unisex
The English phrase "unisex" can be translated into German as unisex or geschlechtsneutral.
Meaning: not distinguished on the basis of sex or gender, suitable for any sex or gender (adj)
Ways to say it
| German |
|---|
| unisex |
| geschlechtsneutral |
Both terms describe something that is not distinguished on the basis of sex or gender and is suitable for any sex or gender.
What does it mean word for word?
The word geschlechtsneutral is a compound of Geschlecht (sex/gender) and neutral (neutral).
Which one should you use?
While unisex is used in German, often in marketing or for clothing, geschlechtsneutral is the more precise, formal term used in linguistic or sociological contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective before a masculine noun in the accusative case, geschlechtsneutral takes the ending -en, such as in einen geschlechtsneutralen Namen.
Did you know?
- In Germany, the push for geschlechtsneutrale language often involves using the 'Gendersternchen' or asterisk in words like Student*innen to include all genders.
- The word Geschlecht used in geschlechtsneutral can mean 'gender' or 'sex' but also refers to a 'lineage' or 'dynasty' in historical contexts.
- The term geschlechtsneutral is formed by combining Geschlecht and neutral with a linking 's' known as a Fugenelement.
Examples in context
- Alex ist ein geschlechtsneutraler Name.Alex is a unisex name.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe a name using geschlechtsneutral.Tatoeba #13218837 by Vortarulo, translation #8682868 by sabretou
- Dieser Schlafanzug ist geschlechtsneutral.These are unisex pyjamas.This sentence shows how to describe clothing using geschlechtsneutral.Tatoeba #9705068 by Yorwba, translation #9694354 by Johannes_S
- Als mir mein nicht-binäres Selbstverständnis klar wurde, begann ich, mir geschlechtsneutrale Namen herauszusuchen.When I discovered my non-binary identity, I began searching for unisex names.This sentence shows how to use the inflected form geschlechtsneutrale in a sentence.Tatoeba #11974141 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8682863 by sabretou
- Die geschlechtsneutralen Toiletten sind für alle Benutzerinnen und Benutzer zugänglich.The gender-neutral toilets are accessible to all users.
- Die Bekleidungsmarke bietet eine Linie für beide Geschlechter an.The clothing brand offers a line for both genders.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are shopping for perfume.
- MaximilianWelches Parfum gefällt dir am besten?Which perfume do you like best?
- LauraIch mag diesen Duft, er ist unisex.I like this scent, it is unisex.
- MaximilianDas stimmt, er riecht sehr frisch.That's true, it smells very fresh.
- LauraDann kaufen wir diesen für uns beide.Then we will buy this one for both of us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unisex” translations and entries geschlechtsneutral, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries geschlechtsneutral, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
