Two forms of language with different strengths
Internationally, "Plain Language" refers to clear, understandable language that enables readers to find, understand, and use information. In German, the term *Einfache Sprache* (Plain Language) is typically used for this concept. It avoids unnecessary complexity but can still sound varied and mature. Its benchmark is not a rigid list of short words, but rather whether the intended content remains reliably understandable for a broad audience.
Easy-to-Read Language (*Leichte Sprache*) is a more simplified form of language. It is aimed specifically at people who cannot reliably understand conventional texts - even those with good design - including many people with learning disabilities. Language, structure, and often visual presentation are significantly simplified to reduce cognitive load. Consequently, a text in Easy-to-Read Language is not merely a particularly clear version of a standard text, but a distinct linguistic approach.
Both forms share a common goal: to ensure that fewer people are excluded from information due to avoidable linguistic barriers. However, they differ in the degree of simplification and the target readership. Plain Language remains closer to everyday speech. Easy-to-Read Language breaks down ideas further, explains more background information, and employs more visible conventions.
"Easy Language" (*Leichte Sprache*) simplifies things much more drastically.
"Simple Language" (*Einfache Sprache*) primarily reduces unnecessary complexity. Long introductions are shortened, abstract phrasing becomes concrete, and information is presented in a helpful order. The subject matter itself can remain complex, provided it is well explained. Subordinate clauses or longer words are also permissible, as long as readers can grasp the idea without avoidable strain.
"Easy Language" goes further. A single idea is often broken down into several short statements, and background knowledge is explicitly explained. Indirect phrasing, ambiguity, and abrupt shifts in thought are avoided as much as possible. Consequently, the resulting text may be significantly longer than a concise summary, even though the sentences themselves are shorter. Here, simplification means more explanation rather than necessarily less text.
The difference is evident in how a condition is stated. "Simple Language" might say: "You receive the discount if your income is below the stated limit." "Easy Language," however, might explain the terms "income," "limit," and "discount" individually and clarify the sequence of actions. Both versions preserve the condition, but "Easy Language" offers greater linguistic support for comprehension.
Sentence structure and rhythm differ noticeably.
In "Simple Language," key statements appear early in the sentence. Verbs are in the active voice, references remain clear, and long, convoluted sentences are broken down. Nevertheless, the text may still use varying sentence lengths. A short sentence might name an action, while a slightly longer one explains the reason. This variation feels natural and prevents complex content from fragmenting into disjointed pieces.
"Easy Language" favors very short, straightforward sentences. Often, each sentence contains only one key point. Subordinate clauses, passive voice constructions, and multiple negatives are strictly avoided. New information is presented step by step. This creates a slower rhythm that eases the processing load on the reader and more clearly shows which statement corresponds to which action.
The sentence "Your application will be reviewed within two weeks of receipt of the complete documents" can be rendered in Plain Language as: "We will review your application within two weeks once we have all the documents." In Easy Language, this might become: "Send us all the documents. Then we will review your application. The review takes a maximum of two weeks." The same context is expressed in three clearly separated steps.
Word choice ranges from common terms to those that are explicitly explained.
Plain Language favors words that many people know from everyday life. Unnecessary technical terms, long compound words, and internal abbreviations are replaced or explained upon their first appearance. A necessary term - such as "objection" (*Widerspruch*) - may be retained if the text explains what it means and what readers can do with it. This keeps the technical term linked to an understandable action.
Easy Language uses a smaller, highly familiar vocabulary and explains unknown words in greater detail. Figurative expressions can be misleading and are usually replaced by direct statements. Long compound words are sometimes broken up by a hyphen or a middle dot, depending on the specific guidelines used. The crucial factor is that the visible separation aids reading without altering the meaning.
Neither form automatically avoids every foreign or technical term. A term may be necessary for future reference - for instance, if it reappears on a form or sign. Plain Language introduces it concisely. Easy Language may additionally provide an example and offer further support when the term appears again. The depth of explanation differs, even though the underlying technical concept remains the same.
The scope of information follows different principles.
Plain Language can retain the full scope of a source text. It rearranges statements, breaks up dense passages, and separates key information from details. Clear contract information may therefore still include conditions and exceptions. These are presented in such a way that readers can recognize what applies generally and when an exception becomes relevant.
"Easy Language" selects information based more closely on the purpose of the text and explains the selected content in greater detail. An introduction, for instance, might explain how to access a service without reproducing every detail of a lengthy legal document. Crucial prerequisites, consequences, and avenues for support must not be omitted in the process. The text should clearly indicate the subject matter it explains and where supplementary information can be found.
Neither "Simple Language" nor "Easy Language" is synonymous with a summary. A summary primarily reduces the volume of information. Linguistic styles, by contrast, alter how content is made accessible. A short source text may become longer in Easy Language because terms and relationships are explained. A long text in Simple Language might retain almost the same length but be significantly easier to grasp.
