Accessible Readability & Text Design according to BFSG – Best Practices for Digital Accessibility

The accessible design of texts and content is a central component of the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), which becomes mandatory from June 28, 2025. It obliges companies to ensure digital accessibility, particularly in accessible text design. Websites must be designed so that all users – regardless of physical or cognitive impairments – can easily grasp the content.

Accessible readability not only ensures legal certainty but also increases usability, improves SEO ranking, and boosts the conversion rate.

Why is Accessible Text Design So Important for Websites?

• Legal requirement: The BFSG requires digital content to be accessible to everyone – especially according to the guidelines of WCAG 2.1 and DIN EN 301 549.
• User-friendliness: Optimized text design facilitates understanding for people with visual impairments, dyslexia, or cognitive limitations.
• SEO boost: Search engines like Google prefer clear, understandable content – an accessible text structure can improve Google ranking.
• Higher conversion rate: Easily readable content reduces bounce rates and increases interaction.

1. Simple Language & Clear Phrasing for Better Accessibility

Avoid jargon. Clear, simple language is the foundation of accessible communication.

✅ Short sentences: Maximum 15-20 words per sentence for better understanding.

✅ Simple terms: Avoid technical terms or explain them directly.

✅ Direct address: Use "You" instead of passive, impersonal formulations.

📌 Example of simple language & clear phrasing:

• ❌ Complex: "Our innovative web solution enables a holistic implementation of accessible standards."

• ✔ Accessible: "Our solution helps you make your website easily accessible."

2. Accessible Font Size & Reader-Friendly Layout

Texts must be visually accessible – regardless of the device or visual acuity.

✅ Minimum 16 px font size (recommended: 18-22 px for better readability).

✅ Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Roboto improve readability.

✅ Line spacing of 1.5 and max. 80 characters per line prevent "walls of text".

📌 Example of optimal text design:

• ❌ Bad: Long, unstructured paragraphs without subheadings.

• ✔ Good: Clearly structured paragraphs with bullet points and highlights.

3. Color Contrasts & Visual Accessibility according to WCAG 2.1

Poor contrast makes content unreadable – especially for people with low vision or color blindness.

✅ High contrast ratio (min. 4.5:1 according to WCAG 2.1) for good readability.

✅ Do not rely solely on color coding (e.g., Red/Green) for colorblind users – supplement with symbols & text.

✅ Avoid background colors that make reading difficult (e.g., light gray text on a white background).

📌 Example of accessible color design:

• ❌ Bad: Light gray text on white background → hard to read.

• ✔ Good: Dark blue text on white background → high contrast, easy to read.

4. Structured Content & Visual Organization for Better Orientation

Structure provides clarity – for readers and search engines.

✅ Hierarchical headings (H1-H3) for better navigation.

✅ Lists & paragraphs instead of long text blocks for easy comprehension.

✅ Alternative texts (Alt tags) for images & infographics so screen readers can read them.

📌 Example of structured content & visual organization:

• ❌ Bad: "Here are our products. They are modern, flexible, and help you."

• ✔ Good:

  • Our Products 🛠️
    • ✅ Modern: Always up-to-date.
    • ✅ Flexible: Adaptable to your needs.
    • ✅ Accessible: Compliant with WCAG 2.1 standards.

❗ Don't know if the readability and text design of your website are accessible?

Checklist: Accessible Readability & Text Design

• ✅ Font Size: Minimum 16 pixels base font size for body text.

• ✅ Font Type: Prefer easily readable sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana, Lato).

• ✅ Line Spacing: At least 1.5 times the font size.

• ✅ Paragraph Spacing: Significantly larger than line spacing (min. 2x font size recommended).

• ✅ Line Length: Ideally 50–75 characters per line.

• ✅ Text Alignment: Left-aligned text is most readable.

• ✅ Contrast: Minimum contrast of 4.5:1 for normal text (WCAG AA).

• ✅ No Justified Text: Creates irregular word spacing.

• ✅ Emphasis: Use sparingly, primarily bold instead of italics or ALL CAPS.

• ✅ Understandable Language: Clear phrasing, short sentences, avoidance of jargon.