Using gender-inclusive language is about treating our fellow human beings with respect. Everyone has the right to be recognized for who they are. For a long time, gender-neutral language was used to represent women alongside men or supposedly "including" women in the generic masculine form. However, the reality is that there have always been and always will be people who do not identify as female or male. So if we really want to address everyone, it is not enough to simply include women and men in our language. Contemporary gender-inclusive language recognizes gender diversity.

Code of practice and guidelines

Here are some suggestions for ways to implement gender-inclusive phrasing in the German language:

Legal framework

The use of gender-inclusive language is enshrined in the Career Advancement Plan for Women at TU Wien (see § 11 FFP). This stipulates that all bodies and administrative institutions of the TU Wien must use gender-inclusive language in all communications, forms, protocols, speeches, etc. This also applies to teaching. So-called “general clauses,” i.e., texts at the beginning or end of documents stating that all genders are included when “male” terms are used, are therefore not permitted.

In this regard, TU Wien complies with legal requirements. The Federal Equal Treatment Act (Bundes-Gleichbehandlungsgesetz) stipulates the “requirement of linguistic equality” in § 10a. All universities must also comply with this requirement (cf. § 44 UG). “Gender” within the meaning of the law includes a person's gender identity, gender characteristics, gender expression, and gender role. This means that discrimination on the basis of trans, intersex, or non-binary identity is also prohibited under the Federal Equal Treatment Act.