---
title: "German Sign Language (DGS): Meaning & Importance"
url: "https://nitsantech.de/en/accessibility-glossary/german-sign-language-dgs"
description: "German Sign Language (DGS) is a legally recognized visual language in Germany, used by Deaf people for communication & accessibility."
date: 2025-08-01
modified: 2025-10-28
lastUpdated: 2026-02-25
---

# German Sign Language (DGS): Meaning & Importance

[ Accessibility Glossary ](https://nitsantech.de/en/accessibility-glossary)German Sign Language (DGS)
==========================

 [

  Environmental, Social, and Governance  ](https://nitsantech.de/en/accessibility-glossary/environmental-social-governance) [

  Hard of Hearing  ](https://nitsantech.de/en/accessibility-glossary/hard-of-hearing)

 **German Sign Language (DGS)** is the natural language of many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Germany. It is a fully developed, independent language that uses:

- Visual signs
- Hand movements
- Facial expressions
- Body language

DGS has its own grammar and structure, different from spoken or written German. It is not a simple translation of German words into signs but a complete language with its own logic.

In 2002, DGS was officially **recognized by the German Disability Equality Act (BGG)**. Since then, Deaf individuals in Germany have the legal right to use DGS when communicating with public authorities.

Key aspects:

- Used in Deaf communities, families, education, and interpretation
- Enables **equal participation** and **inclusion**
- Integral part of [**Deaf**](https://nitsantech.de/en/accessibility-glossary/deaf-vs-deaf) **culture and identity**

Professional sign language interpreters help bridge communication between DGS users and non-signing individuals in public services, media, healthcare, and courts.