Lehrkraft

Lehrkraft is a gender-neutral designation in the German language for a person who teaches in educational settings. It is used primarily to refer to teaching staff in schools and related programs, and it is favored in official and policy contexts to promote inclusive language. The term underscores the instructional role rather than the individual's gender and can refer to teachers across levels, from primary to secondary, as well as educators in vocational and special-education settings.

Usage and scope: In everyday speech people often use Lehrerinnen und Lehrer, but Lehrkraft and the plural Lehrkräfte are increasingly employed in formal language, school documents, and legislation. The term is common in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it may be applied to teachers and, in some contexts, to instructors employed in school-based education or teacher training programs. It is less common for university faculty, who are typically called Dozenten or Professoren.

Qualifications and training: Becoming a Lehrkraft generally requires formal teacher education. In most German-speaking countries this includes a university degree in a subject plus a teacher-education component and a status exam or practical training. Germany typically follows a university degree with the Referendariat; Austria has Lehramtsstudium with practical training; Switzerland combines university study with cantonal teaching requirements. Pathways vary by system.

Impact and alternatives: The term supports inclusive language in education policy and public discourse. It complements other neutral terms such as Lehrperson or Pädagogische Fachkraft, which emphasize different aspects of educational work. Overall, Lehrkraft is used to denote the professional role of teaching staff without specifying gender.