The target groups overlap but are not identical.
Simple Language appeals to a broad audience. It assists people with limited reading experience, those learning German as an additional language, and readers pressed for time. Professionals also benefit when they need to quickly understand an unfamiliar task. Ideally, the text reads like good, standard language and does not single out its readers as a special group.
Easy Language is aimed at people who face significant difficulties reading and understanding conventional texts. This includes many people with learning disabilities, though not automatically every person with a disability. Needs vary even within this group. Easy Language is therefore defined not by a medical label, but by the specific need for linguistic support among its intended readers.
The groups are not sharply distinguished from one another. Depending on the topic, some people use either Plain Language or Easy Language. A familiar text about leisure activities might work well in Plain Language, whereas unfamiliar health-related content requires greater support. The distinction, therefore, does not lie in a rigid classification of people into two camps; rather, it describes the degree of linguistic and cognitive simplification a specific version offers.
Easy Language is more strongly defined by conventions.
DIN ISO 24495-1 outlines principles and guidelines for Plain Language. It focuses on the reader, purpose, content, structure, expression, and layout. The standard views comprehensibility as the outcome of the text as a whole. It does not mandate that every sentence be of the same length or that every uncommon word be eliminated. This allows Plain Language to remain adaptable to various topics and audiences.
Several sets of rules and professional approaches exist for Easy Language within the German-speaking region. While they share many characteristics, they differ regarding specific writing and formatting details. Consequently, the label alone does not indicate which standard a specific version meets; characteristics, writing conventions, and verification practices depend on the framework within which the text was created.
Its stronger adherence to rules makes Easy Language more visually distinctive. Short lines, direct address, clear structuring, and explanatory images are frequently used in combination. However, rules are not an end in themselves. A version that strictly follows the rules can still be misleading if the content is factually incorrect or overestimates the reader's prior knowledge. Linguistic form and accurate meaning must align.
Three rewrites illustrate the differences between these forms of language.
Standard language might read: Reimbursement is provided only upon presentation of the original receipt. "Plain Language" states: We will only refund your money if you present the original receipt. "Easy Language" might add: Do you want your money back? Then we need the original receipt. That is the receipt from the shop. Send us this receipt. Without the receipt, you will not get your money back.
Another source sentence reads: Access is permitted to persons under 16 years of age only when accompanied by a parent. In Plain Language, this becomes: Those under 16 may only enter with their mother or father. Easy Language explains further: Are you younger than 16? Then you may not enter alone. Your mother or father must come with you. This ensures there is no ambiguity regarding the permitted accompanying person.
Abstract notices also illustrate the difference. The instruction "Please note the different opening hours on public holidays" becomes "Different opening hours apply on public holidays" in Plain Language. Easy Language might say: Opening hours are different on a public holiday - for example, at Christmas. Check the opening hours before your visit. Each version alters sentence structure and the depth of explanation in a different way.
Easy Language often changes the visual layout of the page as well.
Plain Language employs standard good design practices. Meaningful headings, short paragraphs, sufficient contrast, and visible links aid navigation. The text can appear in a standard web layout and does not require a special font or a specific icon to identify it. Its intelligibility arises from a combination of content, structure, wording, and accessible presentation.
Easy Language is often typeset with more generous spacing. Short lines, clear spacing, and a distinct separation of ideas reduce visual strain. Images can support concepts and actions but must clearly correspond to the text; a purely decorative photo does not foster understanding. Depending on the set of rules, specific spellings and markers may be added that readers recognize as indicators of Easy Language.
Design must not mask linguistic weakness. Generous line spacing does not make an unclear sentence understandable, and an image cannot substitute for a missing condition. Conversely, good language can become difficult to use due to a dense, low-contrast, or cluttered layout. In both forms, visual presentation is part of the reading experience, though its supportive role is usually more pronounced in Easy Language.
Misleading terms obscure the boundaries between the two forms.
Any short text is often labeled as Plain Language. Marketing copy, keywords, or automatically shortened paragraphs may appear simple yet still conceal important relationships. Similarly, Easy Language is sometimes misunderstood as merely a friendly tone with very short sentences. This label is inaccurate if the necessary linguistic adaptation, subject-matter diligence, and connection to the intended target audience are missing.
Plain Language reaches its limits when readers require a significantly greater reduction in cognitive load. While it can effectively explain complex content, it still presupposes a certain level of reading experience and the ability to make mental connections. Easy Language can broaden this access but is not suited to fully replicating every technical source in equal detail. Some details require additional guidance, examples, or other accessible formats.
No form of language can eliminate the inherent complexity of the real world. A convoluted application form remains difficult if the process itself is not improved, and an ambiguous rule does not become clear simply through the use of short sentences. Plain Language and Easy Language represent different linguistic approaches. Their strength lies in lowering avoidable barriers to understanding without replacing technical accuracy, accessible design, or human support.