Behinderten

Behinderten is the plural noun form derived from Behinderte in German, used to refer to people who have disabilities. In standard grammar it appears as Die Behinderten in the nominative plural, den Behinderten in the dative plural, and der Behinderten in the genitive plural. The bare form Behinderten is common in phrases like mit Behinderten (with disabled people) or unter den Behinderten, and it can also occur in official or historical texts.

The term has become controversial in contemporary German. Some consider it outdated or pejorative because it centers the disability in the noun rather than the person. In many contexts language guidelines recommend person‑first terminology—Menschen mit Behinderungen (people with disabilities) or Personen mit Behinderungen. Some disability communities advocate for identity‑first language and may use Behinderte as a self‑designation, depending on the community and context.

Legal and policy context in German‑speaking countries emphasizes disability rights and participation. In Germany, disability policy is shaped by the Sozialgesetzbuch IX (SGB IX) and the Bundesteilhabegesetz (BTHG) of 2017, which aim at equal participation and independent living. Germany is a party to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ratified in 2009, guiding inclusive practices in education, employment, and accessibility. Austria and Switzerland have similar frameworks and increasingly align with person‑first language in public discourse, while older literature and some institutions may still reflect the historical form.

Overall, the status of Behinderten as a term is evolving, with emphasis on respectful and inclusive language that centers the person rather than the disability.