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Overview

What is Leichte Sprache?

Leichte Sprache (Simple Language) is a regulated form of German designed to be easily understood by people with learning difficulties, cognitive disabilities, or limited language proficiency. It follows specific rules for vocabulary, grammar, and text structure to maximize comprehension.

Key Principles

  • Simple vocabulary: Use common, everyday words
  • Short sentences: Maximum 15 words per sentence
  • Clear structure: One main idea per sentence
  • Active voice: Avoid passive constructions
  • Concrete language: Avoid abstract concepts and metaphors
  • Logical order: Present information chronologically
  • Visual aids: Support text with images and symbols

Austria

Leichte Sprache is increasingly required under Austrian accessibility legislation:

  • Web-Zugänglichkeits-Gesetz (WZG): Mandates accessible web content for public sector
  • Bundes-Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BGStG): Anti-discrimination law requiring accessible information
  • UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities: International treaty ratified by Austria

Target Groups

According to research, Leichte Sprache benefits:

  • 14 million German speakers with reading difficulties
  • 7.5 million adults with functional illiteracy
  • People with intellectual disabilities
  • Non-native speakers learning German
  • Elderly people with cognitive changes
  • People with dementia or brain injuries

API Capabilities

This API provides comprehensive support for Leichte Sprache compliance:

Analysis Features

Feature Description Benefit
Real-time Analysis Instant feedback on text complexity Immediate compliance checking
18 Rule Categories Comprehensive coverage of all aspects Complete Leichte Sprache validation
Detailed Feedback Specific violations with suggestions Actionable improvement guidance
Batch Processing Handle multiple texts simultaneously Efficient large-scale processing

Generation Features

Feature Description Benefit
LLM Transformation AI-powered text simplification Automated first draft creation
Iterative Optimization Multi-round improvement process High-quality output
Quality Scoring HIX readability and faithfulness metrics Objective quality assessment
Provider Choice Multiple AI models available Flexibility and redundancy

Use Cases

Content Creation Workflow

graph LR
    A[Complex Text] --> B[API Analysis]
    B --> C{Violations?}
    C -->|Yes| D[Manual/AI Revision]
    C -->|No| E[Publication]
    D --> F[Re-analyze]
    F --> C

    style A fill:#ffecb3
    style E fill:#e8f5e8
    style D fill:#e3f2fd

Integration Scenarios

  1. CMS Integration: Automated compliance checking in content management systems
  2. Document Processing: Batch analysis of existing document libraries
  3. Translation Workflows: Post-translation simplification for accessibility
  4. Educational Tools: Real-time feedback for content creators learning Leichte Sprache
  5. Quality Assurance: Pre-publication validation in government and healthcare

Performance Characteristics

Analysis Speed

  • Simple texts (< 1000 words): < 2 seconds
  • Complex texts (1000-5000 words): 2-10 seconds
  • Large documents (> 5000 words): 10-30 seconds

Generation Speed

  • Depends on text length and complexity
  • Average: 5-15 seconds per iteration
  • Typical workflow: 3-5 iterations
  • Total time: 15-75 seconds

Performance Optimization

  • Use format=annotated_text for faster analysis-only responses
  • Implement client-side caching for repeated analysis
  • Consider batch processing for multiple documents

Getting Started

Ready to begin? Follow these next steps:

  1. Quick Start: Set up and run your first analysis
  2. Installation: Detailed setup instructions
  3. Configuration: Customize the API for your needs

Need Help?

  • Technical Issues: Check the GitHub Issues page
  • Rule Questions: Explore the API documentation
  • Development: See Contributing Guidelines