Ausgetretene

Ausgetretene is a German term used to describe individuals who have left or exited from a binding organization, most commonly a church. The noun is formed from the participle ausgetreten and functions as a plural designation for those no longer belonging to that community. In practice, it is widely used in discussions of religious affiliation and secularization in German-speaking regions.

Leaving a church, often referred to as Kirchenaustritt, is a legally recognized process in several countries, and those who do so are counted among the Ausgetretene in official statistics and research. The term is also used more broadly to refer to members who resign from other associations or movements, though its usage is most common in the church context.

Reasons for leaving vary and may include dissatisfaction with church governance, disagreements over doctrine or moral positions, personal beliefs, life circumstances, or financial considerations such as church tax. Some individuals switch to other religious communities, convert to non-religion, or simply adopt a secular or humanist identity.

Demographic trends show a gradual increase in the share of Ausgetretene in many German-speaking countries since the late 20th century, contributing to declining church membership and shifts in social networks. Researchers study the phenomenon to understand secularization, identity formation, and the relationship between religion and public life. The label Ausgetretene is descriptive rather than a fixed identity, as individuals may reaffiliate or change affiliations over time. See also Kirchenaustritt, religious affiliation.