Accessibility for websites: This is the law from 2025 in Germany + checklist

This video gives you an overview of the new Accessibility Strengthening Act, which requires many companies to make their websites, apps and online shops barrier-free from June 28, 2025. We look at who this specifically affects, how small and micro enterprises should deal with it and why barrier-free web design is not only a requirement but also an opportunity. You will also learn what role Webflow can play and what you should pay particular attention to as a web designer — from contrasts to alt texts to semantic structure.

Accessibility Strengthening Act: What does that mean for you?

The new Accessibility Strengthening Act obliges many companies to make their digital offerings barrier-free from June 28, 2025. This applies in particular to larger companies with more than ten employees or an annual turnover of over two million euros. Micro-enterprises are exempted from this obligation as long as they do not offer products or services that are explicitly covered by law (e.g. hardware terminals or certain e-commerce services).

You can find out more about this on the IHK site of Munich.

Why is accessibility important?

Accessible web design means designing websites, online shops and apps in such a way that people with disabilities (such as vision or motor skills) can use them equally. High-contrast texts, alt texts for images and good keyboard usability are just a few examples. Ultimately, users without restrictions also benefit from this, because a barrier-free site is usually clearer and more user-friendly.

Who needs to take care of now?

Larger companies or companies that offer certain affected products and services should urgently address how they adapt their digital offerings. Smaller companies with fewer than ten employees or an annual turnover of less than two million euros are usually excluded by law, but accessibility can be a sign of quality and competition — even if they are not committed.

What should you consider as a web designer?

Many aspects of accessibility can already be implemented as standard in Webflow. This starts with sufficient contrasts and semantic HTML code and ranges up to Aria labels for screen readers. If you focus your projects on this right from the start, you not only ensure satisfied customers, but also prevent possible warnings or upgrades.

Accessibility checklist in accordance with WCAG 2.1 AA (and partly AAA)

These points give you a clear guide to making websites barrier-free:

🔹 Perceptibility (Seceivable)

✅ ALT texts for all relevant images & icons
✅ Good text contrast (at least 4. 5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large font)
✅ Responsive design & zoom compatibility (up to 200% without layout issues)
✅ Subtitles & transcripts for videos and audios
✅ No texts in images (except logo)

🔹 Operability

✅ Keyboard navigation possible (note tab order)
✅ Focus indicators visible (:focus for buttons, links, forms)
✅ No “hover-only” functions (dropdowns can also be operated via keyboard)
✅ Clear form labels & error messages (no placeholders as labels)
✅ No auto animations or blink effects (max 3 blinks per second)

🔹 Understandable

✅ Simple, clear language (no unnecessarily complicated terms)
✅ Consistent navigation & design (menus, buttons in the usual place)
✅ Readable font sizes (min. 16px, line height ≥ 1.5em)
✅ Unique button labels (instead of “click here”, better “Sign up now”)

🔹 Robustness (Robust)

✅ Use semantic HTML (use h2, button, nav, etc. correctly)
✅ ARIA attributes only when necessary (aria-label, role="alert”)
✅ Test screen reader compatibility (NVDA, VoiceOver)
✅ Make forms & buttons usable without JavaScript

This is how it helps you at Formburg

At Formburg, I offer courses and products related to Webflow that help you accessibility to integrate efficiently into your projects. If you follow the WCAG 2.1 AA standards, you save yourself time-consuming improvements and at the same time ensure a high-quality user experience.

Your next steps

If you create websites with e-commerce or online services for customers, it's worth taking a closer look at the legal requirements. This means that you are already prepared when the Accessibility Strengthening Act comes into force.