Dirigentin

Dirigentin is the feminine form of Dirigent in German, used to refer to a female conductor—someone who leads an orchestra, choir, or other musical ensemble during performance and rehearsal. The conductor is responsible for interpreting the score, setting tempo, shaping phrasing and dynamics, and coordinating the ensemble’s musical execution. The term reflects gendered language in German, where masculine forms coexist with feminine forms; in English, the term is usually rendered as “female conductor.”

Dirigentin derives from the German verb dirigieren, which traces to Latin dirigere, meaning to direct or guide. In practice, since the late 20th century a growing number of women have taken leading roles as music directors or principal conductors in major orchestras.

Notable contemporary dirigentins include Marin Alsop, Simone Young, and Xian Zhang, who have held prominent posts and helped broaden opportunities for women in the field. The existence of the feminine form in German reflects broader discussions about gender in the profession, where women have increasingly achieved leadership positions, received international recognition, and contributed to the repertoire with both conducting and programming. See also Dirigent; Musikdirektor.