The new German Self-Determination Act (Gesetz über die Selbstbestimmung in Bezug auf den Geschlechtseintrag, SBGG) has been in effect since November 1, 2024, replacing the previous process that was in place for changing first names and gender markers. Transgender, intersex, and non-binary people can now change their first names and gender markers by sending a simple declaration to the appropriate registry office (Standesamt).

Regardless of whether you officially change your name, you can continue to use your chosen name and gender markers for all outward-facing IT systems, in internal communication, and on most documents issued by Freie Universität Berlin if you have a dgti supplementary identity card. You can find further information below.

Unfortunately, not all databases at Freie Universität Berlin that contain personal data are linked to each other. We regret to inform you that this may be why your deadname is displayed in isolated cases even if you have changed your name in other systems. We are working on identifying problem areas and rectifying the issue. If you notice inconsistencies of this nature please let us know so that we can resolve the problem.

Students

General Information

• If you officially change your name, it will be amended on all systems and documents (including your graduation documents). You can request a name change via the Student Records and Registration Office’s self-service portal by submitting a scan of your documentation.
• Transgender, intersex, and non-binary students may use a first name that differs from their official name on all electronic systems and internal university documents (including the Campuscard). The only exceptions to this are degree certificates/records and documents that do not include a student identification or application number. You can request a name change via the Student Records and Registration Office’s self-service portal by submitting a scan of your dgti supplementary identity card or official documentation.
• It is possible for all students to change their display names on the university’s online platforms. For example, a shorter version of your first name or the name you use in your everyday life can be displayed as a “preferred name” on Webex, Blackboard, Box.FU, ZEDAT portal, and the Outlook Exchange email server. Documents (such as the Campuscard) are not affected by this change. You can request a name change via the Student Records and Registration Office’s self-service portal (no documentation required).
• You can change your gender marker in the university’s data system by sending an email to the Student Records and Registration Office.

Enrollment

You are entitled to use your chosen name when you enroll, regardless of whether you have officially changed your name. You can enter your name in the “first name” and “last name” fields on the form and submit the relevant documentation (official document, copy of the dgti supplementary dgti identity card, and a declaration of consent) upon enrollment. While there are plans to integrate this information directly into the enrollment form in the future, this is unfortunately not possible at present.

You can find more information on using your chosen name to enroll here.

Degree Certificates

University degrees are issued with feminine, masculine, or gender-neutral pronouns in accordance with Section 34.5 of the Berlin Higher Education Act (Berliner Hochschulgesetz).

Since 2023 transgender, intersex, and non-binary students have been able to have their chosen names (as opposed to their official names) used on their graduation documents. This also includes changes to their last names if different gender-specific forms of the same last name exist, as is the case for many Slavic-language last names for example. The only prerequisite is that you already successfully changed your chosen name via the self-service portal or you already registered with this name when you enrolled.

When you request your university degree you can decide whether to use your chosen name or your official name on your graduation documents. If you would like to have your degree certificate issued with your chosen name then you will need to submit a separate request to the relevant examinations office together with your application request for the award of a degree.

Since 2021 graduates of Berlin’s institutions of higher education have been able to request new degree certificates if they have changed their name in accordance with the German Law on Civil Status since their degree certificates were first issued. In this case only the name and gender markers will be adapted and the new degree certificates will not be stamped with “Zweitschrift” (reissued document) in accordance with Section 34.9 of the Berlin Higher Education Act (Berliner Hochschulgesetz). You can request a new version of your degree certificate from the examinations office that originally issued it. You can find further information here.

Students can find further information on how to change their personal information here or on the AStA website.

Employees

If you have officially changed your name and gender markers, you should submit the relevant documentation to the personnel office.

In 2022 Freie Universität Berlin introduced a streamlined process for transgender, intersex, and non-binary employees and teaching staff who want to use a first name or last name that differs from their official name. You can request to have your chosen name displayed on all outward-facing IT systems, in internal communication, and on most documents issued by Freie Universität Berlin. In the case of the latter, this applies solely to documents that legally do not have to be issued with your official name, such as your salary statement or documents for your pension provider. You can also change your email address.

Because the university is required to report official changes to official gender markers to a number of external agencies and offices such as pension providers, your gender status may only be amended in the data system if you have first had it changed officially. However, the Regulations on the Use of Gender-Neutral and Inclusive Language in Official Communication at Freie Universität Berlin indicate that gender markers should be avoided where possible in everyday communication via the data system. We recommend that all employees – whether they are trans or cisgender – indicate which pronouns they use and how they would like to be addressed (e.g., in their email signatures) for smoother communication and to show mutual respect. You can find helpful information about pronouns and forms of address and how to use them on the gender-neutral and inclusive language page.