Simple language and easy language

What is easy language?

Easy language is used to simplify complicated content without changing the meaning. This facilitates accessible communication that is inclusive of people who find standard language challenging. Easy language uses short sentences and clear structures, while steering clear of technical jargon.

Easy language

In Switzerland alone, there are an estimated one million people who suffer from reading difficulties. There are many reasons for this, including poor German skills, dementia and cognitive disabilities. The importance of access to information for these people became apparent at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the Swiss government communicated the rules of conduct, from the importance of washing your hands to keeping your distance, using multilingual easy language. And there is even an “Easy language” button for German, French and Italian on the parlament.ch website. Our language professionals can also word your texts or official messages so that they will be understood by everyone.

Attracting customers with simple, understandable texts

Simple language is aimed at the general public and does not follow rigid rules but aims to convey information in a customer-friendly way. In a study carried out in collaboration with the Technical University of Braunschweig, researchers examined the contract conditions of a major insurer. Among other things, they came across a sentence with 66 words straggling several lines – something that clearly exceeds the processing capacity of the reader. The conclusion? Verbal constructs like this hinder the building of trust and certainly do not encourage a customer to actually choose a particular insurance policy. This is why it is worth revising complicated texts into accessible simple language. Apostroph’s easy language professionals know how to extract the essence of your content and communicate it clearly.

Difference between simple and easy language

Simple language is used to make texts easier to understand more generally, while easy language has been developed specifically for people with intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties. Easy language simplifies texts even further than simple language and also uses visual aids like images and symbols.

Our services

Our range of easy language services includes:

• Text revision to ensure accessibility
• Creation of easy-to-read content
• Advice on introducing accessible texts within your organisation

Why rely on Apostroph for easy language services?

• Industry-leading quality: With extensive experience and expertise behind us, you can rely on us to deliver top quality when we write and revise texts in easy language for you.
• Individual advice: We work closely with you to ensure that your texts are easy to understand but also tailored specifically to your target audience.
• Access to a wider audience: With our help, you can be sure that your content will be understood by a wider audience that includes people with learning difficulties or little knowledge of German.
• Compliance with best practices: Apostroph relies on trusted methods for accessible communication and stays up to date with all the relevant laws and guidelines.
• Commitment to accessibility: Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in our extensive back catalogue of projects. We work closely with organisations that specialise in supporting people with learning difficulties.

The impact of the new EU Accessibility Act on Switzerland

The new Accessibility Act became law in the European Union in 2025, establishing broad-ranging rules relating to the accessibility of digital and physical services. Although Switzerland is not an EU Member State, this law impacts heavily on Swiss businesses that sell to EU consumers.

• Elevated standards: Swiss businesses that sell products or services to customers in the EU have to make sure that they are meeting the new EU standards for accessibility. Digital content and online applications are affected most heavily.
• Market access: The new accessibility rules must be observed if businesses want to keep operating within the European market. Otherwise, there is a risk of products and services being restricted or banned.
• Competitive advantage: Swiss businesses that adapt to the new rules have an opportunity to position themselves as front-runners when it comes to accessibility, giving them a competitive edge in an increasingly regulated market.
• Reputation and customer loyalty: Businesses that make a proactive effort and take accessibility seriously will improve their image and boost customer loyalty, especially among consumers who care about accessibility and inclusion.

Adapting to the new EU Accessibility Act is a legal requirement, but it is also an opportunity for businesses to bolster and broaden their internal philosophy on accessibility and inclusion.

The advantages of our easy language services at a glance:

• Qualified copywriters who are familiar with the comprehensive rules of easy language
• Experienced copy professionals who know how to transform complicated phrases into simple language
• Professional copywriters with the knowledge required to simplify challenging texts with legal, scientific, official or other content
• Both easy language services available in multiple languages
• SSL encryption for secure data transfer
• Information security in compliance with ISO 27001

Contact us

Keen to make your communications more inclusive? Contact us! Our team will be happy to help you make your content accessible to a wider audience.