Pronoun Specification in German

Abstract

The academic and public discussion about addressing and referring to non-binary individu-als in German is still in its infancy. This discussion encompasses novel reference procedures and pronouns, as well as the specification of (preferred) pronouns, such as those included in email signatures. In a large-scale online study conducted in 2024 focusing on gender-neutral language usage at the University of Hamburg, I collected comprehensive data from 3,568 participants. The survey also included a question about the usage of pronouns in email sig-natures; 442 participants (12%) reported specifying their pronouns. The analysis explores the ways employed to specify pronouns and the form and combination of pronouns, consid-ering the context of the German pronominal system. In addition, many participants used the question to comment on pronoun specifications. These comments were evaluated through qualitative content analysis, revealing that, beyond simply specifying pronouns or express-ing general agreement, numerous reasons for rejection and non-usage are provided. Linguis-tic arguments play a subordinate role in this context, in contrast to an unsubstantiated, some-times vehement rejection and justifications rooted in the assumed (strict) gender binary. The results are discussed in relation to previous research, and potential conclusions are outlined.