BITV 2.1 Basic Requirements: Understanding Germany’s Web Accessibility Standard
In Germany, the Barrierefreie Informationstechnik-Verordnung (BITV) 2.1 is the legal standard for digital accessibility. It aligns closely with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines and sets clear technical requirements for public sector websites and digital applications.
What Is BITV 2.1?
BITV 2.1 is the German regulation that enforces digital accessibility based on the EU Web Accessibility Directive. Since 2019, it has been legally binding for:
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Public sector websites
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Mobile applications
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Federally funded digital services
BITV ensures that people with disabilities can access digital content equally and independently.
Core Requirements of BITV 2.1
BITV 2.1 adopts WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria, focusing on four accessibility principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust (POUR). Key technical requirements include:
Contrast Ratio
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Minimum 4.5:1 for normal text
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Minimum 3:1 for large text
Keyboard Accessibility
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All functionality must be operable via keyboard (Tab, Enter, Space)
Screen Reader Compatibility
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Use of semantic HTML, ARIA roles, and meaningful alt text
Scalable Fonts
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Minimum font size: 16px
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Support for zoom up to 200% without content loss
Clear Structure
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Logical heading order (H1–H6), lists, and navigation
Captions & Text Alternatives
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Videos must include captions
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Images require descriptive alt attributes
Who Needs to Comply?
BITV 2.1 is mandatory for:
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Government websites and portals
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Municipal digital services
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Universities, libraries, and healthcare platforms
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Mobile apps developed for the public sector
Private companies are encouraged to follow it voluntarily, especially if they offer public-facing services.
Why BITV 2.1 Compliance Matters
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Ensures equal access for 10+ million people in Germany with disabilities
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Avoids legal consequences and complaints
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Improves overall UX, SEO, and brand reputation
How to Get Compliant
To meet BITV 2.1 standards, businesses and public bodies must:
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Perform a professional accessibility audit
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Fix technical issues based on WCAG 2.1 AA
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Provide an Accessibility Statement (Barrierefreiheitserklärung)
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Maintain ongoing compliance with regular updates