Which rules should teams follow when creating Easy Read content?
Easy Read uses selected information, familiar words, short sentences, clear structure and supportive layout for people who face significant barriers to understanding. Automated output is a draft until subject-matter experts and, where possible, people from the intended audience have reviewed its meaning, clarity and effect.
Distinguish Easy Read from Plain Language
| Criterion | Easy Read | Plain Language |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Very low language barriers | Making complex content clearer for a broader audience |
| Target group | People with significant barriers to understanding | Many people, even with little time, specialist knowledge or language practice |
| Simplification | Stronger selection, explanation and separation of information | Clear and direct, but closer to common standard language |
| layout | Strong visual guidance and short meaningful paragraphs | A clear, accessible standard layout |
| Review | Subject-matter review and review with the intended audience are essential | Editorial review and risk-based user testing |
| Relevant guidance | BITV 2.0, DIN SPEC 33429 and Inclusion Europe depending on the context | DIN 8581-1 and general rules of comprehensibility |
Practical rules for editorial content and interfaces
Example with notes
Illustrative example only. It is not certified or reviewed by the intended audience.
Source text
In order to speed up processing, users must first check their personal information after successful registration, update incorrect information immediately online and then confirm the process digitally.
Revised version
Sign in. Then check your details. Is any information incorrect? Then change the information directly. Then confirm your details.
Rules applied
- A long sentence is broken down into action steps.
- The order becomes visible.
- The unclear pronoun is replaced with the specific noun.
- The additional information about the pace of administration is omitted.
Subject-matter review and review with the intended audience
- 1Compare the source text with the simplified version for accuracy and completeness.
- 2Check terms, omissions, numbers, deadlines and legal consequences.
- 3Let people from the intended target group work on typical tasks.
- 4Document observations and revise the version.
- 5Record the approval, version and next review date.
What BITV 2.0 § 4 actually requires
BITV 2.0 applies to websites and mobile applications of German federal public bodies. Section 4 requires the homepage to provide information about essential content, navigation, the accessibility statement, and essential content in German Sign Language and Easy Read. Annex 2 specifies the information to include. State and municipal bodies are subject to the applicable state rules. The same obligation does not automatically apply to every organisation or every individual page.
Classify requirements correctly
| category | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Legal requirement | BITV 2.0 § 4 for covered federal agencies | Binding within its applicable scope |
| DIN standard | DIN 8581-1 Plain Language | A consensus-based standard, not legislation by its existence alone |
| DIN specification | DIN SPEC 33429 Easy Read | Specification with recommendations and criteria |
| Accessibility guidelines | WCAG 2.2 Criterion 3.1.5 | International benchmark for supplementary content at a high reading level |
| Editorial practice | Target group testing and documented release | Risk-appropriate quality measure |
Frequently asked questions
Which rules apply to Easy Read?
Start with the reader's task, keep only the information they need, explain unfamiliar terms and present each action in a clear order. Editors must still verify the facts, and people from the intended audience should review whether the result works in practice.
What is the difference between Easy Read and Plain Language?
Easy Read simplifies more extensively and primarily serves people who face significant barriers to understanding. Plain Language remains closer to standard language and serves a broader audience.
Who does BITV 2.0 § 4 apply to?
The federal regulation applies to German federal public bodies. State and municipal bodies must assess the applicable state rules. Section 4 requires specific information on the homepage, not every page to be written in Easy Read.
Is DIN a legal obligation?
A DIN standard or DIN specification is not a law simply because of its publication. It can become relevant through contract, award, administrative requirement or legal reference.
Can AI create Easy Read automatically?
AI can create a draft, but it can omit essential information, change meaning or choose unsuitable terms. It does not replace subject-matter approval or review with the intended audience.
Who should review Easy Read content?
A qualified reviewer should check the content and rules. People from the intended audience should also check whether they can find, understand and use the information.