ÄrztinnenÄrzten

ÄrztinnenÄrzten is a neologistic typographic form used in German to refer collectively to physicians of all genders by merging the feminine plural Ärztinnen (female doctors) and the masculine plural Ärzten (male doctors) into a single word. The construction is part of broader discussions about gender-inclusive language and appears in some publications, campaigns, or online platforms.

The form aims to acknowledge both genders without repeating "und" or choosing one form over another. However, it is not part of standard German orthography. Many style guides and dictionaries treat it as nonstandard and instead recommend alternatives such as "Ärztinnen und Ärzte" or other neutral or explicit formulations. Its use varies by publisher, institution, and context, and acceptance is limited outside certain linguistic or advocacy circles.

Critics argue that concatenation can hinder readability, complicate inflection, or raise accessibility issues for assistive technologies. Proponents view it as a concise visual cue signaling inclusion. Because the form is not universally recognized, it can lead to inconsistency in texts and indexing, which is a consideration for editors and translators.

Related concepts include the Binnen-I (for example, Ärztinnen) and gender-inclusive strategies like the gender star (Ärztinnen*). The broader debate in German-language contexts centers on balancing clarity, inclusivity, and typographic practicality in professional and public communication.