WCAG 2.0 · Level A · Understandable

WCAG 3.1.1 — Language of Page

The default human language of the page must be set in the HTML lang attribute.

WCAG 3.1.1 at a glance

Level A · Principle: Understandable · Added in WCAG 2.0. Level A is the minimum — failing it blocks some users entirely.

What it means

The default human language of the page must be set in the HTML lang attribute.

Who it helps

Screen-reader users (correct pronunciation) and translation tools.

Common failures

  • Missing or wrong <html lang> attribute

How to meet WCAG 3.1.1

  1. Set lang on the <html> element (e.g. lang="en")

How to test it

Automatable — check for a valid lang attribute.

Frequently asked questions

Is WCAG 3.1.1 Level A or AA?
WCAG 3.1.1 (Language of Page) is a Level A success criterion, introduced in WCAG 2.0. Level A is the baseline.
How do I test WCAG 3.1.1?
Automatable — check for a valid lang attribute.

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