BFSG — the digital obligation, explained in a nutshell.
Since June 28, 2025, digital services in Germany must be accessible.
. Here's everything you need to know.
What is the BFSG?
The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) implements the European
Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act, EAA) transposed into German law.
It obliges companies to design digital products and services in such a way that
design them so that they can also be used by people with disabilities without assistance
They can be achieved. The standard is WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Probably you too.
Once your website allows interaction, you usually fall short.
under the BFSG (Federal Road Traffic Act). A brief self-assessment using our Quick Check.
on the Homepage.
Tip: BFSG advice is available via the
BAFA funding
often eligible for subsidies of 50–80 %.
- Websites with contact form, booking, shop or downloads.
- Online shops of all sizes (exception: micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and ≤ €2 million in revenue — this does not apply in some cases).
- Apps and self-service terminals (e.g. ATMs, ticket machines).
- E-books, e-readers, digital payment services, passenger transport services.
- This also applies to B2B providers when they reach public consumers.
What happens if you do nothing?
The deadline was 28.06.2025. For before this date
For existing service contracts, there is a transition period.
until June 27, 2030. New contracts from June 28, 2025 onwards must be compliant immediately.
Experience shows that government activity will increase significantly in 2026/27.
This is how we build accessibility — module by module
No promises, but building blocks: This is our own,
Delivered WCAG module suite. Each module has a detail page with
WCAG reference, implementation example and cross-links.
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Skip links & semantic landmarks
WCAG 2.4.1The keyboard jumps directly to the main content — without having to navigate through the navigation and header.
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Full keyboard navigation
WCAG 2.1.1Every function is accessible — without a mouse. Essential for screen reader users, helpful for everyone else.
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AAA contrasts, tested per component
WCAG 1.4.6≥ 7:1 for text, ≥ 4.5:1 for large font — tested per component, not per page sample.
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Visible focus indicator
WCAG 2.4.11Users who navigate using tabs always know where they are. No disappearing outline.
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ARIA Live Regions
WCAG 4.1.3Dynamic content (form errors, loader, mini-carts) is announced by the screen reader.
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Plain language (AI-supported)
WCAG 3.1.5Content simplified at the touch of a button — for people with reading difficulties, language learners and those in a hurry.
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AI alt text generator
WCAG 1.1.1No more "image without a description". AI provides the first draft — editorial team refines it.
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Contrast scanner with auto-audit
WCAG 1.4.3Ongoing contrast checking in the backend — regression is reported before the editorial team notices anything.
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Accessible forms
WCAG 3.3.1Clear labels, programmatic error handling, validation — no browser bubbles, no „please fill in".
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Heading Hygiene & Structure Manager
WCAG 1.3.1Clean outline for screen readers and search engines — one H1 per page, no jumps.
Quick answers about the BFSG
Does the BFSG also apply to my small sole proprietorship?
Online shops may be exempt from the micro-enterprise exemption (fewer than 10 employees and ≤ €2 million in revenue). However, this exemption usually still applies to other mandatory areas (e.g., contact form, booking). We will clarify your specific situation in an initial consultation.
What does a typical BFSG-compliant implementation cost?
The effort involved depends heavily on the scope of the project—the size of the website, the complexity of its functions (shop, booking, forms), and its current state. We don't offer a flat rate, but rather a specific assessment after an initial consultation. Consulting and concept development services are often eligible for BAFA funding.
Is a single audit sufficient?
Technically yes, but content changes. We recommend an audit partner model with periodic reviews—otherwise, the site will fall below the standard over time.
We use Divi/WordPress/Shopify — is it even possible to make it accessible?
Yes, it takes effort. Very few themes/platforms are AA-compliant out of the box. We know the typical pitfalls and include our own modules (see module suite above).
More questions? Check out the FAQ overview.
Turning obligation into an advantage.
Free initial consultation — in 15 minutes you'll know where you stand regarding the BFSG (Federal Law on the Protection of Employees).
Further information:
Performance overview ·
BAFA funding ·
Hosting Germany ·
All FAQs
