Easy-to-Read Language: Accessible Content That Is Truly Understood

The terms are frequently confused in everyday use but refer to two clearly distinct concepts. Easy-to-read language (Leichte Sprache) follows the rule set of the Netzwerk Leichte Sprache and targets people with cognitive impairments, intellectual disabilities or very low reading ability. Texts in easy-to-read language use only short sentences with one idea per sentence, frequently used words, concrete rather than abstract phrasing and clarifying images or pictograms. Plain language (Einfache Sprache) follows recommendations from recognised language authorities and targets people with limited German proficiency, migration backgrounds, lower levels of formal education or temporary cognitive load (stress, illness, fatigue). Plain language is less restrictive than easy-to-read language but avoids technical jargon, passive constructions, complex sentences and unnecessary nominalisations. Both levels are relevant under the BFSG and WCAG 3.1.5 (Reading Level).

Easy-to-read language is primarily a BFSG compliance requirement, but its benefits extend far beyond that. The number of users who benefit from understandable language is considerably larger than initially assumed. According to the Federal Education Report 2022, around 17 per cent of the adult population in Germany have significant difficulty reading and comprehending texts. Millions more have migration backgrounds and do not speak German as their first language, and older people may experience reduced reading competence due to age-related changes. Even in stressful situations – such as reading important official correspondence, contractual documents or medical information – everyone benefits from clearly and simply worded content.

We offer the complete range of services around easy-to-read and plain language – from strategic advice on which content to prioritise, through rule-compliant creation to integration into your digital infrastructure. Our approach differs from simple text revision in that we address every brief in a structured way: first we analyse the existing content and identify the pages or documents that are most relevant from a legal or strategic perspective. We then create the texts in the appropriate language level, arrange their review and accompany the digital integration. The result is not an isolated easy-to-read silo but an integrated component of your accessibility concept.

Not every piece of content on a website needs to be in easy-to-read language – that would be neither realistic nor purposeful. What matters is strategic prioritisation: which content is indispensable to the core function of the digital offering, and which content is particularly relevant for especially vulnerable user groups? In practice we recommend starting with the most important service information, core offering descriptions and contact routes in easy-to-read language. For websites of public bodies and organisations in the fields of healthcare, education and social services, easy-to-read language has especially high priority.

Easy-to-read language is an important component of digital accessibility but not a universal remedy. It does not replace technical accessibility under WCAG but complements it with the linguistic dimension. An easy-to-read text presented on a technically inaccessible page misses its mark: if navigation cannot be operated by keyboard, if images lack alt texts or if colour contrast is insufficient, even the most understandable text will not reach all user groups. That is why we always view easy-to-read language as part of a comprehensive BFSG conformity concept that combines technical and content-level accessibility. Equally, easy-to-read language is not a substitute for a screen reader test or a complete WCAG audit – it is a complementary, standalone service.

Technically integrating easy-to-read content into existing websites is a challenge in its own right. Easy-to-read content is typically presented on dedicated subpages that are reachable from the standard version via clearly visible, consistent links. The linking must be accessible: link text must be unambiguous, not generic. We recommend phrasing such as "This page in easy-to-read language" rather than just "Easy-to-read language" so that the context is clear to screen reader users as well.

For implementation in WordPress, TYPO3, Contao, Drupal and Joomla we offer concrete support: from creating suitable page templates with correct semantic markup through configuring language tags to linking between standard and easy-to-read versions. We ensure that hreflang markup is set correctly so that search engines properly associate standard and easy-to-read versions without treating them as duplicate content. The finished implementation is included in the WCAG audit.

The quality seal of the Netzwerk Leichte Sprache is the most widely recognised quality marker for easy-to-read texts in the German-speaking world. It is awarded when texts have been reviewed and approved by recognised reviewers with lived experience of learning difficulties. The seal signals to users and clients alike that texts are not merely formally correct but are genuinely understood by the target group. Our quality assurance process for easy-to-read texts therefore always includes review by affected users – either via our network or in coordination with your own contacts to disability organisations.

The relevance of easy-to-read and plain language varies considerably by sector and target audience. In healthcare, understandable language is especially critical for patient information, consent forms and digital appointment booking – here, misunderstandings can have direct health consequences. In the education sector, plain language creates access for learners with different linguistic backgrounds. In e-commerce, understandable language in product descriptions, checkout processes and right-of-withdrawal notices increases conversion and reduces return rates. For the public sector, easy-to-read language is legally mandatory and must be implemented comprehensively.