Lehrerinnen

Lehrerinnen is the plural form in German for female teachers, derived from Lehrerin, the feminine form of Lehrer. The term is used to refer specifically to women who teach in schools. In practice, many contexts use Lehrerinnen und Lehrer to denote mixed-gender teaching staff, or employ gender-neutral terms such as Lehrperson to emphasize inclusivity.

In the German-speaking education system, becoming a Lehrerin typically requires a university-level teacher training program (Lehramtsstudium) followed by a practical phase, often called Referendariat, and culminating in a state examination or equivalent credential. The exact structure varies by country and region but generally includes subject specialization (for example, mathematics, languages, or science) and grade-level training for primary or secondary education. Similar training paths exist in Austria and Switzerland, with country-specific requirements and institutions, such as universities of teacher education and professional development components.

The daily work of Lehrinnen mirrors that of their male counterparts and includes planning and delivering lessons, assessing student progress, managing classrooms, supporting diverse learners, and contributing to school life and curriculum development. Increasing emphasis on inclusive education, digital learning, and student well-being has shaped modern teaching roles for all teachers, including Lehrinnen.

Historically, teaching has been a female-dominated profession in many regions, particularly at primary levels. Today, women remain the majority of teachers in many systems, though there is ongoing discussion about representation in leadership positions and salary comparisons. Terms and practices around gender in language and job titles continue to evolve, with some schools adopting gender-neutral forms or inclusive language policies.

See also: Lehrerin, Lehrer, Lehrperson, Lehrerausbildung.