Christine Eggert – That’s how she rolls

Sign language as part of her identity

What does language mean for a person’s identity? For Christine Eggert, this question is closely connected to her life as a deaf person and leads directly to sign language. For her, it is her mother tongue, a way of connecting with others, and an expression of self-determination. In the REHACARE eMag, she talks about her journey between a cochlear implant and sign language, accessible communication, and why participation begins with including people in communication.

Christine Eggert sits casually on a chair and poses for the camera

Name: Christine Eggert
Age: 35
City: Berlin, Germany (second home; my parents' hometown: Würzburg, Germany)
Occupation: Content creator

I am deaf and wear a cochlear implant (CI) on my left side.

Click here for her Instagram account: instagram.com/_chocosecret_

Is there something that currently gives you strength or helps you feel good in everyday life?

Cuddling with my sweetheart in the morning and talking with him a lot gives me strength, even when those conversations are emotional and not always easy for me. I also appreciate small messages that touch my soul. When I have to wait for something, I go for spontaneous walks in nature, meet friends at a café, or visit my sweetheart’s film studio. These little moments help me recharge and regain my energy.

Is there a moment in your life that you especially like to look back on?

One moment I look back on very fondly is the time when I questioned my identity during a difficult period in my life. In the past, I primarily relied on spoken language. Through that experience, I began to develop and appreciate German Sign Language much more deeply.

My cochlear implant still allows me to perceive sounds, but sign language has become an important part of who I am – my mother tongue, giving me a deep connection to myself and to others. Today, I use spoken language only occasionally and mainly in situations where I want to hear, such as at events or on special occasions.

Sign language is like my blood – vibrant, alive and as colorful as a beautiful flower meadow.

Christine Eggert is sitting relaxed in an armchair with a cup in her hand

What has been one of the biggest challenges in your life so far?

One of the biggest challenges in my life was cochlear implant rehabilitation. I had to practice every week, especially spoken language, even though it was often difficult for me and my progress was not always smooth. For a long time, German Sign Language was often treated as something secondary, despite being officially recognized in Germany in 2002.

It was not always easy to navigate between spoken language and my mother tongue, sign language. I found support in people who respected and encouraged my identity and language, as well as in my own determination to keep developing and strengthening my abilities.

These three assistive devices, strategies, or forms of support are essential in my everyday life:

My cochlear implant, because it allows me to perceive sounds and communicate through spoken language, especially when it really matters.
Captions for films and videos, because they allow me to understand everything and ensure that I do not miss important information, including news programs with sign language interpretation.
Digital communication tools, such as automatic captions on my phone or sign language interpreters for appointments, because they make everyday life much easier for me.

What do you wish for from society in how it interacts with people with disabilities or chronic conditions?

I would like to see more understanding, respect, and inclusion. It should be taken for granted that deafness or other disabilities are not obstacles to participation. Hearing people should not react with uncertainty or hesitation, but communicate openly and naturally with deaf people.

Sign language should be recognized and used not merely as an addition, but as an equal form of communication.

Are there topics, projects, or initiatives that are especially close to your heart?

Accessibility and the visibility of sign language in everyday life are especially important to me. I want people with disabilities to be able to participate on equal terms – whether in the media, at events, or in public life.

It is important to me that their abilities, strengths, and opportunities are recognized and encouraged.

If you could invent your own assistive device, what would it look like and what would it need to do?

I would invent a tool that makes all important information accessible in both text and sign language – for example in public transportation. It is especially important to me that sign language interpreters are included as a matter of course at events, so that equal participation is possible for everyone.

Is there anything you would like to say in closing – something that is particularly important to you?

I would like more people to recognize and appreciate the opportunities, abilities, and needs of people with disabilities. Respect, understanding, and genuine participation should be taken for granted. If they are, our society can become even more diverse, stronger, and more inclusive.

It is important to continue using and developing sign language. The term 'deaf-mute' is outdated and should no longer be used to describe deaf people.

We are living in 2026 – please always remember to include us in communication and respect our language. Don’t put deaf people into boxes; we are equal.

Sign language has many advantages – for example when communicating over a distance, in noisy places, or when you want to keep something private. Even young children can benefit from sign language when they start learning it early.

Nadine Lormis smiles in to the camera; Copyright: Victoria Emanuel

Editor: Nadine Lormis | REHACARE eMag

Nadine Lormis has been writing about (digital) developments in the assistive technology sector, self-determined living and inclusion for over 15 years. As editorial director of the REHACARE eMag, she is closely networked with the community of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses – both professionally and personally.

Published on: June 17, 2026