Comparative analysis of legal texts for German as a second and foreign language learners: Comparing official documents, guides, and textbooks

Abstract

Plain language is often used to enhance accessibility and ease of understanding for a broader audience, including individuals with various language proficiency levels. The aim of this chapter is to conduct a comparative analysis of legal texts from different sources, all focusing on the topic of food allergens: a textbook of German as a foreign or second language, an online legal guide aimed at the general public, and an official legal text. This comparison observes the differences in presentation, means of simplification, and content among these sources. We focus on understanding how texts simplify complex legal information, what elements remain consistent, and what changes are introduced.