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2025-06-17•7 min read•navable Team•
Plain Language ChecklistAccessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG)accessible contentaccessible web designimplement plain languagedigital inclusionWCAG accessibilityaccessible communication

Plain Language on Websites – Checklist: Easily Implement Accessibility according to BFSG & WCAG 2.1

The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) requires companies to design digital content to be accessible and understandable. A key measure for this is the use of Plain Language. In this article, you will learn how to use Plain Language to make your website accessible and user-friendly, and the benefits this brings to your company.

What Does Plain Language Mean in the Context of Digital Accessibility?

Plain Language is a particularly understandable form of German, developed specifically for people with cognitive impairments, learning difficulties, or language barriers. It promotes digital inclusion and is a central element of accessible communication according to BFSG, WCAG 2.1, and DIN EN 301 549.

Features of Plain Language:

  • Simple and short sentences
  • Avoidance of technical terms or their explanation
  • Clear structure through headings and paragraphs
  • Visual support through images or icons to aid the text

This form of communication helps make websites accessible and thus meet the goals of the BFSG.

Why is Plain Language Relevant for the BFSG?

According to the BFSG, websites must be designed so that they can be used by all people – this includes people with cognitive impairments. This involves not only technical and design accessibility but also the comprehensibility of the content. Plain Language is one of the best ways to ensure content accessibility and make your website accessible to a broader audience.

Companies that do not meet the requirements of the BFSG risk fines and legal warnings. Therefore, it is crucial to consider Plain Language as part of accessible website design.

Legal Basis: WCAG 2.1 & DIN EN 301 549

Both WCAG 2.1 and DIN EN 301 549 provide specific guidelines on how websites must be designed to be accessible. Here are some important points concerning Plain Language:

WCAG 2.1 Criteria for Understandable Content

  • Simple language without unnecessary technical terms – Texts must be understandable for all users. Technical terms should be avoided or explained.
  • Consistent navigation & structure – The structure of websites should be clear and easy to understand.
  • Understandable content – If complex information is necessary, it should be explained simply.

DIN EN 301 549: Accessible Text Design

  • Understandable formulations: Texts should be formulated so that they are understandable for all users. Technical terms must either be avoided or simply explained.
  • Accessible structure and navigation: Content should be structured logically and understandably to facilitate orientation.

Implementing Plain Language – Step-by-Step Checklist

Implementing Plain Language on your website is easy if you follow these steps:

1. Understandable Wording & Clear Sentence Structure

✔ Use simple and short words: Avoid technical terms or explain them if necessary.

✔ Avoid passive and subjunctive constructions

✔ Avoid double negatives

✔ Use consistent terms: Terms should be used uniformly and consistently.

✔ Use clear sentence structures: Write short sentences that are easy to understand. Long text passages without breaks can hinder comprehension.

2. Optimize Text Structure & Readability

✔ Structure text clearly: Use headings, paragraphs, and bullet points to present the text clearly structured for the reader.

✔ Present bullet points with more than three items as lists.

✔ Place important content first: Always put core information at the beginning.

3. Accessible Design & Visual Support

✔ Highly readable fonts:

  • Minimum 1.2 em (120%) font size for better recognition.
  • Highlight important terms and headings.
  • Use a maximum of two different fonts.

✔ Optimal text alignment & color design:

  • Left-aligned ragged text for better readability.
  • Each new statement begins on a new line.
  • Light, solid-colored background with good contrast to the text.

✔ Use of visual elements:

  • Use meaningful icons & images to illustrate content.
  • Present addresses clearly, not as running text.

🚀 These measures help make texts in Plain Language more accessible and improve the usability and accessibility of websites and intranets.

Advantages of Plain Language for Websites

The implementation of Plain Language offers many advantages, both in terms of compliance with the BFSG and user-friendliness.

1. Fulfillment of BFSG Requirements

Plain Language helps you meet the requirements of the Accessibility Strengthening Act.

2. Expansion of the Target Audience

Through Plain Language, you address a broader target audience, especially people with learning difficulties or cognitive impairments. This way, you reach people who are often excluded from much digital content.

3. Better User Experience & Conversion Rate

With Plain Language, you improve the accessibility and usability of your website. Easily understandable content increases dwell time, interaction, and conversions.

4. Positive Effects on SEO & Visibility

Search engines prefer well-structured, accessible websites that are accessible to all users. By making your website accessible and using Plain Language, you not only improve the user experience but also your SEO ranking.

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Checklist: Successfully Implementing Plain Language

  • ✅ Target Audience Analysis: Who needs to understand the texts? (Education level, prior knowledge)

  • ✅ Short Sentences: Maximum 10-15 words per sentence.

  • ✅ Simple Words: No foreign words, technical terms, or abbreviations (or explain them!).

  • ✅ Active Voice: Use active instead of passive voice ("We inform you" instead of "You are informed").

  • ✅ Concrete Examples: Make abstract terms tangible with examples.

  • ✅ Visual Support: Use images, icons, or graphics for explanation.

  • ✅ Structure & Layout: Use headings, paragraphs, and lists.

  • ✅ No Negations: Positive phrasing is easier to understand.

  • ✅ Review by Target Audience: Have texts tested by the target audience.

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