Glossary

Ableism

Ableism (“able” + “ism”) is a term that describes the devaluation and stereotyping of and discrimination against people who are reduced to certain characteristics on the basis of their actual or perceived (attributed) disability or chronic illness. Consequently, prejudicial assumptions are made about their mental or physical abilities, which deviate from the normative conception of what is considered ‘normal’ in mainstream society and what people are expected to be capable of. Ableism operates at individual, institutional and structural levels, for example through physical and digital barriers, rigid performance requirements or exclusion in educational and workplace contexts. Even supposedly positive statements, such as that a person is good at something ‘despite their disability/chronic illness’, are a form of valorising or positive ableism, as they leave the underlying normative assumptions untouched. Ableism is – much like racism or sexism – a structural power relationship.

See also Discrimination

Accessibility

Accessibility means requiring buildings, public spaces, homes, workplaces, (digital) services, leisure activities and education to be designed in such a way that they can be used by everyone without the need for external assistance. Accessibility measures are about overcoming, removing or reducing barriers preventing access or fully fledged participation by people with a disability.

As well as physical barriers, these also—and in particular—include barriers to accessing information (Easy Read, sign language, pictograms) and those encountered with digital applications (the design of websites, documents, forms, multimedia, etc.) as well as attitudinal barriers, which are often based on ableist ways of thinking.

See also Digital accessibility

Accessibility accommodations

Accessibility accommodations are designed to ensure equal opportunities for students with disabilities that make studying more difficult. Students with a disability or chronic illness have a legal right to reasonable accommodation in examinations. This is often provided in the form of modified examination conditions, both in terms of time and format, and is always granted on an individual or case-by-case basis. Reasonable accommodation does not constitute preferential treatment, but rather compensates for disadvantages caused by a disability and is tailored to the specific needs of the person concerned.

See also Accessibility

AD(H)D

Characteristic features of ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) include inattention and organisational difficulties, as well as hyperactivity with excessive restlessness and impulsivity, which manifests itself in actions taken without sufficient forethought. The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD often involve medical, therapeutic and educational support to manage the symptoms.

According to the ICD-10 and ICD-11, ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder. In contrast to this stands the concept of neurodiversity, which moves away from a deficit-oriented view and, in critical reflection on societal notions of ‘normality’, emphasises the strengths arising from the diversity of neurological traits.

See also Neurodiversity
See also Neurodivergence

Adultism

Adultism is a form of ageism whereby children and young people are discriminated against because of their age. It includes making decisions without involving young people, paying little attention to their feelings or views, patronizing them, restricting their freedoms and applying inappropriate power structures. It can be assumed that every young person is experiencing or has experienced adultism, because this form of discrimination can also come about implicitly, i.e. without any awareness or intention on the part of the adults concerned, due solely to the power gap between them and young people. Raising awareness of adultism is geared toward promoting respect, equality and appreciation for the individual skills and rights of young people. Examples include saying things like: “You wouldn’t understand that yet!” or “…because I say so!”

See also Ageism

Ageism

Ageism means exercising prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of someone’s age. It can apply to both old and young people, since prejudices due to someone’s age can lead to them being either discriminated against or given preferential treatment., e.g. at the workplace or via negative stereotypes of older people. One common form of ageism is assuming - based on stereotypes - that people do not possess certain skills yet or any longer. Ageism directed at children and young people is also known as adultism.

See also Adultism

AGG (General Act on Equal Treatment)

The General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG) entered into force in 2006 and bans discrimination in Germany on the grounds of ethnicity, gender, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual identity. The protection afforded under the AGG covers the workplace and everyday affairs. For example, anyone who is discriminated against at work can be entitled to compensation. People who have been affected should contact the AGG complaints desk or complaints officers in the relevant company or organization.

See also Discrimination

Ally

An ally is someone who actively champions and supports a particular group of people who are being discriminated against. Allyship is thus a form of solidarity whereby the ally puts their own privileges in the service of those who are less privileged on account of the discrimination that they experience every day.

See also Privilege

Anti-Muslim racism

Anti-Muslim racism refers to prejudices, discrimination or hostility shown to Muslims or people perceived to be Muslims. This means that non-Muslims may also be affected if people assume they are members of that faith based on their appearance or name. Equating religion with nationality is typical of anti-Muslim racism, which includes thought processes such as “Muslim = migrant.” In addition, negative characteristics and behaviour are ascribed to (perceived) Muslims.

See also Discrimination

Anti-racist critique

Anti-racist critique is an approach and analytical method geared toward identifying, understanding and scrutinizing racist structures in society. It is based on the assumption that racism represents a “normality” in our society that needs to be disrupted. Besides individual prejudices, it also focuses on the deep-rooted systemic forms of discrimination and inequality. Anti-racist critique calls on us to reflect on societal norms, institutions and power relationships that support or maintain racist practices and is committed to transforming these structures to promote equality and social justice.

