographic rules and spelling changes alone.” In four of the fifteen German states – with reference to the Spelling Council’s assessment – the use of gender asterisks, underscores, etc. is prohibited.
In Saxony, East Germany, the rules are now being tightened further. From the coming school year, gender-related text passages in schoolwork, tests and homework will no longer be seen as mistakes. There is also a risk that points will be deducted for this.
Greens: “Prohibition policy at the expense of young people”
The Greens in Chemnitz consider the new regulations on schools to be wrong and regressive. “The further tightening of the gender ban in Saxon schools is an ideological ban policy at the expense of young people,” says chairwoman Coretta Storz indignantly in an interview with the mdr broadcaster.
The German Teachers’ Association sees it a little differently. In a statement last year it said, among other things, that teachers should “stick to the official rules” in official letters. However, you should definitely be “tolerant and reserved” towards students.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
