Gegenüberinnen
Gegenüberinnen is a German neologism used to denote female counterparts in a given relationship, comparison, or interaction. The term builds on Gegenüber, meaning the other person or counterpart in a dialogue or relation, and adds the feminine plural suffix -innen to emphasize women occupying that role. It appears mainly in discussions within gender studies, sociolinguistics, and debates about inclusive language, where analysts seek to specify gender in descriptions of roles or pairings.
Etymology and form: Gegenüber is a neutral base noun for “the counterpart” or “the person opposite.” The
Usage and practicality: The term is uncommon in everyday prose. When it appears, it is typically in
See also: gender-inclusive language; German neologisms; Gegenüber; language and gender in German.