From 2025, accessibility for websites will not only be an important user-friendliness measure, but also a legal obligation. Companies must ensure that their digital offerings meet the requirements of WCAG 2.1 (compliance level AA) in order to provide equal access to all people — regardless of potential restrictions.
From June 2025, all websites in Germany must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA Meet the standard to meet the requirements of digital accessibility To do justice. This concerns both public institutions and private companies, which must ensure that their websites are accessible to all users. In particular, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) Requires that websites that offer public services must be made barrier-free.
Update: A new version of the policy WCAG 2.2 AA What published.
Die WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) provide detailed guidelines for creating barrier-free websites, which give people with disabilities equal access to digital content. Companies that have a WCAG compliance They must ensure that their web applications and content are designed in accordance with these international standards.
It is important for web developers and designers to use tools such as Webflow To use that make it easier barrier-free websites to create. By implementing WCAG AA standards, websites can better meet the needs of people with disabilities, whether through improved text presentation, alternative navigation, or integration of tools.
Important measures to implement WCAG compliance include optimizing website navigation, providing alternative texts for images, and improving keyboard usability. Especially with regard to the Accessibility Strengthening Act Companies must ensure that their websites are fully WCAG compliant by the deadline in order to prevent legal consequences.
Through the Accessibility A website not only improves the user experience for people with disabilities, but also expands the overall reach of the website. It is important that companies in the digital accessibility Invest to create an inclusive digital world while meeting legal requirements.
That Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) Aims to make digital offerings accessible to all people — in particular for people with disabilities. From June 2025, companies must ensure that their websites and digital applications meet at least the requirements of WCAG compliance level AA.
The WCAG (version 2.1) defines clear accessibility guidelines. Compliance level AA includes a total of 62 criteria, including:
✅ Public bodies (e.g. authorities, municipalities, universities) → Already mandatory through BITV 2.0
✅ Companies that offer digital products & services, including:
🚨 Exceptions:
❌ Microenterprises (less than 10 employees & annual turnover below €2 million) are excluded. See website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior
❌ Private websites & blogs Without commercial intent are not obligated.
❌ Services exclusively in the area of B2B (Business to Business) are offered. See Federal Office for Accessibility website
From 2025, government market surveillance will check whether companies meet these requirements. Failure to comply could result in penalties or restrictions on market participation, particularly for public offerings or heavily regulated industries such as banks, insurance companies or online retailers.
Implementing accessibility can be technically demanding — here's Webflow Into the game. Webflow provides powerful Support features of accessibility.
Although Webflow is a great tool, there are other platforms that can help companies implement accessible websites. Here is an overview:
WordPress is a widely used CMS (content management system) that adds accessibility features through plugins such as WP Accessibility or Accessibility Checker. This is ideal for companies that need more flexibility or complex adjustments.
Squarespace also offers easy-to-use design tools, but with less flexibility in terms of ARIA attributes and specific customizations. It is more suitable for small businesses.
Wix offers a built-in accessibility assistant that automatically detects common issues and suggests solutions. This is particularly useful for non-techies.
To make sure that your website meets the requirements, you should regularly test. Here are a few helpful tools:
A Chrome extension that quickly checks your site for basic accessibility issues.
A free online tool to check your website for WCAG compliance.
A powerful tool for automated analysis of websites for accessibility. Does a Broser also offer plugins.
Another useful tool for identifying potential accessibility vulnerabilities.
Shows how color contrasts can affect people with different levels of vision.
Read more about this in our Glossary article Accessibility/Web Accessibility
From 2025, accessibility will not only be a social issue, but also a legal obligation for companies in Germany. Compliance with WCAG compliance level AA is the minimum standard that must be met.
With tools like Webflow, you can efficiently create accessible websites while meeting regulatory requirements. Alternatively, platforms such as WordPress or Wix also offer helpful support features. In addition, use the audit tools presented to ensure that your digital presence is truly accessible to everyone — because accessibility not only means compliance, but also greater reach and user satisfaction!
