Indeed, and that is true for West and East Germany. Honestly, Hutschi, you are wrong here.
I did not say that this is not the case. It was the case much later than 2000
I spoke about "Krankenschwester" after unification. And it was not only renaming, but status, too.
My wife luckily refused it. After privatisation, she kept her title. She is "Sprechstundenschwester". And she remained it until now. This is Krankenschwester+additional Sekretärin.
The most became "Arzthelferin" after 1990, loosing parts of their recognition. Some had to repeat the education, because "Schwester" was another profession than "Arzthelferin".
Much later long after 2000, "Arzthelferinnen" became "Medizinische Fachangestellte", but this is the official name. The most Doctors and institutions kept the title "Arzthelferin".
Over this way many of east German Krankenschwestern or Sprechstundenschwestern in practioner's offices (with 3 years "Fachschulstudium") became "Medizinische Fachangestellte".
"Moskau ist weit!", wie das Sprichwort sagt.
It is a difference in Language which became reality.
And I never heared that a man became "Medizinischer Fachangestellter" in any of the practices I visited. They were always woman.
Renaming Schwester to Arzthelferin was a kind of discrimination, while the other way from Arzthelferin to Medizinische Fachangestellte was a way to higher reputation and appreciation.
You can can see that it is not a question of feminism to use proper titles and names. It is more than political correctness, but a question ofappreciation.
Political correctness is a largely misused concept. It is often used as discussion stopper.
I think in several situation you should use both male and female forms to shop appreciation of both.
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My summary
Hi, I'm wondering which gender Germans would choose when talking about the occupation of a group where males and females are present.
In this case I'd usually use the general form, but when I greet them, I would use both forms.
In special cases only one form is available.
In some cases there is no general name or I would avoid.
Compare also the difference between
Liebe Geschwister
Liebe Brüder und Schwestern
.
