Designerrinnen

Designerrinnen is a coined German term that some writers use to refer collectively to female designers. It is not part of standard German, where the usual form is Designerinnen. The term appears in discussions about gender-inclusive language and representation in the design professions.

Formation and usage: Designerrinnen is formed by combining Design with the feminine plural suffix -innen, yielding a recognizable but nonstandard word. It tends to appear in online articles, blogs, and social media posts that emphasize women’s contributions in design or aim to foreground gender in conversations about design education, hiring, and awards.

Reception and critique: Linguists and editors are divided. Critics argue that it is awkward, inconsistent with established German grammar, or unclear because the base word Design is a loanword and not a gendered noun. Proponents view it as a deliberate inclusive-language choice that makes women designers more visible and counters masculine-default language. The term’s acceptability varies by region, publication, and audience.

See also: Designerinnen; gender-inclusive language in German; Women in design.