Plain Language: What DIN 8581-1 Covers

Readers determine whether a text works

Plain Language is not defined by a fixed sentence length or a list of forbidden words. What matters is whether intended readers can find, understand and use the information they need. This is the central idea of Plain Language described in DIN ISO 24495-1.^[1]

DIN 8581-1 adds language-specific provisions for German factual texts.^[2] This article summarizes information DIN and DIN Media make publicly available. It is not a substitute for the full standard text.

Two standards, two purposes

DIN ISO 24495-1:2024-03 sets out principles and guidelines that apply across languages and cultures. It centers on four questions:^[3]

1. Do readers get the information they need?
2. Can they find that information easily?
3. Can they understand the information they find?
4. Can they use the information easily?

DIN 8581-1:2024-05 applies these principles to German. According to DIN’s public description, it covers matters such as content, style and text structure; sentence length and syntax; verb tenses; word length and familiarity; and typographic design and word breaks.^[3]

Who is Plain Language for?

DIN Media describes Plain Language as a form of communication often used with the general public. The intended readers, what they already know, their reading skills and the situation in which they use the text all matter.^[1]

DIN 8581-1 also defines its scope explicitly: readers with cognitive impairments are not the target audience of this standard. The principles and rules of Easy Language are not part of it.^[2]

Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) was developed specifically for people with disabilities, including people with learning difficulties, according to Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. It is more heavily simplified than Plain Language and everyday language.^[4] Read What is Easy Language?

Target-group testing is part of the professional context

DIN Media says DIN 8581-1 provides for target-group testing to assess comprehensibility.^[5] This is separate from defining the intended audience. First, decide who the readers are. Testing then helps assess whether the version works for them.

Any review by a target or review group for my projects is arranged by the client. I can prepare the text for that stage and incorporate feedback within the agreed scope.

Is DIN 8581-1 required by law?

As a general rule, applying DIN standards is voluntary.^[6] DIN 820 Supplement 3 also explains that laws, administrative regulations, contracts or other legal grounds can make a standard mandatory in a particular context.^[8] The applicable requirements therefore need to be determined for each project.

Section 11 of Germany’s Disability Equality Act (BGG) uses the phrase “simple and understandable language.” Where an explanation in that form is not sufficient under the conditions stated there, certain documents are to be explained in Easy Language on request. The statute does not name DIN 8581-1.^[7]

A text prepared under DIN 8581-1 is therefore not automatically the right or legally sufficient solution for every project just because the standard is named. The intended readers, purpose and project requirements still matter.

Where Plain Language can be used

DIN identifies fields such as law, health, public order, government communication and corporate communication as areas where Plain Language can be used.^[3] My services include customer information, forms, letters, help content, internal policies and digital service information.

The type of text alone does not determine whether Plain Language is a good fit. The intended readers, the information that must be retained and the action the text should enable all matter.

Annemarie Andersen

Independent language specialist

I revise and write texts in Plain Language and Easy Language. I keep language editing, subject-matter approval and client-side target-group review distinct. More about me.