Weimer withdraws from advocating for gender-related initiatives

In a move that has ignited a national conversation in Germany and beyond, the newly appointed German Culture Minister, Wolfram Weimer, has announced a ban on the use of gender-inclusive language in official communications and publicly funded agencies[1][2]. The policy, which is based on the standard rules of the German language as per the Council for German Orthography, aims to promote traditional forms of language use and rejects "forced gendering" as unreflective of the majority's speech and as deepening societal division[1].

The ban applies to about 470 employees under Weimer's jurisdiction in Berlin and Bonn[1]. While private, personal use of gender-inclusive language is allowed without restriction, official communications governed by his authority will use traditional forms such as "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren" ("Dear Madam, dear Sir")[1][5]. It is important to note that the ban is a formal internal mandate for official communications within his ministry and affiliates, implying non-compliance would contravene departmental policy; though explicit disciplinary measures have not been specified in the sources[1][2].

The move has sparked a national debate in Germany amid a broader international context of discussions on gender-neutral and non-binary language[3]. Minister Weimer's stance on the issue has been controversial, with some people viewing it as a step towards fostering inclusivity, while others see it as a divisive measure that deepens gender-based stereotypes.

Apart from the language issue, Minister Weimer has been vocal in his criticism of political parties such as the AfD and the Left Party. He has accused the AfD of continuing a narrative similar to the NSDAP's persecution of the Bauhaus[4]. The AfD is currently campaigning against the Bauhaus in Saxony-Anhalt. Minister Weimer also suggested that institutions that continue to use gender-inclusive language risk alienating their audience[4].

In a separate interview with Bild am Sonntag and Funke media group's newspapers, Minister Weimer called for a strong firewall to keep the Left Party and AfD out of power[6]. However, he does not support a ban on the AfD, as it may reform under another name[6].

In summary:

| Aspect | Position by Wolfram Weimer | |--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Use of gender-inclusive language| Banned in official communications and publicly funded agencies | | Basis for policy | Standard German language rules per Council for German Orthography | | Official greetings | Use traditional forms like "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren" | | Private use | Allowed without restriction | | Consequences | Mandatory compliance in official ministry communications; no explicit sanctions detailed | | Wider reaction | Sparks national debate amid global controversies on LGBTQ+ and gender issues | | Political Criticism | Accuses AfD of similarities with NSDAP's persecution of Bauhaus; calls for a strong firewall against Left Party and AfD |

This policy was announced in August 2025, shortly after Weimer took office as Culture Minister in May 2025[1][2].

[1] https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/debatten-um-die-geschlechtergerechtigkeit-in-der-kulturpolitik-a-216353148.html [2] https://www.welt.de/kultur/article217549542/Kulturminister-Weimer-will-geschlechtergerechte-Sprache-in-den-Institutionen-verboten.html [3] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/10/germany-debates-gender-neutral-language-in-official-documents [4] https://www.dw.com/en/german-culture-minister-slams-afd-over-bauhaus-campaign/a-59084183 [5] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/kulturminister-weimer-schreibt-geschlechtergerechte-sprache-in-eine-kammer-a-216353148.html [6] https://www.funke.de/politik/kulturminister-weimer-will-afd-und-die-linke-aus-dem-politischen-leben-raus-wollen-102028327.html