Why clear administrative language is not a luxury
An official notice that many people cannot understand generates follow-up questions. Those tie up staff. Incorrectly completed forms create rework, and appeals caused by misunderstandings take additional time.
Reducing bureaucracy is a policy goal, reflected in initiatives such as the Online Access Act and the Bureaucracy Relief Act. But a digital form that is just as hard to understand as its paper predecessor has not reduced bureaucracy. It has only moved the problem online.
Example: before and after
“On the basis of your application of March 12, 2026, and taking into account standard requirement level 1 as set out in Section 27a SGB XII, a total monthly requirement amounting to EUR 1,136.00 is hereby granted to you, whereby creditable income amounting to EUR 320.00 is to be deducted.”
“You have applied for social assistance. Your monthly requirement is EUR 1,136.00. We deduct your income from this: EUR 320.00. You will receive EUR 816.00 per month.”
The same subject matter, with a clearer structure and wording. See more examples.
What I do
I rewrite administrative texts in clear, usable German without diluting the legal substance. This includes official notices, forms, contract clauses and terms and conditions. For legal texts, I work on the language; legal review remains with the responsible legal team.
- Official notices and letters: administrative decisions that residents can better understand on the first read.
- Forms: clearer structure and wording to help people complete them correctly.
- Terms and conditions and contract clauses: clear wording without changing the legal substance.
- Website copy for public-sector bodies: from the home page to the accessibility statement.
Who this is for
Public authorities and local governments looking to improve their communication, agencies working for the public sector, and businesses whose contracts raise more questions than they answer. See three before-and-after examples.