Communication in intercultural situations is made easier through the use of plain language. Its purpose is to make written and spoken texts accessible to as many people as possible.
Plain language should be distinguished from simple language, even though the two terms are often used interchangeably. Some rules of plain language can also be applied to simple language. Plain language corresponds to language level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Simple language, on the other hand, uses more complex phrasing and more difficult terms. It corresponds to the requirements of language levels A2/B1 of the CEFR. The Federal Agency for Civic Education and the IQ Network provide further information on the distinction between the two terms.
Unlike Simple Language, there is a set of rules for Plain Language. This is intended to ensure that learning difficulties, reading disabilities, or a lack of German language skills do not pose a barrier to accessing texts. The use of “Leichte Sprache” is one way to prevent comprehension problems and promote effective communication.
On the page “einfachmachen. Implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Together” from the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, you will find a guide to Easy Language. The guide begins by addressing the question of why Easy Language should be used. It then outlines specific rules and provides guidance. The guide can be downloaded for free here.
The Plain Language Network provides extensive information on plain language. In addition to background information on plain language, rules, and text review services, you’ll also find various publications in plain language here.
The Lebenshilfe Plain Language Office offers various services, such as translating texts into plain language or reviewing texts for compliance with plain language standards.
The publication “Plain Language for Labor Market Institutions: A Guide to Introducing Plain Language as Part of Intercultural Inclusion Processes” by the IQ Network is specifically aimed at employees in mainstream institutions.
It is supplemented by the brochures “Easy-to-Read Language for Labor Market Institutions: Rules and Examples for Employees.” The publication aims to support staff members at mainstream institutions in integrating plain language into their daily work. It contains rules for written and spoken use, as well as short exercises.
The Employment Agency has created a page in plain language where it introduces itself and its services.
Easy-to-Read Dictionaries
The Hurraki website, run by Hep Hep Hurra e.V., offers a digital dictionary for plain language. Hurraki uses the wiki system, familiar from the Wikipedia website, allowing users to create their own entries. It is also possible to have sentences checked.
The Lebenshilfe association also provides an “Easy-to-Read Dictionary” online. Here you’ll find explanations in easy-to-read language, arranged alphabetically.