Neither Sie.Nor Er.
The gender-neutral form of address for all people who identify beyond the binary. The e bridges the gap – between Sie (she) and Er (he), something new is born.
What is Ser?
A form of address that excludes no one – and does justice to all who don't identify with "Herr" (Mr.) or "Frau" (Ms.).
The Etymology
Ser is born from the fusion of Sie (German formal 'she/they') and Er (German 'he').
The e in the middle bridges the genders. It connects rather than divides – creating a dignified space for everyone who identifies beyond the binary gender order.
"Sehr geehrtes Ser Ehre" (Dear Ser Ehre) – that simple, that respectful, that natural.
Who is Ser for?
Ser is open to everyone who prefers a gender-neutral form of address.
Non-Binary People
For everyone whose gender identity cannot be defined exclusively as male or female.
Agender / Genderless
For people who don't identify with any gender and wish to leave their gender entry open.
Genderfluid
For people whose gender identity changes and who prefer a constant, neutral form of address.
Intersex People
For intersex individuals who use the "divers" (diverse) designation or leave their entry open.
Anyone Who Wants To
Even cisgender people can use Ser – for example, in contexts where gender shouldn't matter.
Companies & Authorities
For organizations that want to make their communication more inclusive – in letters, forms, and everyday interactions.
Why Ser?
Four reasons why Ser is the form of address of the future.
Dignity & Respect
Every person deserves to be addressed correctly. Ser gives people beyond the binary a dignified, elegant form of address – not a workaround, but a conscious choice.
Simple & Intuitive
Ser is immediately understandable, easy to pronounce, and follows the natural structure of German. No asterisks, no colons, no awkward paraphrasing – simply Ser.
Legally Supported
Since November 2024, Germany's Self-Determination Act (SBGG) enables simple changes to gender entries. Those who choose "no entry" or "divers" (diverse) can use Ser as their natural form of address.
Future-Proof
Language evolves. Ser is not a passing trend, but a logical development – comparable to Mx. in English, but organically rooted in the German language.
How Ser works in German
Formal:: "Guten Tag, Ser Schmidt." (Good day, Ser Schmidt.)
Letter:: "Sehr geehrtes Ser Müller, ..." (Dear Ser Müller, ...)
Authority:: "Ser Ehre, Ihr Antrag wurde bearbeitet." (Ser Ehre, your application has been processed.)
Form:: "Anrede: Herr / Frau / Ser" (Title: Mr. / Ms. / Ser)
Know Your Rights
Germany has taken a historic step. The Self-Determination Act (Selbstbestimmungsgesetz) makes it easier than ever to legally live your identity.
How to change your gender entry – in 3 steps
Register
Go to the registry office (Standesamt) and register your wish. An informal letter suffices. Cost: €0.
Wait 3 months
The reflection period serves for careful consideration. You can still change your first names during this time.
Make your declaration
Appear in person and declare your new gender entry. No justification needed. Done.
Why You Are Legally Entitled to Use Ser
Ser is not "forbidden" – quite the opposite: The German legal system protects gender identity and the right not to be misgendered against your own identity.
Nobody has to accept being addressed as "Herr" (Mr.) or "Frau" (Ms.) against their own identity. Ser provides a respectful gender-neutral alternative.
Constitutional Protection
Art. 2(1) + Art. 3(3) GGGermany's Federal Constitutional Court ruled in 2017 that people who identify as neither male nor female are also constitutionally protected (BVerfG, 1 BvR 2019/16). Gender identity is expressly protected as part of the general right of personality and the equal treatment principle. This supports the legal protection of a correct, gender-neutral form of address.
Self-Determination Act (SBGG)
SBGG §§ 1–3Since November 1, 2024, you can change your gender entry and first names through a simple declaration. Your current gender entry and names are legally binding in all legal transactions. Registers and documents can be updated accordingly.
Protection Against Forced Outing
SBGG § 13The disclosure ban (Offenbarungsverbot): Former gender entries and first names may not be disclosed or investigated without consent. Deliberate harm carries fines up to €10,000. This also protects against being involuntarily outed through incorrect or outdated designations.
Protection Against Discrimination (AGG)
AGG §§ 1, 7, 12In the workplace and many everyday transactions, the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) protects against discrimination based on gender and gender identity. Germany's Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency considers incorrect name and gender designations in employment references to be inadmissible. Language and forms of address are legally significant.
With Authorities and Courts
Art. 3 GG + Administrative LawWith government bodies and courts, protection is primarily based on the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) and the right to non-discriminatory state action. Government institutions must carry out their duties without discrimination. There are still gaps where the AGG doesn't fully cover state action – making constitutional law and the SBGG all the more important.
Conclusion
Ser is a permissible gender-neutral form of address built on existing rights. Even though "Ser" is not yet explicitly listed as a standard form of address in law, personality rights, equal treatment, the SBGG, and protection against misgendering clearly support the right to demand a fitting and respectful form of address.
Every person has the right to be addressed respectfully and in accordance with their gender identity. For many non-binary, agender, intersex, and genderfluid people, Ser is exactly that fitting form of address.
Germany by Gender Entry
Official figures and reasoned estimates based on Destatis data.
Official Record (Census 2022, Reference Date May 15, 2022)
| Entry | Count | Share | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 40,672,866 | 49.17% | – |
| Female | 42,044,446 | 50.83% | – |
| Divers (diverse) | 969 | 0.0012% | 1 in 85,366 |
| No entry (ohne Angabe) | 1,259 | 0.0015% | 1 in 65,703 |
Divers + No entry combined: 2,228 people – about 1 in 37,128
Reasoned Estimate (End of 2025 / Early 2026)
| Entry | Count | Share | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | approx. 41,200,500 | 49.34% | – |
| Female | approx. 42,291,600 | 50.65% | – |
| Divers (diverse) | approx. 4,560 | 0.0055% | 1 in 18,311 |
| No entry (ohne Angabe) | approx. 3,270 | 0.0039% | 1 in 25,536 |
Divers + No entry combined: approx. 7,830 people – about 1 in 10,664
⚠️ The 2025 figures are not an official federal publication but an extrapolation based on Destatis-published changes to gender entries in 2024 and January–November 2025.
Estimate based on: Destatis total population end of 2025 (~83.5 million), 10,589 changes in 2024, 15,118 changes Jan–Nov 2025. Split between divers/no entry based on Lower Saxony parliamentary response (64.1% divers, 35.9% no entry).
Sources: Destatis Census 2022, Destatis Population 2025, Lower Saxony Parliament Publication 2024
Celebrate Your Identity
Gender neutrality is not a limitation – it's liberation. You're not "in between". You are exactly right where you are.
You Are Visible
With over 22,000 people who have used the SBGG since 2024, a community is growing that no longer needs to hide.
You Are Protected
The disclosure ban (Offenbarungsverbot), the AGG (General Equal Treatment Act), and constitutional recognition give you a legal framework. Your identity is protected.
You Are the Future
Language changes society. Every time you use Ser, you make the world a little more inclusive – for yourself and everyone who comes after.
Voices from the Community
„I am neither Sie (she) nor Er (he). I am me. And now I finally have a form of address that reflects that.“
– A non-binary person
„When my colleague addressed me as 'Ser' for the first time, I had to cry. Finally visible.“
– Agender, 28 years
„Ser is elegant, simple, and feels right. No explanation was needed – everyone understood immediately.“
– Genderfluid, 34 years
Live openly. Live boldly.
It takes courage to be yourself – especially when the world is still learning to see you. But you are not alone. A growing community stands behind you. Laws protect you. And with every person who dares, the path becomes a little easier for the next one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Ser and your rights.