See also Awareness
See also Racism
See also White and critical whiteness

Anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism relates to prejudices, discrimination and hostility shown to Jewish people and communities based on their ethnic and/or religious background. It is important to emphasize that, rather than being confined to historical events that took place a long time ago, anti-Semitism still exists in today’s society, and anti-Semitic offenses are very much on the rise at present. Other forms of antisemitism include, for example, Christian antisemitism, Islamist antisemitism, Israel-related antisemitism, or racist antisemitism drawing comparisons to National Socialism.

See also Discrimination

Assistive technologies

Assistive technologies are specialised digital solutions that help people with disabilities or chronic conditions to overcome barriers and compensate for impairments. In most cases, this involves computer technology designed to improve digital accessibility. This includes screen readers, screen-reading devices, magnification software, visual screen control, communication aids, Braille devices, voice control and many other technologies. These aids play a crucial role in enabling independent participation in social and societal life.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

According to the ICD-10, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is described as a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person’s social interaction, information and sensory processing, communication, language and behaviour. It is often simply referred to as autism. In the ICD-11 (officially introduced in Germany in 2027), the distinction between subtypes is removed and replaced by a single diagnosis: ‘autism spectrum disorder’ (ASD). As an umbrella term for the entire spectrum of autistic disorders, it makes it clear that autism can manifest in a wide variety of symptoms and forms.

From perspectives that critique power structures and focus on neurodiversity, autism is not viewed solely as a ‘disorder’, but as a variation in human neurology. The associated challenges are exacerbated by structural conditions and barriers within the environment and society.

See also ICD-10 / ICD-11
See also Neurodiversity
See also Neurodivergence

Awareness

Awareness means being or becoming conscious of the inequalities that result from people’s different experiences and/or positioning and from the power relationships prevalent in society. A sense of awareness helps us to better understand, respect and acknowledge people’s different privileges, resources and experiences of discrimination. Awareness concepts can be used when putting on events to combat discrimination and offensive behavior or practices and thus create a safer and more appreciative space for everyone involved.

See also Discrimination
See also Privilege

BAföG

BAföG is an abbreviation of Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, Germany’s Federal Training Assistance Act. The term is also used colloquially to refer to the benefits paid to support the cost of living that schoolchildren and students can receive under this law. The amount of funding will depend on various factors such as the person’s own income, that of their parents and any existing wealth or assets. The BAföG is made up of grants that do not need to be paid back and low-interest loans that will need to be paid back later on. It is designed to ensure that people’s opportunities for education are not constrained by financial obstacles.

Binary gender

The concept of “binary gender” reflects the notion that there are only two genders: male and female. This assumes that gender is based solely on biological characteristics (i.e. one’s sex) and that these characteristics define a person as uniquely male or female.

See also inter* / intersex
See also Non-binary

BIPoC

BIPoC is an abbreviation of “Black, Indigenous and People of Color.” It is a self-identifier with positive connotations that is used to described a broad group of people who are not white and who have all encountered racism. “BIPoC” is used to stress that there are differences in people’s experiences of racism and discrimination, even within non-white groups, and that the specific challenges facing Black and Indigenous people are being (or need to be) highlighted. Equally, the related term “PoC” refers to people who are not perceived as white, German and Western but does not explicitly include Black or Indigenous people.

See also Anti-Muslim racism
See also Racism
See also Self-identifier
See also Black

Black

“Black” is a self-identification used by people who find themselves in a social position affected by racism. Here, “Black” (and “white”) does not refer to skin colour, but represents a social and political construct within the global power structure. To emphasise that this is not a physical characteristic but an empowering self-identification, the word is capitalised.

It is important to note that the use of the term “Black” as an ethnic identity is not restricted to specific geographical regions. Black people may come from different parts of the world, and their identity as Black relates to shared experiences of, for example, structural racism.

It is also important to note that identities and terms relating to skin colour and ethnicity are highly individual. Some people may prefer other terms such as “African American”, “Afro-German”, “Afro-Latino”, etc., to describe their specific cultural or regional identity more accurately. Respect for individual preferences and self-identifications is crucial.

See also BIPoC
See also Racism
See also White and whiteness

Care work

Care work encompasses activities focused on caring for, looking after and supporting other people. This can include caring for children, looking after relatives in need of nursing care, providing (emotional) support to friends and family, professional healthcare and nursing services, and everyday housework. Care work is thus done both for free in family contexts and for payment by various professions. Using the term “care work” highlights the fact that caring for someone is a form of work, one distinct from paid work, and should also be recognized as such. Women currently spend an average of 52.4 percent more time than men doing unpaid care work. This disparity is known as the “gender care gap” and has major ramifications that are impeding efforts to improve gender equality. Securing appropriate recognition for this work and sharing it out evenly are key issues of gender and social equality. (https://www.bmfsfj.de/bmfsfj/themen/gleichstellung/gender-care-gap/indikator-fuer-die-gleichstellung/gender-care-gap-ein-indikator-fuer-die-gleichstellung-137294)

Chronic condition

A chronic condition is a long-term episodic illness that affects a person over a lengthy period of time or permanently and that requires life-long treatment or management. Examples include physical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis as well as chronic mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

cis / cisgender

'Cisgender' refers to the alignment between a person’s sex assigned at birth and their self-identified gender identity. A cisgender person is therefore someone whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. For example, a person who was assigned female at birth and also identifies as a woman is cisgender. Transgender people, on the other hand, are those whose gender identity does not match their sex assigned at birth.

