Complex content presented in a clear and understandable manner appropriate for the target audience – for businesses, public bodies and organisations.
Complex content presented in a clear and understandable manner appropriate for the target audience – for businesses, public bodies and organisations.
Professional translations in plain language
Information is only truly accessible if people can understand it.
Plain language breaks down language barriers and makes complex content accessible to more people. It follows strict rules regarding word choice, sentence structure, organisation and layout.
KERN helps businesses and public sector organisations adapt existing content into plain language. In doing so, we take into account the specific area of application, the target audience and the medium used.
From information signs and digital displays to technical instructions, a wide variety of content can be presented in an easy-to-understand format.
Upon request, we can base the production process on the recommendations set out in DIN SPEC 33429:2025-03 for German Plain Language.
Our experts will advise you on the text, medium, target audience and the most suitable production process.
Why use plain language?
A great deal of information contains technical terms, long sentences or complex concepts. This can make it considerably more difficult to understand.
Plain language presents information in such a way that key points can be grasped more quickly and understood more easily.
This benefits, for example:
• people with learning difficulties
• people with limited reading skills
• people with limited knowledge of German
• older people
• people with neurological conditions (e.g. dementia or aphasia)
• people with cognitive impairments
• people who need to grasp information quickly and clearly
Plain language can therefore make an important contribution to accessibility, inclusion and social participation.
Plain language for different media and situations
Plain language has long been used in contexts other than just websites.
What matters is that information is made available in an accessible way wherever people need it.
In public spaces in particular, information must be understood quickly and unambiguously.
KERN helps to present information in a clear and understandable way, for example:
• Medical practices
• Hospitals
• Public authorities
• Airports
• Rail stations
• Educational institutions
• Event venues
• Public buildings
• Companies and production sites
These may include signposts, safety instructions, guidelines on behaviour or information on procedures.
As well as language, structure, readability and the interplay between text and visual elements also play an important role.
At railway stations and bus stops, a lot of information has to be taken in within a matter of seconds.
Plain language can help transport organisations make information accessible to more people.
Possible topics include:
• Information on platforms
• Text on information screens
• Notices regarding delays and train cancellations
• Information on platform changes
• Directions within stations
• Information on tickets and travel passes
• Information on accessibility and mobility services
• Travel information
• Safety and behaviour guidelines
• Content on websites and in apps
Such solutions are suitable, for example, for applications within Deutsche Bahn and other rail and transport companies.
Short texts, precise wording and clear information hierarchies help travellers in time-sensitive situations.
Airports are environments where complex processes, considerable time pressure and a particularly diverse target group converge.
Plain language can make important information more accessible.
This includes, for example:
• Check-in information
• Information on security checks
• Gate and boarding information
• Directional signs
• Baggage information
• Information on flight changes
• Safety information
• Information for passengers requiring assistance
• Digital information systems
• Websites and apps
KERN also takes into account space constraints and the technical requirements of digital display systems.
Medical and organisational information for patients is often complex.
Plain language can help make processes and important information easier to understand.
Suitable content includes, for example:
• Information signs in medical practices
• Patient information
• Surgery procedures
• Information on preparing for examinations
• Forms and explanations
• Information from hospitals
• Health information
• Medication-related advice
• Websites and patient portals
When it comes to medical content, technical accuracy and clear statements remain particularly important.
Technical information can be particularly complex.
Technical terms, lengthy procedures and numerous safety instructions often make it difficult to use products and equipment.
KERN combines expertise in technical documentation and specialist translation with clear and accessible language.
Suitable documents include, for example:
• User manuals
• Operating instructions
• Quick guides
• Assembly instructions
• Installation instructions
• Maintenance information
• Safety instructions
• Work instructions
• Digital help texts
• Product information
• Training materials
Complex processes are structured logically and explained in a way that is easy to understand.
However, the simplification of the language must not alter any important technical or safety-related information.
Recording texts in plain language
Information does not have to be accessed exclusively through reading.
Audio versions can also make it easier to access information.
KERN therefore also provides support for the audio recording of content in plain language.
Possible applications include:
- Websites
- Information portals
- Explanatory content
- Apps
- Audio guides
- E-Learning
- Information systems
- Patient information
- Travel information
- Operating instructions
- public information services
Depending on the project, recordings featuring voice-over artists or suitable digital voice solutions may be used.
In doing so, the rate of speech, intonation and pauses are adjusted to ensure the content is conveyed clearly.
Public sector clients place their trust in us
Government departments, public bodies and institutions rely on the language services provided by KERN. This selection showcases public sector clients with whom we collaborate across various areas of multilingual and accessible communication.
