Malerin

Malerin is the German noun for a female painter. The masculine counterpart is Maler. The feminine form Malerin is formed with the suffix -in, from the verb malen (to paint). The plural is Malerinnen for women and Maler for men.

Malerin denotes a person whose profession or activity is painting, either in the visual arts or as a hobby, and can refer to someone who creates paintings in any style or period.

Historically, women painters in German-speaking regions existed but faced barriers to training, professional recognition, and market access. In the modern period, female painters gained prominence in art history and contemporary practice. Notable Malerinnen include Käthe Kollwitz (1867–1945), known for social realism and graphic works, and Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876–1907), a pioneer of German modernism.

In contemporary German usage, Malerin is the standard term for a woman who paints. For reference to both genders, Malerinnen und Maler is commonly used. In inclusive language, alternatives such as Kunstschaffende are also encountered, and some contexts use gender-neutral forms like Maler/in.