Nutzende

Nutzende is a gender-inclusive noun used in German to refer to people who use a product, service, or system. It functions as an inclusive alternative to traditional terms like Nutzer or Nutzerinnen und Nutzer, emphasizing that all users, regardless of gender, are included in the reference.

The term is formed from the verb nutzen (to use) with the suffix -ende, producing a participle-based noun. In practice, it appears in the plural as die Nutzenden and can also be used with a definite article or in bare form in sentences such as Die Nutzenden melden Probleme. While the singular form is possible (eine Nutzende), the plural usage is far more common in contemporary texts.

Nutzende is part of broader efforts to implement gender-inclusive language in German. It offers a concise alternative to longer compound phrases and pairs of terms. Its acceptance varies by region, institution, and style guide; some contexts prefer explicit formulations like Nutzerinnen und Nutzer, while others adopt Nutzende or similar gender-inclusive constructions. Critics sometimes argue that it can be unfamiliar or awkward for readers, leading to mixed adoption across publications and organizations.

Examples of usage include technical documentation, user interfaces, and public communications where inclusivity is a priority. The term can be capitalized as a noun (Nutzende) and is typically declined as a normal noun like other gender-inclusive forms.

See also: Nutzer, Nutzerinnen und Nutzer, gender-inclusive language, German language terminology.