Definition: Plain language is clear standard language: short sentences, familiar words and an obvious structure. It is written for a broad audience and is less strictly defined than Easy Language. The standard ISO 24495-1 puts the goal like this: readers can quickly find what they need, understand it and act on it [1].
German: Einfache Sprache · Also: plain English · Last reviewed: 27 September 2026
What it is
Plain language is not a special register for a small group. It is well-written standard language that people understand on first reading. A returns page, a checkout step or a form error does not become childish; it becomes clear.
The international standard ISO 24495-1 was published in 2023, and Germany adopted it as DIN ISO 24495-1 in 2024 [1]. It sets out four principles:
- Relevant: the text contains what readers need and leaves out the rest.
- Findable: headings, lists and a sensible order get them to the information fast.
- Understandable: words, sentences and structure are clear.
- Usable: readers can do what they came to do with the information.
Who it matters to
Clear writing helps people with cognitive disabilities or reading difficulties, people reading in a second language, and anyone reading under time pressure or stress. People who use a screen reader benefit too: short sentences and clear headings are easier to hold in mind when you listen rather than look [4].
Plain language or Easy Language?
In Germany the two are distinct. Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) follows fixed rules, is written mainly for people with learning disabilities and is checked by reviewers from that group. Plain language (Einfache Sprache) stays close to standard language and has no fixed audience review. It suits most of the text on a website. Many organisations write their main copy in plain language and offer key content in Easy Language as well.
Examples
- Before: "Invalid input." After: "Enter your postcode, for example SW1A 1AA."
- Before: "Returns must be effected using the enclosed returns form." After: "Put the returns form from the parcel in the box."
- Before: "Accessibility information" as the only link text. After: "Using the shop with a keyboard or screen reader".
The rule behind them is nearly always the same: say who does what, in the active voice, with the word your readers would use themselves.
Common misunderstandings
- "Plain means imprecise." Clear language can be exact. It is often more exact, because ambiguity goes.
- "A good readability score proves a text is clear." Formulas such as Flesch Reading Ease count sentence length and syllables. They do not measure whether the text makes sense.
- "WCAG requires plain language." Success criterion 3.1.5 Reading Level is Level AAA, so it is not normally a target for a whole site [2][3]. Clear labels and error messages are, however, required at Levels A and AA – see 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions.
How Reviseberg handles it
Reviseberg measures the readability of every page with Flesch Reading Ease, using Amstad's German adaptation for German text. Pages that are hard to read are reported under the rule qa:hard-to-read. It belongs to the quality module and never moves the accessibility score, because reading level is WCAG 3.1.5, Level AAA. On request, an AI proposes a plain-language version. The proposal has to score better on readability than the original, or Reviseberg reports it as not easier, with both numbers. Whether the meaning survived is for a person to decide, and nothing is applied to your website automatically.
Related terms
Easy Language · Form label · Transcript · German Sign Language · Digital accessibility