Digital accessibility has already been introduced in Germany through regulations such as the Accessibility in Information Technology Ordinance 2.0 (BITV 2.0) and the Act on Equal Opportunities of Persons with Disabilities (BGG). Federal agencies, in particular, were obliged to make their websites and apps accessible to all users. The introduction of the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) has set the bar even higher. As the follow-up to the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the BFSG brings these requirements for private companies to the national level. For website and app providers, this means more than just ticking a few boxes.
If your company operates in Germany or targets German users, you should make all content on your website or app accessible – from the homepage to the cookie banner. Otherwise, you risk not only high fines, but also reputational losses and missed business opportunities .
❗ Attention: The BFSG comes into force in Germany on June 8, 2025. Companies must adapt their websites/apps according to the requirements.
Let’s take a closer look at the accessibility laws in Germany and the requirements that must be met.
What does digital accessibility mean?
Digital accessibility refers to the design and development of websites, apps, and digital content to remove barriers for users with disabilities. This means that websites, apps, and cookie banners must be free from visual, auditory, and cognitive barriers. Everything from colours to interactions to font sizes can affect how your site or app is rated for accessibility.
Overview of German accessibility laws
In brief
→ BGG (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz – Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act)
The Act on Equal Opportunities of Persons with Disabilities (BGG), which came into force in 2002, lays down general principles for equality of persons with disabilities. The law applies to federal authorities, corporations and institutions in germany.
→ BITV 2.0 (Barrierefreie Informationstechnik-Verordnung – Accessibility in Information Technology Ordinance)
The BITV 2.0, introduced in 2019, defines technical standards for barrier-free digital services and products of the federal authorities. It is also recommended that private organisations follow these standards.
→ BFSG (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz – Accessibility Reinforcement Act)
The BFSG, which came into force in 2022, implemented the European Accessibility Act (EAA) into German law. Private companies must now also comply with it.
BGG (German Act on Equal Opportunities of Persons with Disabilities)
The German Act on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (BGG) came into force on 1 May 2002 and, before BITV 2.0 and BFSG, was the law in Germany that defined accessibility requirements. It applies to federal authorities and institutions. In Section 4 BGG, the term ‘accessibility’ is defined and the responsibility of federal authorities for creating accessible websites and mobile applications is established. In addition, the law recommends integrating accessibility standards into planning, development and procurement processes as early as possible.
BITV 2.0 (Accessibility in Information Technology Ordinance)
The Accessibility in Information Technology Ordinance (BITV) was first introduced in 2002 and updated in 2011 as BITV 2.0. The last change was made in May 2019. The BITV 2.0 focuses more on the technical requirements for accessibility on the internet. It is initially based on the WCAG 2.0 and now refers to the WCAG 2.1. Another requirement of BITV 2.0 is that the home page of a website must be available in both German sign language and easy-to-read language.
BFSG (Accessibility Reinforcement Act)
Following the introduction of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the German government passed the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) on 15 June 2009. This law implements the EAA in German law. In june 2025 it will be fully in force and applicable for new products and services coming into the market. In contrast to the previous regulations, which were mainly aimed at federal authorities, the BFSG also applies to private manufacturers, traders, importers and service providers.
Accessibility requirements under the BFSG:
From a digital perspective, the requirements of the BFSG apply to websites, online apps and mobile apps. These standards aim to design digital content as follows:
- Multi-sensory: Providing information in a variety of formats (visual, auditory, etc.)
- Easy to find: Easy navigation and easy retrieval of content
- Comprehensible: Present information in a clear and understandable way.
- Format flexibility: Provide information in text formats that can be easily converted into alternative formats for assistive technologies.
- Visual accessibility: Use appropriate font sizes, contrasts and spacing for good readability.
- Alternatives for non-text content: Provide text alternatives or other accessible formats for images, videos and audio.
- Consistent and accessible design: Ensure consistency and accessibility across all digital platforms.
- Assistive services: Provide information on accessibility and compatibility with assistive technologies.
Consequences of non-compliance
In Germany, failure to comply with accessibility requirements can result in fines of up to €100,000.
Ensure your website or app complies with the BFSG
Consider the WCAG standards
Thoroughly check your website or app to make sure it meets all the accessibility criteria set out in WCAG 2.1. This includes not only sufficient colour contrast and full keyboard navigation, but also optimised font sizes, appropriate text spacing and alternative texts for images and non-text content. Also, make sure that functions such as forms, search boxes or interactive elements are easy to understand and access. Check that your content is available in plain language and that multimedia content such as videos or audio files are provided with subtitles or transcripts. This way, you can create an inclusive user experience that meets the needs of all visitors.
Optimize your cookie banners
Read our best practice tips in our latest article on designing accessible cookie banners. Focus on elements such as colour contrast, size and clear language. With a cookie banner tool like consentmanager, you can meet accessibility requirements with just a few clicks.
Conclusion
The German laws on accessibility – BFSG, BITV and BGG – are designed to give website and app owners clear guidelines and signals for an inclusive digital web experience. Make your website and app accessible now, starting with your cookie banner.
