Designing for Everyone: Creating Accessible Websites in Germany

In today’s digital age, making sure that websites can be used by everyone, no matter their abilities, is both a legal necessity and a moral responsibility. Germany has recently taken steps to enforce this with the introduction of the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz, or BFSG for short. This law requires many companies to build websites that are easily accessible for those with disabilities. This post will walk you through what you need to know about creating a website that is accessible in Germany, highlighting actionable strategies for compliance and inclusivity.

Understanding the BFSG Law

Starting on June 28, 2025, the BFSG will incorporate the European Accessibility Act into Germany’s legal framework. This means that many companies offering services to consumers must ensure that their websites can be accessed by individuals with disabilities.

Which Businesses Are Impacted?

According to assessments from relevant resources, the BFSG impacts business-to-consumer (B2C) companies that meet one of the following conditions:

Have an annual revenue of over €2 million.
Employ a workforce of 10 or more.
Allow contracts to be initiated via their websites, such as e-commerce platforms, appointment scheduling, or contact forms.

This law covers a broad spectrum of businesses, including banks, insurers, e-commerce sites, transportation services, communication providers, media services, e-book suppliers, and various service industries like healthcare and personal grooming.

The Importance of Accessibility

Creating a Barrierefreie Website is essential not just for following the law; it carries many additional benefits:

Wider Audience

In the German-speaking world, over 10 million individuals live with severe disabilities. By ensuring your website is accessible, you tap into a large, meaningful market segment.

Better User Experience

Many features that enhance accessibility can improve the overall experience for all visitors, regardless of any disabilities. Whether it’s clearly organized navigation, a user-friendly layout, or good color contrast, these qualities benefit everyone.

Enhanced SEO

Websites that are accessible often perform better on search engines such as Google. Accessibility contributes to higher search rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find you online.

Commitment to Inclusivity

Making your website more accessible demonstrates a strong dedication to social responsibility and inclusion, setting a positive example in the business community.

Core Principles of Accessible Website Design

The international standard for web accessibility is outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or WCAG. The version 2.1 AA is most often referenced by regulations across the globe and is based on four key principles, remembered as POUR:

Perceivable

This principle states that information and user interface components should be presented in ways that all users can perceive. For instance:

Alternative Text for Images: Use clear descriptions in the alt attribute for any images. This helps screen readers convey meaningful information to users with visual impairments. For example, rather than saying <img src="logo.png">, you might determine that <img src="logo.png" alt="Company Logo"> would be more helpful.
Captions for Multimedia: Adding captions to videos and transcripts for audio materials helps users who may be deaf or hard of hearing comprehend the content.
High Contrast: Check that your text stands out against the background; aim for at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for regular text, and 3:1 for larger text elements.

Operable

This principle ensures that all functions of the website can be easily used. Some things to consider:

Keyboard Accessibility: Make sure users can operate features via keyboard shortcuts; this is particularly important for those unable to use a mouse.
Focus Indicators: Highlight links and buttons clearly so users know where they are when navigating the page.
Organized Navigation: Provide an easy-to-follow navigation scheme including escape options, such as “skip to main content” links for repetitive content like menus.

Understandable

The information provided on your website should be simple and easy to grasp:

Clear Text: Stick with straightforward, easy-to-read language. Avoid overly technical jargon.
User-Friendly Functions: Ensure that buttons and forms work predictably. Make instructions and error messages clear so users know how to interact effectively.

Robust

Last but not least, your website should have a flexible structure capable of functioning effectively with various technologies:

Device Compatibility: The site should work with general assistive tech, like screen readers or voice-to-text programs.
Valid Coding: Your website’s underlying HTML should be written correctly for better interaction across different platforms and tools.

Steps to Implement Accessibility

First, it’s necessary to analyze your site thoroughly to spot any accessibility roadblocks. Afterwards:

Address Critical Issues: Start fixing the most significant problems that make your site inaccessible.
Apply Changes: Make those essential changes to improve accessibility.
Conduct Testing: Utilize assistive devices and gather feedback from users with different disabilities to validate your modifications.
Document Your Efforts: Create an accessibility statement to share your goals regarding web accessibility and outline how users can reach out to report issues.
Educate Your Team: Train staff on core principles of accessible web design.
Regular Updates: Continually revisit and modify your site to keep it accessible over time.

Unique Considerations for the German Context

When targeting a German audience, ensure your website is fully accessible in the German language:

Language Support: This means all text, including alternative descriptions, captions, and transcripts, should be available in German.
Stay Informed on Legal Updates: Keep track of current laws concerning web accessibility in Germany like the BFSG.
Cultural Awareness: Be sensitive to cultural differences when crafting your content. Avoid local idioms which might be confusing to some readers.

Assistance from Barrierefrei-digital.net

As we mentioned earlier, barrierefrei-digital.net can aid businesses in navigating the complexities of making their websites accessible. They offer solutions such as:

Simplifying website scaling features.
Enhancing color contrasts.
Configuring setups for screen reader compatibility.
Adding alternative text and proper link descriptions.
Constructing accessibility declarations and feedback platforms.
Making documents like PDFs also accessible.

Conclusion

Crafting an accessible website is both a legal obligation and a commendable practice in Germany. By embracing the guidance shared in this post, and staying informed about critical laws, you can create a user-friendly, inclusive online space accessible to all. The push for accessibility is a significant step toward a more inclusive digital community that serves both your business and the broader society.