BITV 2.0 Web Accessibility Checker
BITV 2.0 is Germany's federal regulation implementing the EU Web Accessibility Directive. All German public sector websites and increasingly private sector digital services must conform to its WCAG-aligned requirements.
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What Is BITV 2.0?
The Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung (BITV) 2.0 is Germany's federal ordinance on accessible information technology, updated in May 2019 to transpose the EU Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102) into German law. BITV 2.0 replaced the original 2002 version and aligns its technical requirements with EN 301 549, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content. The regulation applies to all federal government websites and mobile applications, and the accompanying Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BGG) — Germany's Disability Equality Act — extends accessibility obligations to public bodies at federal level. Individual German states (Länder) have enacted their own accessibility laws (e.g., Bayern's BayBGG, NRW's BGG NRW) that reference BITV 2.0 or EN 301 549 directly. With over 83 million citizens and approximately 7.8 million people with severe disabilities registered in Germany, BITV 2.0 compliance is both a legal obligation and a significant market access factor.
Who Must Comply with BITV 2.0?
BITV 2.0 applies to the following entities:
- Federal public sector bodies — all websites, intranets, extranets, and mobile applications of federal agencies, ministries, and institutions must be accessible
- State and municipal governments — each Land has transposed the EU directive through its own legislation, typically referencing BITV 2.0 or EN 301 549
- Public law institutions — universities, public broadcasters (ARD, ZDF), social insurance bodies, and public-law foundations
- Private sector (via EAA) — with the European Accessibility Act in force since June 28, 2025, German private companies in e-commerce, banking, telecommunications, and transport must now comply, implemented nationally through the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG)
Germany's Federal Monitoring Body for Accessibility of Information Technology (BFIT-Bund) oversees compliance and publishes annual monitoring reports. Citizens can file complaints through an arbitration process (Schlichtungsstelle) that aims to resolve disputes without litigation.
Technical Requirements and Enforcement
BITV 2.0 mandates conformance with EN 301 549, which for web content means meeting all WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA success criteria — 50 criteria covering perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust content. Additional BITV-specific requirements include:
- German Sign Language (DGS) videos — public sector websites must provide key content in DGS for deaf users
- Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) — essential information must be available in simplified German for users with cognitive disabilities
- Accessibility statement — every covered website must publish a conformance statement using the EU model, detailing compliance status, known limitations, and a feedback mechanism
- Feedback and complaint process — users must be able to report barriers and receive a response within 6 weeks
Enforcement includes monitoring by BFIT-Bund, the state-level arbitration process, and ultimately administrative court proceedings. The BFSG (private sector law) introduces fines of up to €100,000 for non-compliance with EAA-derived requirements.
How CompliScan Tests for BITV 2.0 Compliance
CompliScan scans your website against all WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria that form the core technical requirement of BITV 2.0. The scanner renders pages in a real browser using Playwright and evaluates the live DOM with axe-core rules mapped to EN 301 549 clauses. Each violation is reported with the corresponding WCAG criterion number and EN 301 549 reference, making it straightforward to populate your accessibility statement (Erklärung zur Barrierefreiheit). Our AI engine generates fix suggestions in English — from correcting contrast ratios to adding missing ARIA labels and form associations. While automated tools typically catch 30-40% of WCAG issues, CompliScan identifies the most impactful machine-detectable violations so your team can prioritize remediation. For full BITV 2.0 compliance, supplement automated testing with manual checks for DGS videos and Easy Language content. Start with a free scan, then upgrade to Shield ($49/mo) for weekly monitoring or Agency ($299/mo) for multi-site management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BITV 2.0 and EN 301 549?
BITV 2.0 is the German federal regulation that implements the EU Web Accessibility Directive. EN 301 549 is the EU harmonized technical standard that BITV 2.0 references. For web content, both require WCAG 2.1 AA conformance. However, BITV 2.0 adds Germany-specific requirements including German Sign Language (DGS) videos and Easy Language versions of key content, which go beyond what EN 301 549 mandates.
Does BITV 2.0 apply to private companies in Germany?
BITV 2.0 itself applies primarily to public sector bodies. However, Germany's Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG), which transposes the European Accessibility Act, extends accessibility requirements to private companies in e-commerce, banking, telecommunications, and transport since June 28, 2025. The BFSG references EN 301 549, which aligns with BITV 2.0's technical requirements. So in practice, private companies must meet the same WCAG 2.1 AA standard.
What are the penalties for BITV 2.0 non-compliance?
For public sector bodies, enforcement runs through BFIT-Bund monitoring and the arbitration process (Schlichtungsstelle). While direct fines for public bodies are not typical, non-compliance can result in administrative court orders. For private companies under the BFSG (EAA implementation), fines can reach up to €100,000. Market surveillance authorities can also order corrective measures, restrict non-compliant services, and require public disclosure of violations.
Do I need German Sign Language videos on my website?
If you are a German federal public body, BITV 2.0 requires that key content — particularly information about your organization's tasks, contact details, and how to use your services — be available in German Sign Language (DGS) videos. State-level laws may have similar requirements. Private companies under the BFSG are not specifically required to provide DGS videos, but must ensure their services are accessible through EN 301 549 compliance.
What is Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) and is it required?
Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) is a simplified form of German designed for people with cognitive disabilities, learning difficulties, or limited German proficiency. BITV 2.0 requires federal public bodies to provide essential information in Easy Language. This goes beyond WCAG requirements and is a uniquely German obligation. Content must follow specific rules: short sentences, simple words, large font, and accompanying images. The Netzwerk Leichte Sprache provides guidelines for creating compliant Easy Language content.
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