The use of these terms helps, amongst other things, to describe the diversity of gender identities and to articulate the privileges that cisgender people enjoy compared to transgender people, who experience discrimination on account of their transgender identity.

See also Privilege
See also trans* / transgender

Co-parenting

Co-parenting is a family structure in which two or more people who are not (or no longer) in a romantic or sexual relationship with each other work together to bring up their child(ren). Even though they are not in a relationship, they are actively involved in sharing parental responsibility for their child(ren). This frequently involves individuals acting as social parents despite not being parents in the biological or legal sense. Only a maximum of two people can currently have duty of care of a child in Germany.

Decolonization

Decolonization is the process whereby colonies gain political independence from their former colonial overlords. However, it extends beyond mere political independence and also often encompasses efforts to overcome the impact of colonialism on a country’s society, economy and culture. This includes overhauling political institutions, redistributing resources, restoring cultural identities and eliminating forms of social inequality that emerged during colonial rule.

See also Privilege
See also Global South

Digital accessibility

Digital accessibility means providing digital content and technologies in order to ensure that they can be used easily by anyone, including people with a disability or chronic condition. It includes designing accessible websites and apps, making documents and multimedia content available in an accessible format, developing accessible software and online applications, making e-services run by local and government authorities accessible, and guaranteeing accessible e-learning at educational institutions. Making digital applications accessible is a key prerequisite for using assistive technologies such as screen readers.

See also Assistive technologies

Disability

Disability is used as an umbrella term for numerous, very different deviations from a society’s ‘notions and requirements of normality’. A disability is defined as the interaction between individual physical, mental, psychological or sensory impairments and societal, environmental and attitudinal barriers. This understanding ties in with the human rights approach of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and with perspectives from disability studies, which view disability not as an individual deficit but as the result of power relations and social norms within society.

See also Disability Studies / Mad Studies
See also UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Disability Studies / Mad Studies

Disability Studies is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary field of research that challenges traditional views of disability. The focus is no longer on individual impairment, but on disability as a social and cultural construct. Central to this are questions regarding the meaning attributed to disability from a social, cultural and political perspective, and how social structures, norms and barriers contribute to the exclusion of people with disabilities.

Mad Studies is a related field of research within critical cultural studies that focuses in particular on the experiences of people who have been ‘psychiatrised’ or who are experiencing mental health crises. Here, ‘madness’ is seen not merely as a ‘disorder’, but as a cultural, social and individual construct. The perspectives of those affected, critiques of psychiatric institutions, and societal notions of ‘normality’ play an important role in this.

Discrimination

Discrimination means treating a person or group unfairly or putting them at a disadvantage on account of specific personal characteristics such as their ethnicity, gender, religion or beliefs, disability, sexual identity or orientation, age or anything else (e.g. their social background or a chronic condition). Discrimination can take many forms and happen anywhere, such as at work, in educational institutions, when looking for somewhere to live, when shopping or when accessing services. Discrimination can be practiced at an individual, institutional, discursive or structural level.

diverse* / third option

The term ‘third option’ refers to the recognition or identification of a gender that is not (exclusively) male or female. Since 2018, people in Germany have been able to select “diverse” as a third option alongside “male” and “female” when registering their civil status. This term is frequently used in forms, surveys or other documents to reflect the diversity of gender identities.

Following the ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court in October 2017, in which an intersex person sought an appropriate civil status entry, the positive third gender entry was introduced. Since the Self-Determination Act came into force in November 2024, this civil status entry has now also been made available to non-binary people.

See also Neopronouns
See also Preferred pronouns
See also inter* / intersex

Diversity

The term “diversity” can be applied either to a group of people or to an individual. It is primarily about what makes people similar and different, e.g. in terms of their culture and socialization, background, language, sexual identity, gender identity, religion, age or abilities.

In an organizational context, diversity can be understood as a strategy made up of various measures that help to give everyone in that organization equal opportunity and a feeling of belonging while also eliminating discrimination and barriers.

Doubts about one’s studies

This refers to any uncertainty that a student experiences during their studies and that leads them to consider withdrawing from university. It can be triggered by a variety of things, such as a lack of interest in one’s chosen subject, financial problems, health challenges or other personal circumstances, but structural disadvantages can play a role in this as well. Students often find themselves having to decide whether to continue their studies or strike out in a different direction.

