A digital dictionary of Danish Sign Language
The new tegnsprog.dk makes it easier to understand, learn, and navigate Danish Sign Language - for both deaf and hearing users.
Dansk Døves Landsforbund, Københavns Professionshøjskole and Dansk Tegnsprogsråd are behind tegnsprog.dk, a digital reference platform containing more than 2,250 signs in Danish Sign Language. The site is widely used both by deaf and hearing people, as well as others who want to understand a sign they have seen or find signs within a specific topic.
The existing platform had been in operation since 2008 and included a well-functioning, yet complex search logic. At the same time, the user experience had become outdated, with navigation that made it difficult to find relevant content - particularly for new users.
Dwarf’s task was to modernise the platform and create a more intuitive and accessible experience without compromising the existing functionality. In other words, to turn the solution “inside out” so that subject matter expertise, search logic, and UX were more closely integrated.
The new tegnsprog.dk has been designed with a focus on simplicity, clarity, and accessibility, while preserving and highlighting the three core ways of searching: by sign, by word, and by topic.
The project was based on an existing and relatively well-functioning platform from 2008 that needed a visual and experiential upgrade. The ambition was to create a more modern and user-friendly site without losing the functionality that already worked well.
Early in the process, we agreed to retain the existing search logic. On paper, this seemed like a manageable task, but it quickly proved to be one of the project’s biggest challenges. It required us to thoroughly understand the existing — and at times quite intricate — logic in order to improve the experience without compromising the professional foundation of the platform.
On the frontend, the main challenge was creating an intuitive experience despite the many search parameters. Several iterations were needed to find the right balance between functionality and simplicity. Among other things, users can now adjust the playback speed of signs, making it easier to follow the movements.
The site is built with Astro 5 and Vue.js 3 (islands architecture) to ensure performance and flexibility. Tailwind CSS 4 is used for styling, Sanity serves as the headless CMS, and accessibility tests have been implemented with Playwright to ensure a high level of accessibility.
The new version of tegnsprog.dk launched in connection with Danish Sign Language Day on 13 May 2026.
The result is a significantly improved user experience with more intuitive navigation and a design that makes it easier to find and understand signs - both for deaf and hearing users.
It is still early to measure performance and usage in depth, but the foundation is now in place: a modern, scalable platform that makes it easier to access and work with Danish Sign Language in everyday life.
“The dictionary is a valuable resource for many people who use and work with Danish Sign Language. It was important for us to find a partner who understood both the professional significance of the dictionary and how the upgrade could be translated into modern technology that makes it easier for users to navigate the dictionary.
In our collaboration with Dwarf, we experienced a high level of professionalism, understanding, and shared commitment to the project.
We maintained a close and constructive dialogue throughout the process, with a focus on finding the right solutions rather than the quickest ones. When challenges arose along the way, they were handled collaboratively and with great understanding for both user needs and the dictionary as an important, but also complex, linguistic tool.
The result is a solution that respects the dictionary’s professional foundation while also making it more accessible and user-friendly for everyone.”
