Advanced Changes to the Names and/or Gender Entries of Trans, Intersex and Non-Binary (TIN) People

Learn here how trans, intersex and non-binary (TIN) students and employees of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar can apply to have their name and/or gender entry changed in the university’s internal registration systems in advance.

Self-Determination Act (»Selbstbestimmungsgesetz«)

Gender Registration Act (SBGG)

On 1 November 2024, the »Gender Registration Act« (»Gesetz über die Selbstbestimmung in Bezug auf den Geschlechtseintrag«, SBGG), also known as »Self-Determination Act« (»Selbstbestimmungsgesetz«), came into effect in Germany.

This legislation makes it easier for transgender, intersex and non-binary people to have their gender entry and forenames changed in the civil register. Changes can be requested by submitting a declaration to the registry office (Standesamt).

The SBGG replaces the Transsexuals Act (TSG) of 1980. A court decision is no longer required on applications, and there is no longer a need to obtain two expert opinions.

The law also replaces the current provision in Section 45b of the German Civil Status Act (Personenstandsgesetz, PStG) regarding intersex people (»persons with variants of gender development«). A medical certificate no longer needs to be presented to have a gender entry and/or forenames changed.

For more information on the SBGG, see the website of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ).

Further information and external advice centres can be found on the website sbgg.info.

Gender Entry Options in the University’s Internal Registration Systems

»male«, »female«, »diverse«, »no entry«

Based on the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court (BVerfG) dated 10 October 2017, the German Civil Status Act (PStG) was amended on 18 December 2018. There are now four gender entry options: »male«, »female«, »diverse« and »no entry«.

The decision of the Federal Constitutional Court strengthened the right to the protection of gender self-determination and was thus groundbreaking for the future legal and social equality of transgender, intersex and non-binary people. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar has since also offered four options for registering gender.

Information for Trans, Intersex and Non-Binary Students

Advanced Changes to Names and Gender Entries

Trans, intersex and non-binary students can use their self-chosen forenames at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar in all registration procedures and everyday university life, even before an official change of name and civil status has been completed in accordance with SBGG or the respective valid legal regulations of other countries whose citizenship they hold. This also applies to international students.

When a name is changed in advance, this among others affects the university’s internal identification and service cards (Thoska), the official email address (@uni-weimar.de), usernames, study/examination administration systems and the associated documents.

Trans, intersex and non-binary students are able to indicate their self-chosen forenames and affirmed gender when they enrol. Advanced changes to names and gender entry are also possible during their studies.

The following documents are needed to register a self-chosen name and affirmed gender in the university’s internal registration systems:

Completed »Application for an Advanced Change of Name and Gender Entry« Form (The form will be available here soon. In the meantime: Please contact the Office of Student and Academic Affairs.)

In case of questions about the procedure, please contact the Office of Student and Academic Affairs (details below).

Contact at the Office of Student and Academic Affairs

Doreen Klamt (sie/ihr)
Referatsleitung
Campus.Office, Raum 211

Tel.: +49 (0) 3643 – 58 2344
Fax: +49 (0) 3643 – 58 2360
E-Mail: doreen.klamt[at]uni-weimar.de

Information for Trans, Intersex and Non-Binary Employees

Advanced Changes to Names and Gender Entries

No standard procedure currently exists for changing the name or gender entry of transgender, intersex and non-binary employees of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar who have not yet completed the official change of name or civil status in accordance with the German »Gender Registration Act« (»Self-Determination Act«, SBGG) or the respective valid legal regulations of other countries whose citizenship they hold.

Need support? Then please contact our Equal Opportunity Officer Tina Meinhardt (she/her) or our Diversity Officer Dr Miriam Benteler (she/her).

dgti Supplementary Identity Card (»dgti-Ergänzungsausweis«)

What Is the dgti Supplementary Identity Card?

Before a trans person officially changes their name and/or civil status, their official identification documents might not match their affirmed gender, and their gender expression may be misread by others, too. This can often lead to unpleasant, stressful and humiliating questions or even dangerous situations during personal checks.

The dgti supplementary identity card issued by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transidentität und Intersexualität e.V. (dgti e.V./»German Society for Transidentity and Intersexuality«) is a standardised identification document that aims to reduce discrimination against trans people during identity checks. It contains all of the personal information a person has chosen for themselves, along with a current passport photo and the number on their official federal identity card. It thus serves as a »bridge« to the latter. The dgti supplementary identity card is already recognised and accepted by all ministries of the interior, the police, public authorities, banks, universities, insurance providers and many other official bodies. Where this is not yet the case, a QR code on the identity card can provide further guidance.

Note on the personalised semester ticket:
Public transport staff are authorised to carry out identity checks during passenger checks and to request official ID (with a photo). Discrepancies may arise between a person’s official name on identity documents and the self-chosen name that appears on their Thoska card (semester ticket) or in the Deutschlandsemesterticket app.

We therefore strongly recommend that students also apply for a dgti supplementary identity card if they have had their name and/or gender entry changed in the university’s internal registration systems in advance.

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is not liable for any claims that may arise due to the self-chosen name and use of the corresponding documents.

How and Where Can I Apply for the dgti Supplementary Identity Card?

It is possible to apply for the dgti supplementary identity card on the website of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transidentität und Intersexualität e.V.

Assumption of the Costs for the dgti Supplementary Identity Card

Students applying for the dgti supplementary identity card specifically for the name and gender entry change procedure at the university can use the following form to request that the Equal Opportunity Office at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar reimburses the costs. Please submit the invoice and proof of payment together with the following form:

Form: »Rückzahlung verauslagter Sachkosten« (»Repayment of material costs«)