Empowerment

Empowerment is geared toward strengthening people and enabling them to stand up for themselves, assert their interests and bring about positive changes in their life and community. The term is often used in social and political contexts to promote the empowerment of disadvantaged or underrepresented groups. Empowerment can generally only succeed in safe spaces where people with an equal sense of belonging can talk, organize themselves and draw strength from one another.

Equity/equal opportunity/(gender) equality

These terms relate to concepts of social justice and equality. Equity means distributing opportunities in society fairly, regardless of personal characteristics, and thus proactively tackling existing inequalities and eliminating discrimination. Equal opportunity means ensuring that everyone has the same initial chances of success and development, i.e. the right to equal access to opportunities in life. Equality means eliminating inequalities and creating equal rights and opportunities for all. It is about evening out the differences between the situations in which different sections of the population find themselves. Gender equality refers traditionally to equality between men and women.

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to consider one’s own culture to be the center of all things and a benchmark against which to judge other cultures. One’s own culture is thus seen as superior due to this biased view, and anything that deviates from it is regarded in a negative light. Like stereotyping, ethnocentrism can also go some way toward helping people to understand and categorize the various aspects of one’s environment. Taken to extremes, it is an interpretation of the world that puts one’s own group in the center of all “good things” and rates all others negatively.

See also Eurocentrism
See also Othering

Eurocentrism

The term “Eurocentrism” refers to a worldview in which ideas, values and lifestyles originating in Europe are seen as something to which everyone in the world should aspire. Europe is regarded as the focal point of culture, history and intellectualism and as superior to all other regions of the world. The values that Eurocentrists believe must be defended and promulgated include technological achievements and political systems that are viewed as “civilized” and “advanced.” Eurocentrism also describes the supremacy of Western, White perspectives in science, politics, business and industry. It is sometimes considered a variant of ethnocentrism.

See also Ethnocentrism

Exonym

An exonym (from the Greek exo, meaning “outside,” and nym, meaning “name”) is a term that majority society has chosen to call a certain group or minority but that they do not use themselves. Exonyms can often be derogatory or discriminatory because they are based on stereotypes or prejudices. Even on a purely linguistic level, an exonym indicates who in society is seen as “normal” and who is “different.” By contrast, using self-identifiers allows people to be addressed with their preferred form of address, thereby also preventing prejudice and discrimination from creeping into language.

See also Self-identifier
See also Discrimination
See also Othering

Family-friendliness

For the University of Bonn, "family" means a bond with close personal ties in which people take responsibility for each other. The term “family-friendliness” relates to promoting the compatibility of family and career, plus, in a university context, family and studies as well. It is primarily used in the context of people with family obligations such as bringing up children or caring for relatives. All family configurations are afforded the same level of recognition, acceptance and support at the University of Bonn.

Feminism

Feminism is a social and political movement that fights for gender equality. It aims to eliminate discrimination based on sex or gender, break down stereotypical gender roles and ensure that women have the same opportunities and rights as men. Although feminism has achieved a considerable amount of progress in recent years, supporters continue to campaign for an end to gender inequality.

First-generation student (“first-gen”)

First-generation students (“first-gens”) are people who are the first in their family to go to university—i.e. their parents and grandparents will not have a higher-education degree—meaning that they will come from a non-academic family.

FLINTA*

The acronym “FLINTA*” is used in Germany to raise awareness of and ensure the inclusion of various groups of people. The letters stand for:

• F: Frauen (women)
• L: Lesben (lesbians)
• I: Intersexuelle Personen (intersex people)
• N: Nicht-binäre Personen (non-binary people)
• T: Transgender Personen (transgender people)
• A: Agender Personen (agender people)
• *: represents diversity and can include additional identities not covered by the other letters.

Instead of referring to counseling services for (just) women, for example, FLINTA* can be used to indicate that they are open to multiple groups of people, specifically all those who do not identify as male.

See also * (asterisk)

Gender-inclusive language

Gender-inclusive language means adapting the language we use to account for diversity and gender equality, such as choosing gender-neutral or inclusive terms to avoid gender stereotyping and ensure that all gender identities are appropriately represented. In German, this can be done by using the gender asterisk (*), the gender colon (:), the gender underscore (_) or the medial capital “I,” for example. References to multiple genders in spoken language can be highlighted by a brief pause in place of the respective special character.

