Vertreterinnen

Vertreterinnen is the feminine plural form of the German noun Vertreter and means female representatives, deputies, or spokespeople. The term designates women who act as representatives of a group, organization, party, or institution. The corresponding masculine plural is Vertreter, and the singular feminine is Vertreterin.

Formation and grammar: German forms feminine plurals by adding -innen to the masculine base; thus Vertreterinnen refers specifically to women. When both genders are meant, writers often use inclusive formulations such as Vertreterinnen und Vertreter or alternative constructions (for example using the gender-neutral term Vertreterinnen/Vertreter or other new forms).

Usage: The term appears in politics, business, unions, and education to refer to women who serve as delegates, board members, spokespersons, or deputies. Examples include "Die Vertreterinnen des Parlaments" or "Vertreterinnen der Gewerkschaft".

Context and language evolution: The use of -innen forms reflects efforts to acknowledge women's participation and improve gender parity in German texts. Attitudes toward inclusive language vary by institution, and some contexts prefer traditional forms or alternative inclusive practices. The plural form does not inherently include men; it remains specifically feminine unless paired with male forms.