lettforståelig

Lettforståelig, in a Norwegian context, means "easy to understand." It denotes both a philosophy and a set of practical methods designed to make information accessible to a broad audience, including people with limited reading skills, cognitive differences, or those who are non-native speakers. The term is closely associated with the plain-language movement, which is active in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and other countries as a standard for public communication.

Practices focus on clarity and user-centered design. Typical guidelines include using plain, everyday words; avoiding unnecessary jargon; favoring active voice and short sentences; keeping paragraphs short; presenting only one main idea at a time; and using headings, lists, and visuals to structure information. Texts should be tested with target audiences when possible, and revisions should aim to reduce ambiguity and cognitive load.

Applications range across public information, health and safety communications, administrative forms, and educational materials. In Norway, government and public institutions promote lettforståelige tekster through guidelines and templates issued by bodies such as Språkrådet (the Language Council) and other agencies. The approach is also used in municipal services, public portals, and official documents to improve access and comprehension.

Evaluation of lettforståelig efforts often notes gains in readability, comprehension, and user satisfaction, contributing to inclusive communication. Challenges include balancing simplicity with precision and avoiding oversimplification. Ongoing training, testing, and adaptation to different audiences are typical components of implementation.