German Parliament Member Apologizes Over Clitoris Nerve Fiber Count

German Bundestag member Katrin Gebel (Die Linke) cited an incorrect figure of 3,000 nerve fibers in the clitoris while mocking an AfD member Martin Reichardt during a debate on women's rights. The actual number is approximately 10,000, and Gebel later apologized for the error. Scientific research confirms that the clitoris remains one of the least studied human organs.

German Bundestag member Katrin Gebel from the Die Linke party has made waves on social media in recent days with her remarks during a debate on women's rights. Although the speech took place several months ago, it went viral online only recently.

Parliamentary Confrontation

In a dispute with representatives from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), who were laughing and smirking at Gebel's criticism, AfD member Martin Reichardt reacted particularly loudly. Gebel responded sharply: "Mr. Reichardt, the clitoris has 3,000 nerve fibers and you're more sensitive despite that. That's quite an achievement."

In the short video clip that began circulating online, the jab ended there, but in the full version, Gebel added: "When you put forward such an absurd proposal, you have to be able to take criticism."

An Apology for the Number, Not the Person

Some time later, Gebel apologized, but not to Reichardt. The reason was a scientific error: the clitoris does not contain 3,000 but rather approximately 10,000 nerve fibers. This is confirmed by a study published in 2023 that analyzed the structure of the clitoral glans.

For comparison, the palm of the hand is considerably larger than the clitoral glans, yet it contains only about 3.5 times more nerve fibers. The glans penis contains approximately 7,000.

Why is the Clitoris So Understudied?

Despite its biological significance, the clitoris has long received little scientific attention. After a few anatomical studies, the first research on the precise number of nerve fibers was not published until 2023. In 2024, a preprint was released featuring a three-dimensional map of the clitoris's nerve network.

According to scientists, the organ likely has one primary function-pleasure-though other functions have not been adequately studied to date. For doctors, more precise knowledge of clitoral anatomy is important especially in surgical procedures to preserve or restore sensitivity after operations in the vulvar region.