See also Awareness
See also * (asterisk)

Gender pay gap

The gender pay gap is the disparity in the average gross hourly rate earned by women and men. A distinction is made between the adjusted and unadjusted pay gap. When calculating the former, structural differences between the genders are ignored, such as differences in profession, level of qualifications, hours worked in a week, etc. In 2023, women earned 6 percent less than men according to the adjusted gender pay gap or 18 percent less according to the unadjusted gender pay gap. This disparity in earnings has a major impact and is due to various factors, including gender-specific discrimination at the workplace, different career paths, unequal opportunities for promotion or advancement, and the percentages of women and men in various jobs and sectors. Many countries are aiming to put an end to their gender pay gap, and measures such as transparent remuneration policies, “equal pay for equal work” and promoting gender equality in the workplace are being debated and implemented to narrow or eliminate this gap. (https://www.destatis.de/EN/Themes/Labour/Earnings/GenderPayGap/_node.html)

Global South

The terms “Global South” and “Global North” are intended to describe the situation in countries of today’s globalized world in as value-neutral and non-hierarchical a way as possible. Following this distinction, a country in the Global South will be disadvantaged either politically, economically or socially. By contrast, the countries of the Global North are in a privileged position in terms of their wealth, prosperity, political freedom and economic development. The dichotomy is also designed to highlight inequality and the dependency relationships that arise from it.

The term “Global South” is increasingly being used in place of previous (rather pejorative) alternatives such as “developing country”, “emerging country” and/or “Third World.”

Heteronormativity

Heteronormativity refers to the assumption that heterosexuality and a binary division between the genders should be regarded as standard for society. Proponents of this view hold that there are only two genders and that relationships and sexual attraction between men and women are the prevailing and accepted form, with women being subordinate to men. Heteronormativity marginalizes other sexual orientations and gender identities and tends to regard them as aberrant. Heteronormative values shape gender roles that are passed on to children at an early stage in their upbringing. Expressing gender in a non-conforming way or breaking the boundaries of gender roles by discriminating against them is socially discriminated against. The elimination of all forms of heteronormativity from all areas of society is urgently needed and will require a significant degree of reflection in order to foster a more inclusive and fairer society.

Heterosexism

Heterosexism means the assumption that heterosexuality is the “normal” or “standard” sexual orientation, which results in people with a different sexual orientation being discriminated against. The term is to be preferred to that of “homophobia” because, instead of designating a homogeneous group of “homosexuals” that is perceived as a group of victims, it draws attention to the heterosexual majority society as a whole, its privileges and its prejudices.

See also LGBTQIA+
See also Queer

ICD-10 / ICD-11

ICD is short for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. The ICD code is an internationally standardised system for the uniform classification of medical diagnoses.

Since 1 January 2022, ICD-11 has been adopted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is in force internationally; however, it has not yet been introduced in Germany and cannot be used for licensing reasons. Until its full introduction (in 2027), ICD-10 remains the valid official classification.

Classification systems such as the ICD are continuously revised; they reflect social and medical negotiation processes and are therefore also the subject of debate in regards to power relations.

Inclusion

Inclusion is an overarching approach in human rights that is based on the concept of enabling full, effective participation by everyone in all areas of a society and with equality of opportunity. It is understood as the fundamental openness of a social system that, naturally, also includes people with a disability. Rather than being about creating space within existing structures for people with a disability, it is a question of transforming social structures such that they take account of the diverse nature of our lives right from the outset. In practice, this means eliminating numerous barriers preventing people from participating in society.

See also Accessibility

See also cis / cisgender

Intersectionality

Intersectionality describes the link between various characteristics that impact the discrimination experienced by a person or group of people. The term makes it clear that, rather than discrimination being the result of a specific identity, several identities can interact and influence one another. For instance, the gay child of a manual laborer will face different challenges to the gay child of an academic, while a Black woman will have a different experience of discrimination to a Black man.

See also Discrimination

Invisible disability

An ‘invisible disability’ refers to a physical, mental, emotional or health-related impairment or limitation that is not apparent to others. Invisible disabilities can take many forms and have a significant impact on the daily life of the person affected, particularly through experiences of ableism. As they are not immediately apparent, the needs of those affected are often questioned. This can lead to additional barriers, for example, when it comes to the recognition of reasonable adjustments, the use of assistive devices or the exercise of rights (e.g. parking concessions).

See also Ableism

LGBTQIA+

LGBTQIA* is an acronym for people who face discrimination because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The letters stand for:

• L: lesbian
• G: gay
• B: bisexual
• T: transgender
• Q: queer or questioning (i.e. in the sense of “still finding out”)
• I: intersex
• A: asexual
• +: represents diversity and can include additional identities not covered by the other letters.

The use of the acronym ‘LGBTQIA+’ is intended to encompass a broader range of gender identities and sexual orientations, thereby better representing the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. It also offers the opportunity to identify with and/or show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. As an umbrella term, LGBTQIA+ makes it possible to make joint demands and draw attention to them, such as at a Christopher Street Day demonstration. Furthermore, it highlights the fact that LGBTQIA* people often experience similar forms of discrimination.

See also Queer

Mansplaining

A portmanteau of “man” and “explaining,” “mansplaining” describes a situation in which a man explains something in a condescending or patronizing way, especially to a woman. It is generally the woman’s perception rather than the man’s intention that decides whether he is guilty of mansplaining in a particular case. Mansplaining is a structural problem that is often encountered in professional, academic or everyday situations in which men unconsciously or intentionally assume that women know less or have less experience in a particular area than they do. This can lead women to feel disempowered or not taken seriously.

