Why clear administrative language is not a luxury
An official notice that many people cannot understand generates queries. Those tie up staff. Forms filled in incorrectly mean double the work, and objections that stem from misunderstandings cost many times what the original did.
Cutting red tape is a political priority, from the Online Access Act to the Bureaucracy Relief Act. But a digital form that is just as baffling as its paper predecessor has not cut any red tape. It has only moved the problem online.
Example: before and after
“On the basis of your application of 12 March 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 content. The same legal basis. But understandable. See more examples.
What I do
I translate administrative language into German that works. Clearly worded and without diluting the legal substance. For official notices, forms, contract clauses and terms and conditions.
- Official notices and letters – administrative decisions that citizens can actually understand, without needing a solicitor.
- Forms – structures and wording that come back filled in correctly.
- Terms and conditions and contract clauses – clearly worded, without changing the legal substance.
- Website texts for public bodies – from the home page to the accessibility statement.
Who this is for
Authorities, local councils and public bodies that want, or need, to improve their communication. Agencies working for the public sector. And companies that notice their contract texts raise more questions than they answer. Three examples from practice: before and after.