From specialist texts to websites: plain language for your content
In general, much of the content that KERN traditionally translates and localises can also be adapted to ensure clearer communication.
This includes inter alia:
Technical content
User manuals, technical documentation, safety instructions and product descriptions.
Medicine and Healthcare
Patient information, health information, information leaflets and organisational details.
Law and Administration
Official information, guidance, forms, notices and general legal information.
Financial communications
General financial information, customer information, explanatory texts and clear explanations of complex processes.
Human Resources and Internal Communication
Staff information, onboarding documents, training materials, company information and internal policies.
Marketing and Corporate Communications
Websites, brochures, information materials, product information and company information.
Software and digital content
Apps, user interfaces, online help, portals and digital information systems.
E-learning and training courses
Learning texts, explanatory content, instructions and digital training materials.
Plain language based on clear rules
Plain language involves much more than just shortening a text.
The following aspects, amongst others, are taken into account during the preparation:
- short and clear sentences
- words that are as familiar and specific as possible
- Explanations of difficult terms
- clear wording
- consistent terms
- clear information hierarchies
- logical paragraphs and headings
- clear lists
- appropriate images and symbols
- easy-to-read layout
- Taking the relevant medium into account
DIN SPEC 33429:2025-03 provides standardised recommendations for German Plain Language.
If requested, the production can be specifically tailored to these recommendations.
Quality through testing and a focus on the target audience
Ultimately, it is the target audience that determines whether a text is understandable.
For this reason, an additional
comprehensibility check can be integrated in the process for relevant projects.
This may also include involving suitable testers from the target group.
Findings from the review will then be incorporated in the final version.
The result is not simply a text that has been simplified in linguistic terms, but information that has been optimised for its intended context of use.
Your plain language project at KERN
We review the source text, the target audience, the medium and the context in which it will be used.
Together, we will determine the scope, the required language level and the quality requirements.
The information is presented in a structured manner and adapted to the target audience using plain language.
Where necessary, layout, images, symbols and media requirements are incorporated in the process.
The content is checked for both language and substance.
Depending on the project, an additional comprehensibility check may be included.
You will receive the final version in the required format for print, web, audio or digital systems.
Why use KERN for plain language?
KERN has many years’ experience in the professional presentation of complex specialist content.
Technology, medicine, law, finance and public communication all place different demands on the clarity of texts.
From documents and websites to displays and audio content, a variety of communication channels can be taken into account.
Even simplified content requires consistent terminology and clearly defined terms.
KERN provides support for both individual documents and extensive, regularly updated information repositories.
Plain language can be integrated into existing translation, localisation and content processes.
Plain language for businesses and public sector organisations
Plain language is of particular interest to:
• Government bodies and public authorities
• Transport operators and mobility providers
• Railway companies
• Airports
• Hospitals and medical practices
• Insurance companies
• Banks and financial services providers
• Energy suppliers
• Industrial companies
• Educational institutions
• Associations and organisations
• Software providers
• Digital platform operators
Wherever information is intended to be accessible to as many people as possible, clear communication can add significant value.
FAQ on Plain Language
What is plain language?
Plain language is a particularly accessible and easy-to-understand form of the German language. It uses clear structures, short sentences and words that are as easy to understand as possible. It is aimed in particular at people who have limited understanding of complex standard language.
What is the difference between "plain language" and "simple language"?
Plain language follows much stricter rules than simple language. Simple language also reduces linguistic complexity, but allows for greater freedom when it comes to word choice, sentence structure and style.
What sort of texts can KERN adapt into plain language?
Among other things, KERN can produce websites, information materials, technical manuals, patient information, forms, training materials and digital content. In principle, many types of content that KERN also translates in the traditional way are suitable for plain language.
Can KERN adapt technical manuals into plain language?
Yes. Operating manuals, user guides, work and safety instructions can be structured and worded in a way that makes them easier to understand. Technical accuracy and safety-related statements must be maintained in the process.
Is plain language suitable for information signs, railway stations and airports?
Yes. Plain language can be used, for example, on information signs, directional signs, platform information, displays, travel information and safety instructions. The text, design and context of use should all be taken into account together.
Can plain language be produced in audio form?
Yes. Content in plain language can also be provided in audio format. This is suitable, for example, for websites, apps, information services, audio guides and digital learning content.
Can KERN also translate content in plain language into other languages?
Yes. KERN can combine clear, accessible content with professional translation and localisation. For other languages, texts are adapted to meet the relevant linguistic, cultural and target-audience-specific requirements.
How does a plain language project work at KERN?
First of all, the source text, target audience, medium and intended purpose are analysed. The content is then organised in a clear and understandable way, checked and made available in the required format. Depending on the project, a comprehensibility check may also be included.