See also Sexism

Micro-aggression

Micro-aggressions are subtle or casual statements, actions or behaviors that are discriminatory or derogatory, often directed against members of marginalized groups based on characteristics such as ethnic background, gender or religion. The term “mosquito bites” is used metaphorically in some contexts to refer to micro-aggressions, the analogy being they are like little stings or bites that, while not necessarily painful or obvious immediately, can nonetheless be unpleasant and annoying and can leave someone with a painful experience overall as time goes on. Raising awareness and making conscious efforts are key to fostering an inclusive environment built on respect.

See also Discrimination
See also Gender-inclusive language
See also Triggers

Migration background

In Germany, a person will be regarded (for statistical purposes) as having a “migration background” if “they themselves or at least one of their parents is not a German citizen by birth.” The term attempts to avoid the unsatisfactory situation where people are categorized as either “foreigners” or “Germans.” This poses problems, however, because it is not possible to divide people into those with and those without a migration background in a value-neutral way. The concept makes reference to a social norm of “not having immigrated” and thus opens up the possibility of labeling those who deviate from this norm.

The term “with a migration background” has also become firmly established in day-to-day discourse when someone differs from the perceived norm of “being German.” Thus Germans can also be called “people with a migration background,” regardless of whether they were born in Germany, whether they hold German citizenship, or whether their family has lived in Germany for generations. This othering risks people “with a migration background” being labeled or (racially) discriminated against on account of their appearance or their name, for example. Since people will experience racism regardless of whether or not they have a “migration background,” there is a need to assess their experience of racism or discrimination rather than their migration background.

See also Exonym
See also Othering
See also Refugee

Neopronouns

Neopronouns are newly coined terms or foreign-language pronouns that are used without being translated into German. Neopronouns are used by non-binary and/or trans* people who do not feel comfortable with the binary gender pronouns ‘sie’ ('she') or ‘er’ ('he') in German. The Swedish gender-neutral pronoun “hen” or the English “they/them” are well-known examples of pronouns adapted into German. Newly coined pronouns in German include, for example, “sier”, “sie*er” or “xier”.

See also Nonbinary
See also Preferred pronouns
See also trans* / transgender

Neurodivergence

The term ‘neurodivergence’ is used to describe situations where individuals differ cognitively from the norm that society considers ‘neurotypical’. This includes neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome and many other forms of neurodivergence.

Whilst neurodiversity describes the variety of all neurological functioning, neurodivergence refers to individual variations within this spectrum. It is estimated that up to 20% of people are neurodivergent – and yet their perspectives, needs and potential are often overlooked in everyday life, education and the workplace. A conscious approach to neurological diversity is therefore an important step towards genuine inclusion and sustainable collaboration.

See also AD(H)D
See also Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
See also Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity encompasses the idea of the diversity of human brains and mental abilities. The term acknowledges that all people have different ways of thinking and learning. The concept regards inter-individual differences in neurological structures – which are classified as disorders by medicine or psychology – as an aspect of human diversity.

Neurodiversity describes the natural range of neurological differences in feeling, thinking, learning and perceiving. Neurodiversity is an inclusive concept that recognises that there is not just one ‘normal’ way in which the human brain functions.

The concept of neurodiversity encompasses both neurotypical and neurodivergent people and assumes that differences should be viewed not as pathologies, but as natural variations in human neurology. Such an approach is strength- and resource-oriented and focuses on individual support options.

See also AD(H)D
See also Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
See also Neurodivergence

Non-binary / nonbinary / enby

‘Non-binary’, ‘nonbinary’ or ‘enby’ (enby being based on the acronym nb) refers to gender identities that fall between or outside the binary gender system of “male” or ‘female’. Non-binary encompasses a wide range of identities, such as genderfluid or agender. Non-binary people experience exclusion and discrimination because many social structures are traditionally organised along binary lines and non-binary individuals are often not taken into account. One way to avoid discriminating against non-binary people is to address strangers in a gender-neutral manner or to ask for their preferred pronouns, rather than assigning them a gender based on physical characteristics.

See also Preferred Pronouns
See also trans* / transgender

Othering

The term “othering” is made up of the word “other” plus the suffix “-ing” to give it the sense of a noun. It refers to the portrayal of powerless “others” according to the self-interests of the powerful. One’s own social image is highlighted in a positive light while someone else is classified as “foreign” or “other.” The “others” are thus regarded as different and not belonging and are disparaged. The othering process usually occurs within an imbalance of power.

