Easy-to-read language

Easy-to-read language is a form of the German language that is particularly easy to understand and follows specific, strict and fixed rules. In Germany, these rules have been standardised since 2025 by DIN SPEC 33429 ‘Recommendations for Easy-to-read German’. Easy-to-read language uses short sentences, simple words and clear structures. Pictures are also often used to aid understanding. Easy-to-read language is primarily aimed at people with cognitive impairments, learning difficulties, functional illiteracy or severe speech and language disorders. It is also helpful for people with very limited knowledge of German.

‘Easy-to-read language’ and ‘Plain Language’ are different terms. ‘Plain Language’ is less heavily simplified, more flexible and is aimed at a broader target group in order to make texts generally more understandable.