Since we released ILIAS as open source software in 2000, we have always understood the software development of ILIAS as an international project that is open to people from all over the world. That is why English is the language used for the documentation of ILIAS, for describing new features in the Feature Wiki – and for communicating via this mailing list. However, we have continued to hold the biweekly Jour Fixe in German, even though the minutes are written in English. 

In the meantime, more and more developers who do not speak German or do not speak it well are participating in the Jour Fixe and therefore have problems following what we discuss and decide in this important meeting. This excludes interested people from our discussions and conversations.

In consultation with the Technical Board, I would therefore like to conduct the Jour Fixe in English starting with the next meeting on 26 January 2026. This applies to the presentation of new features, the discussion of bugs, as well as all other contributions. I am sure we can achieve this.

Similar to the practice at the Development Conference, we can of course always switch to German in the Jour Fixe if all those present also understand German. And anyone who has problems formulating a question or answer in English is welcome to speak German and the rest of us will try to translate what has been said. We do not want to create unnecessary barriers to active participation in the Jour Fixe.

However, with this change to the Jour Fixe, we would like to reach out to those in our community who would like to work with us to further develop ILIAS, but who are dependent on English as a language. And I see this decision also as another step towards greater diversity in our community. 

Thank you for your understanding and hopefully see you next Monday in the Jour Fixe.