Easy and plain language: differences and rules

Two things that are often mixed up

German has two terms: Leichte Sprache (easy language, strictly regulated) and Einfache Sprache (plain language). In English, easy-to-read and plain language come close, but they are not exact translations. What matters is the purpose and the audience.

• Leichte Sprache is meant mainly for people with learning difficulties or cognitive limitations. It follows fixed rule books and keeps only the most important content of the original. In Germany, DIN SPEC 33429 (edition 2025-03) gives recommendations for it.
• Einfache Sprache (plain language) addresses a wider audience, for example people with limited German. It keeps all the information of the original and makes it easier to understand. In Germany, DIN 8581-1 (edition 2024-05) sets rules for it.
• Other languages: guidelines for easy-to-read texts exist in many languages (Inclusion Europe points to them), each with its own rules. Do not assume that the German rules apply there.

Rules that both forms share

• Use words that your readers know from everyday life.
• Keep sentences short.
• Divide the text into many paragraphs and give it headings.
• Leave enough space between the lines.
• Use a large, clear type.
• Use images and photos that support the text.

These points come from the rules of the Netzwerk Leichte Sprache. For plain language, DIN 8581-1 also sets rules for word choice, sentence structure, layout and images.

Why testing with readers matters

Leichte Sprache is not finished when the sentences are short. The Netzwerk Leichte Sprache asks that every text is checked by at least two people with learning difficulties, because only they can judge whether a text is easy to understand. DIN SPEC 33429 also covers how these people take part in the work. A text that you or a tool have only shortened is a draft, not Leichte Sprache in this sense.

When which form makes sense

Use easy language for the key information that people with learning difficulties need: what you offer, what it costs, how to order and how to reach you. Use plain language for the rest of your site, where all information has to stay. Leichte Sprache keeps only the most important content, so publish it as an additional page next to your full text, not instead of it.

Using Do4U

The Rewrite tool has the style Easy-to-read. For German texts it follows the rules of Leichte Sprache, for other languages general easy-to-read guidelines, and it shows the readability before and after. The result is an AI draft. No test group has checked it and it carries no seal. Have readers from your target group check it before you publish it as Leichte Sprache.

Keep your original text. Link the easy version from the original page and back, so that readers can choose.