Website Accessibility 2025: WCAG AA and Requirements for Accessible Websites
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 was 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.
What does the law require?
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.
What does WCAG 2.2 AA include?
The WCAG (version 2.1) defines clear accessibility guidelines. Compliance level AA includes a total of 62 criteria, including:
- Perceivable content: Content must be perceptible, e.g. through sufficient color contrast and text alternatives for images.
- Operable navigation: All functions must be operable via keyboard.
- Understandable content: Clear language and predictable navigation are mandatory.
- Robust technology: Content must be compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers.
Who must comply with WCAG 2.2 AA?
✅ Public bodies (e.g. authorities, municipalities, universities) → Already mandatory through BITV 2.0
✅ Companies that offer digital products & services, including:
- online stores
- Banks & financial service providers
- telecommunications provider
- Software & apps
- E-book platforms
- streaming services
🚨 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 website Federal Office for Accessibility
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.
Challenges in implementing accessibility
- Complex requirements the WCAG 2.2 AA
- Many companies are struggling to meet all criteria of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at compliance level AA.
- Interactive elements (forms, navigation, multimedia) in particular require technical adjustments.
- Technical implementation for various devices and user groups
- Accessibility means not only screen reader support, but also color contrasts, keyboard usability, and alternative navigation methods.
- Websites must be optimized for various devices, for example to enable users with limited vision or motor problems to use them.
- Manual effort and improvements
- Subsequent adjustments to an existing website are often more complex than barrier-free implementation right from the start.
- Many companies only deal with the issue when it is required by law — then they often lack the know-how and time.
Why is Webflow an ideal tool for barrier-free websites?
Implementing accessibility can be technically demanding — here's Webflow into the game. Webflow provides powerful Support features of accessibility.
Webflow accessibility benefits
- Clean HTML code
Webflow generates semantic code that forms the basis for barrier-free websites. This allows screen readers and other tools to easily interpret the content. - ARIA role support
With Webflow, you can add Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) roles and attributes. These enable screen reader users to navigate better and ensure that buttons, menus or sliders are correctly recognized. - Built-in design flexibility
With Webflow, you can create responsive designs that are accessible on all devices — from desktop computers to smartphones. - Color contrasts and typography
Webflow provides tools to adjust color contrasts and font sizes. For example, you can use live previews to ensure that the text is easy to read even for people with limited vision. - Forms and interactions
Forms can be designed in such a way that they are easy to access and understand — for example, through clear labels and visual feedback for errors.
Example: Optimize color contrasts in Webflow
- Open Design View in Webflow.
- Select the item (such as text) that you want to edit.
- Take advantage of the integrated Color Picker, which automatically checks contrast ratios.
- If the color selection does not meet the requirements, the tool immediately suggests adjustments.
Alternatives to Webflow: Which tools can also help?
Although Webflow is a great tool, there are other platforms that can help companies implement accessible websites. Here is an overview:
1. WordPress with accessibility plugins
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.
2. Squarespace
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.
3. Wix Accessibility Wizard
Wix offers a built-in accessibility assistant that automatically detects common issues and suggests solutions. This is particularly useful for non-techies.
Accessibility check tools
To make sure that your website meets the requirements, you should regularly test. Here are a few helpful tools:
1. Silktide Accessibility Checker
A Chrome extension that quickly checks your site for basic accessibility issues.
2nd AChecker
A free online tool to check your website for WCAG compliance.
3rd AccessiBe AccessScan
A powerful tool for automated analysis of websites for accessibility. Does a Broser also offer plugins.
4th WAVE
Another useful tool for identifying potential accessibility vulnerabilities.
5th WhoCanUse - color contrast check
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!
