Lernerin

Lernerin is a German noun used to designate a female learner or student. It is the feminine counterpart to Lerner, which denotes a learner regardless of gender. The term is commonly found in educational contexts, textbooks, and descriptions of language-learning activities.

Origin and formation: The word derives from the verb lernen (to learn) and uses the agent-noun suffix -er to indicate a person who learns. The feminine form is created by adding the suffix -in, following standard German gendered noun formation. In contemporary usage, Lernende is increasingly preferred as a gender-neutral alternative.

Usage and nuance: Lernerin specifies female gender and is appropriate when the gender of the learner is known or stated. In inclusive language, Lernende is commonly used as a gender-neutral form to refer to a learner of any gender, and the plural die Lernenden can denote groups. The masculine counterpart is Lerner, and Lernende can also be used as a neutral or mixed-gender singular or plural form.

Examples: Die Lernerin hat die Aufgabe gelöst. In gender-neutral contexts, one might say: Die Lernende nimmt am Kurs teil. See also Lerner, Lernende, Lernen.