See also Exonym

Outing (coming out versus being outed)

Outing generally means revealing the fact that someone is LGBTQIA* (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, inter or another non-heteronormative identity) when this information was not previously publicly known. Doing so without being asked is regarded as disrespectful because it violates the person’s privacy. Outing can occur in various contexts, including in the media, in the public sphere or among friends and family. It is important to respect other people’s privacy and autonomy and only share information of this nature if and when the person concerned explicitly wants it to be shared. Coming out can be a pivotal moment in someone’s life journey but should never be demanded by anyone.

See also LGBTQIA+
See also Queer

Participation

Participation relates to the active involvement of individuals or groups in decision-making processes, activities or social structures. It is a process that enables people to make their voices heard, exchange opinions, make suggestions and influence decisions or developments. Participation also refers to the right and opportunity to have equal and active access to all aspects of social life, to be involved in them and to contribute to them. These aspects include education, work, leisure activities, social interactions and access to public services and facilities. An environment that is as accessible as it can be is vital in order to guarantee the participation of as many people as possible. Various different aids or individual arrangements can be put in place where people’s participation is restricted by impairments or other constraints.

Patchwork family

A patchwork family (or stepfamily) has at least one parent and their new partner living together with one or more children from previous relationships. It therefore includes children born to different parents, who form a new family together with new partners and, potentially, these partners’ own children. The opposite is the core family, where the parents live together as a couple with their own child or children and may be married to each other.

Positioning/Positionality

Positioning is an attitude that an individual can adopt in relation to their being part of a social group. For example, a person can position themselves as ‘white’ or ‘cis’, thereby expressing that they are aware of certain privileges associated with this position. This is intended to encourage a more self-critical approach to one's own position in society, but has no influence on structural discrimination or privileges.

Positionality, on the other hand, expresses the external assignment of a person to a certain position. This happens without the influence of the person and is based on externally visible characteristics such as skin colour, gendered characteristics or a visible disability.

See also Privilege
See also Cisgender
See also white

Preferred pronouns

A person’s preferred pronouns are self-identifiers for their own gender identity, and everyone is free to choose their own. Because a binary division of pronouns into “he” and “she” does not adequately reflect the diversity of human gender and people can be addressed with the wrong pronouns on account of their appearance, their name or other personal characteristics, asking them to state their preference is a practical way to give everyone the opportunity to make their own, self-determined choice about what they would like to be called.

The pronouns can vary considerably and will not necessarily have anything to do with the gender a person is assigned at birth. Using the wrong pronouns can potentially be a triggering, exclusionary and hurtful experience for the person concerned. It is therefore especially important to acknowledge and respect everyone’s individuality and self-determination and to use the pronouns that they choose for themselves.

See also Exonym
See also Self-identifier

Privilege

A privilege is an advantageous position or example of preferential treatment that a person or group of people enjoys thanks to certain characteristics or circumstances, with these benefits being denied to other people or groups. Privileges can be prevalent at various levels and are not confined to the ownership of material resources and property. Rather, the position (of power) that someone occupies in society on account of specific characteristics such as their skin color, gender or age can unfairly grant them advantages and benefits that should, in principle, be the same for everyone. People who enjoy certain privileges are often not necessarily aware that they have them.

Queer

“Queer” is used as a self-identifier by people with a non-heteronormative sexual orientation or gender identity. Originally an insult, “queer” has evolved into an umbrella term for various non-traditional identities that lie outside heteronormative norms. The word can be interpreted in different ways in a personal and cultural context, with some people using it as an assertive self-identifier and others possibly finding it inappropriate. What matters is respect for the identity that someone has chosen for themselves and what they themselves consider the term to mean.

See also LGBTQIA+

Racism

Racism refers to prejudices, discrimination or hostility shown to people on account of their ethnic background. It is based on the belief that certain groups of people are superior and others inferior, which can be expressed very openly but also implicitly, unconsciously and subtly. The result is systematic discrimination and inequality in various areas of society.

Several things need to be done to tackle racism: raising awareness of prejudices; educating people about diversity and equality; and taking action at individual, institutional and societal level to fight discrimination and promote an inclusive society.

See also Discrimination

Rainbow family

In a rainbow family, either the parents will be a same-sex couple or one of them will not identify as heterosexual. The “rainbow” element highlights the diverse range of possible sexual orientations and gender identities by referencing the rainbow symbol often used for and by the LGBTQIA+ community. In 2020, Germany had around 12,000 households that were home to same-sex couples with children (source: https://www.lsvd.de/de/ct/3292-Wie-viele-Kinder-gibt-es-mit-gleichgeschlechtlichen-Eltern-bzw-in-Regenbogenfamilien).

See also LGBTQIA+

Refugee

Refugees are people who have left their home country as a result of persecution, conflict, war, natural disasters or other grave circumstances and who have fled to a different country in search of safety and protection. The term applies either to those recognized as refugees according to the Geneva Refugee Convention or also to those having fled for reasons other than mentioned therein. The term can also include people who have not been granted official status as such or have not (yet) claimed asylum.

