nichtbinär
/ˈnɪçtbiˌnɛːɐ̯/
The English phrase non-binary is translated into German as nichtbinär. Wiktionary also lists nicht-binär and nonbinär.
Meaning: outside the gender binary (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| nichtbinär | /ˈnɪçtbiˌnɛːɐ̯/ |
| nicht-binär | |
| nonbinär | |
| divers | /diˈvɛʁs/ |
| diversgeschlechtlich |
These terms are used to describe individuals or identities that exist outside the gender binary.
Which one should you use?
The term nichtbinär is used in social and identity contexts. In contrast, divers is the specific legal category used on German official documents and birth certificates. The term diversgeschlechtlich is used as a formal adjective to describe identities that fall outside the binary, often in academic or sociological contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective nichtbinär is indeclinable, meaning it does not change its ending regardless of the gender or case of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnɪçtbiˌnɛːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- Because German grammar relies heavily on gendered articles, many nichtbinär people use the 'gender star' or 'colon' in writing, such as Student*innen or Student:innen, to create a gender-neutral space.
- Some nichtbinär speakers in Germany adopt a new set of pronouns called 'Neo-pronomen', such as xier or sier, to avoid the binary er and sie.
- In Germany, you can officially change your gender marker to divers on your identity card, which is represented by the letter 'X' in many international contexts.
Examples in context
- Die Person identifiziert sich als nicht-binär.The person identifies as non-binary.
- Mina zeigt eine genderqueere Identität und kleidet sich individuell.Mina displays a genderqueer identity and dresses uniquely.
- Lukas ist enby und fühlt sich in der LGBTQ+-Community gut aufgehoben.Lukas is enby and feels comfortable within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Sie ist eine nichtbinär lebende Person.She is a person living non-binary.
- Ich identifiziere mich als nichtbinär.I identify as non-binary.
- Das Wort nichtbinär wird oft genutzt.The word non-binary is often used.
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are discussing identity at a cafe.
- JuliaWie identifizierst du dich eigentlich, Maximilian?How do you actually identify, Maximilian?
- MaximilianIch bin nichtbinär, also weder Mann noch Frau.I am non-binary, so neither man nor woman.
- JuliaDanke, dass du mir das sagst.Thank you for telling me that.
- MaximilianGerne, Julia.You're welcome, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “non-binary” translations and entries nichtbinär, nonbinär, divers, diversgeschlechtlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
