Germany's approach to digital accessibility is defined by a comprehensive set of laws that cover both the public and private sectors. This framework is built on several key pieces of legislation that transpose EU directives into national law, ensuring a high standard of inclusivity. The three most important laws to understand are the BGG, the BITV 2.0, and the BFSG.
1. The Disability Equality Act (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz – BGG)
First enacted in 2002, the BGG is the foundational law for disability rights in Germany, similar in spirit to the ADA in the United States. It establishes the fundamental principle of equal access and non-discrimination for people with disabilities. The BGG specifically mandates that federal public sector bodies must make their websites, applications, and all information technology accessible.
2. The Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung – BITV 2.0)
The BITV 2.0 is the technical regulation that provides the specific "how-to" for the BGG. It defines the accessibility standards that federal public sector websites and mobile apps must meet.
Key aspects of BITV 2.0 include:
- Alignment with European Standards: BITV 2.0 directly incorporates the European standard EN 301 549, which in turn requires conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA. This makes WCAG 2.1 AA the clear technical benchmark for public sector digital accessibility in Germany.
- Specific German Requirements: In addition to WCAG criteria, BITV 2.0 mandates that websites must provide key information in German Sign Language (Deutsche Gebärdensprache) and Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) on their homepages.
- Accessibility Statement: All compliant websites must feature a detailed and regularly updated accessibility statement that outlines their conformance status and provides a feedback mechanism for users.
3. The Accessibility Strengthening Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz – BFSG)
The BFSG is the newest and most impactful law for the private sector. Enacted to transpose the European Accessibility Act (EAA) into German law, the BFSG came into full effect on June 28, 2025.
This law expands accessibility obligations to a wide range of private companies that offer products and services to consumers in Germany, regardless of where the company is based. The sectors covered are the same as those under the EAA, including e-commerce, banking, e-books, and transport services. The technical requirements of the BFSG also point to EN 301 549, making WCAG 2.1 AA the standard for the private sector as well.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Public Sector (BGG/BITV): Enforcement is handled through oversight bodies and legal challenges. While BITV 2.0 itself doesn't list penalties, non-compliance with the BGG can lead to legal action and reputational damage.
- Private Sector (BFSG): Non-compliance with the BFSG can result in significant fines, with penalties reaching up to €100,000 for violations.
A Unified Standard for a Digital Germany
While the laws may seem complex, the path to compliance is clear. For both public and private sector entities in Germany, achieving conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the essential goal. This ensures alignment with EN 301 549 and satisfies the core technical requirements of all major German accessibility laws.
At Wawsome, our platform is specifically designed to help businesses meet these standards. We provide the automated tools and expert guidance necessary to navigate German accessibility legislation with confidence.