See also Migration background

Safe(r) space

Safe spaces are (physical) spaces intended as a safe and secure environment for marginalized groups. A distinction is often made between individual groups, so there are safe spaces specifically for BIPoCs, people identifying as queer, people with a disability, etc., although mixed safe spaces also exist. They are places where the relevant people can feel happy and be protected from discrimination. The term “safer space” is sometimes used instead to acknowledge that no space can ever be completely safe and secure.

Self-identifier

A self-identifier is the term that a person or group of people uses to refer to themselves. It can be individual or collective in nature and is often closely linked to one’s own identity. Self-identifiers can change over time and are influenced by various factors such as culture, social setting and personal experience. They play an important role in how people construct an image of themselves and the affinity that they feel with particular communities. For the sake of inclusion, therefore, it is extremely important to respect and use the self-identifiers preferred by individuals and groups.

See also Exonym

Sexism

Sexism refers to discrimination on the grounds of someone’s (presumed) gender. It is based on gender-specific behavior patterns that are expected by society (gender stereotypes), with men occupying a privileged position and thus predominantly women being viewed as the victims of sexism. Sexism exists at both an individual and a structural level, in how language is used, in social rules and, ultimately, in the form of actual violence (rape, sexual harassment, degrading treatment).

See also Discrimination

Sources: https://www.idaev.de/recherchetools/glossar?tx_dpnglossary_glossary%5Baction%5D=show&tx_dpnglossary_glossary%5Bcontroller%5D=Term&tx_dpnglossary_glossary%5Bterm%5D=45&cHash=68bba22a30bee0a1fddde012fe8d3d4f and https://sexismus-lexikon.de/glossary/

trans* / transgender

Trans* or transgender is a term used to describe all people who do not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth. This includes people who identify as transgender, transsexual, non-binary, or as belonging to other gender minorities. The asterisk after trans* is both a shorthand for transgender and a reference to the diversity of binary and non-binary trans* identities. Trans* people can be binary transgender, such as trans* women or trans* men, and also non-binary transgender, such as gender-fluid, agender and non-binary people.

See also cis / cisgender
See also FLINTA*

Transphobia/Transprejudice

Transphobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, hatred or violence towards trans* people, i.e. people whose gender identity does not match the gender assigned to them at birth. This hostile attitude can manifest itself in various forms, such as verbal hostility, social marginalisation, legal discrimination or physical violence. The term transprejudice is preferable to transphobia, as it distances itself from the trivialising conceptualisation of the phenomenon as fear.

See also LGBTQIA+
See also Heterosexism
See also Queer

Trigger/Trigger warning

A trigger can be an image, a word, a certain topic or anything else that reminds people of a stressful or traumatic experience that they have had. They can be something a person sees, hears, smells or touches and will often be specific to them and their own experiences. Reacting to a trigger can cause a strong emotional and psychological response such as anxiety or panic, among other things. A trigger warning gives people a brief indication of upcoming content that might be violent, sexual or discriminatory. This makes them aware of the potentially triggering nature of the content so that they can leave the room while it is being shown, for instance.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is an international agreement that protects and promotes the rights of people with a disability. It is based on fundamental principles such as non-discrimination, inclusion, self-determination, accessibility and respect for differences. The convention calls for the full participation of people with a disability in all aspects of life with self-determination and equality of opportunity. It is geared toward eliminating discrimination and barriers in order to ensure that people with a disability have the same opportunities and rights as those without.

See also Accessibility
See also Participation

White and critical whiteness

‘Whiteness’ refers to the social identity of people who – often, but not exclusively, on the basis of their appearance – are categorised as ‘white’. 'White' is written in lower case and italics, in contrast to ‘Black’, to make it clear that it is a constructed political category associated with privileges that come at the expense of Black people.

Critical whiteness is a concept that focuses on how people identified as white perceive their whiteness and act within society. It involves reflecting on the privileges associated with whiteness, as well as acknowledging and resisting structural racism. Critical whiteness means reflecting on one’s own prejudices, privileges and the effects of racism. It also involves recognising that racism exists not only at the individual level, but also at the structural level within institutions and systems.

Discussions on critical whiteness emphasise the importance of empathy, self-reflection and active participation in the fight against racism by those who identify as white. It is an approach that encourages people to recognise their own responsibility in the context of racism and to take a stand against injustice.

See also Ally
See also Black
See also Privilege

* (asterisk)

The asterisk (*) is used in German in conjunction with gender-inclusive language to stress gender diversity and inclusivity. It serves two main purposes: first, to prevent the “generic masculine” (which is more an issue in German than English) from implicitly addressing only men, which can erode gender equality. Second, it is an attempt to reflect in the use of language the fact that gender is not restricted to a binary “either/or” and to encourage an inclusive form of communication that takes account of the diversity of gender identities. An asterisk at the end of a German word is intended to indicate that there is space for other identities too.

See also Gender-inclusive language