Signapse Launches AI Digital Signer for German Sign Language in Partnership with G&L Systemhaus

We’re excited to announce a strategic partnership with German streaming integrator G&L Systemhaus to bring our AI-powered Digital Signer for German Sign Language (DGS) to market, marking a significant step forward in our mission to make real-time sign language accessibility available at scale. 

The German Sign Language Digital Signer is in active development and is scheduled for launch in September 2026. 

Why German Sign Language, and Why Now

Approximately 200,000 people use German Sign Language regularly or occasionally, with many relying on it as their primary everyday language. While subtitles improve access for some, they can’t fully convey the facial expression, emotional nuance or natural immediacy that sign language carries. Subtitles also depend on strong reading proficiency that not every Deaf person has. 

German Sign Language has been officially recognised as an independent language since 2002, and Germany’s accessibility regulation for information technology (BITV) sets clear requirements for digital inclusion. Yet implementation remains a genuine challenge. The pace and volume of modern digital communication across broadcasting, transport, government and public services makes consistent human interpretation difficult to deliver at scale. 

That’s a structural gap we’   re working to close. 

A Partnership Built for Scale

G&L Systemhaus is an established provider of streaming solutions for broadcasters, cultural institutions, telecommunications providers and public bodies across Germany. Their expertise in live streaming infrastructure makes them the right partner to bring DGS integration directly into digital environments where it’s needed most. 

“The implementation of the AI Digital Signer for British Sign Language has clearly demonstrated how powerful and production-ready this technology already is,” said Alexander Leschinsky, CEO of G&L Systemhaus. “We are looking forward to transferring the distinctive strengths of Signapse’s solution to German Sign Language. Using AI in a way that delivers tangible value for people and helps alleviate a real structural shortage is a strong motivation for us in developing this product.”

Together, we’re building toward September for the launch of a DGS Digital Signer across the German market.

Built on Proven Technology

The German Sign Language Digital Signer builds on the same production-ready AI model that powers our British Sign Language (BSL) deployment in the UK. We already have BSL projects live across the National Rail network, where Deaf passengers receive real-time updates on arrivals, delays and platform changes in their own language. 

Unlike synthetic or stylised avatars, our AI signers are developed from extensive video recordings of professional interpreters, and created in close collaboration with Deaf communities and linguistic experts. Our BSL model was developed in partnership with the Royal Association for Deaf People to ensure linguistic authenticity and cultural integrity, the same standard we apply to every language we build. 

AI That Complements, Not Replaces

We want to be clear about our position: our Digital Signer is designed to complement qualified sign language interpreters, not replace them. In medical, legal and sensitive contexts, human professionals remain essential.

What AI can responsibly do is extend access to everyday communication, including live transport updates, broadcast content and public announcements, where interpreter coverage is limited or unavailable. That’s where scalable, real-time AI sign language access makes a genuine difference. 

Part of a Wider Global Rollout 

This partnership is part of our broader international expansion. Following the successful BSL deployment in the UK, we’re preparing to launch American Sign Language (ASL) in the United States. This German partnership represents the next step in building multilingual sign language infrastructure that can scale globally. 

“Our mission is to develop our models in partnership with Deaf sign language users, ensuring the language, expression, and cultural integrity of the community are respected at every stage,” said Sally Chalk, Co-founder of Signapse. “Our British Sign Language deployment demonstrated that this technology is production-ready and delivering real-world impact. With ASL launching next and our German partnership now in place, we are continuing to scale sign language accessibility internationally.”

Get Involved Ahead of the Launch

The German Sign Language AI Digital Signer is expected to be available from September 2026. Institutions interested in early discussions and integration planning are invited to contact G&L Systemhaus to explore deployment opportunities. 

If you’d like to learn more about Signapse’s technology or discuss potential partnerships, get in touch with our team. 

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