Benutzende

Benutzende is a German term used in information technology, software development and user experience design to refer to people who use a product, service, or system. It is an agent noun formed from the verb benutzen (to use) and is intended to denote the users of a system rather than the creators or operators. The form can be used in singular (der Benutzende) or plural (die Benutzenden).

In terminology, Benutzende competes with other neutral or gender-inclusive forms such as Nutzende. While Benutzende is understood and used in many contexts, Nutzende is increasingly preferred in modern German style guides and technical writing for its broader inclusivity. Die Benutzenden and die Nutzenden both indicate people who engage with a product, but Nutzende is often favored for avoiding gender specification.

Use and context, Benutzende appears in user-facing documentation, UX research, accessibility guidelines, and software localization. The term emphasizes the action of using a product, which can be advantageous in discussions about design requirements, usability testing, and feature development. Some style guides recommend avoiding gendered terms altogether, substituting Benutzende or Nutzende for Benutzerinnen and Benutzer.

Examples include sentences such as: Die Benutzenden sollten eine klare Orientierung in der Oberfläche finden. Die Software sammelt Feedback von den Benutzenden, um die Benutzerschnittstelle zu verbessern.

See also: Benutzer, Benutzeroberfläche, Nutzende, Endnutzer, Endnutzerin.