letforståelige

Letforståelige is a Danish adjective meaning easily understandable. The term is used to describe texts, explanations, or communications that are designed to be comprehensible to a broad audience rather than to specialists.

In Denmark and other Nordic countries, letforståelige texts are a central aim of klarsprog or plain language movements. The concept is commonly applied in public administration, consumer information, healthcare, and legal documents, with the goal of improving transparency and reducing misinterpretation by presenting information in simple, direct language.

Guidelines and techniques associated with letforståelige communication include using everyday vocabulary, short sentences, active voice, concrete examples, a logical structure, headings and bullet lists, and the avoidance of unexplained jargon. Readability tools and style guides are often employed to promote plain language practices and help writers assess accessibility.

Challenges of achieving letforståelige texts include balancing simplicity with accuracy, avoiding oversimplification, and ensuring that translations preserve meaning and nuance. While widely endorsed, the approach requires careful consideration of context, audience, and the information’s critical details.

See also plain language, klarsprog, accessible communication.