Sign language without limits
– scalable integration powered by AI

In partnership with UK-based technology company Signapse, we are introducing live-capable AI Digital Signers for German Sign Language (DGS).

Our solution translates spoken content into a visual language format and integrates it automatically into your video. This makes inclusive communication achievable even where organisational or financial constraints previously made it impossible.

G&L CEO Alexander Leschinsky:

"We are excited to extend Signapse’s field-tested, high-performance solution to German Sign Language from December 2026 and to harness AI in a way that creates meaningful, real-world impact."

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True inclusion begins where subtitles end

Subtitles provide access to spoken language, but unlike German Sign Language, they do not convey facial expression, emotional nuance, or the dynamics of a live moment. Text-based communication also presumes strong reading proficiency. Approximately 200,000 people use German Sign Language either regularly or occasionally. For a significant portion of this community, it is their primary everyday language.

Legally recognized, practically challenging

German Sign Language has been officially recognised as an independent language since 2002. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are entitled to communication assistance in official contexts, and Germany’s Accessibility Regulation for Information Technology (BITV) defines requirements for digital services. In practice, however, significant gaps remain. Beyond a limited number of news or fictional productions available in sign language, most content in culture, information, and education remains difficult to access. The sheer volume of digital content cannot be covered comprehensively through human interpretation alone, either from staffing or economic perspective.

The solution: AI-powered sign language

Illustration of a video camera with a play button and wi-fi signal

The Opportunity: Thousands of hours of digital live content that remain difficult to acces

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The Partnership: AI-driven Digital Signers for DGS, powered by Signapse and G&L

Illustration of a laptop displaying a live stream of a government meeting

The Promise: Accessibility that is operationally and economically viable

Photorealistic AI technology with live capability

Signapse's technology is already in use, bringing British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL) to audiences through services such as the UK's National Rail network and a major US streaming platform. What sets Signapse's approach apart is its focus on real human signing. The AI model was developed using thousands of video recordings of a professional sign language interpreter from the Royal Association for Deaf People, which also played a key role in shaping the language and ensuring the digital signing is linguistically accurate and authentic.

The same approach is now being used to bring German Sign Language (DGS) to life, with DGS coach, lecturer and author Andreas Costrau playing a central role. Filmed in a green-screen studio in Berlin, Costrau's signing provides the foundation for the AI-powered DGS models. The German version will feature two Digital Signers: one modelled on Andreas Costrau himself, and a female counterpart named Kim.

Andreas Costrau: Expertise from within the Deaf community

Award-Winning Technology

The Digital Signers have already earned G&L and Signapse three major industry awards in 2026, recognising both the technology itself and its seamless integration into broadcast workflows: the IAMT Impact Award, the Streaming Media European Innovation Award and the IBC Innovation Award.

Complementing, not replacing, human expertise

The AI-supported solution is not intended to replace qualified sign language interpreters. In medical, legal, or highly sensitive political contexts, human professionals remain indispensable. The aim is to responsibly bridge the existing accessibility gap.

Use cases

From conferences and public assemblies to informational services, educational formats, and internal or external corporate communications, the Digital Signers can be flexibly integrated into existing production environments — live and on demand. The solution is also designed for traditional broadcast streaming, including sports events, news programs, magazines, and special reports, enabling seamless integration into both linear and OTT distribution workflows.

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Take the next step toward accessible media

Discover how the Digital Signers fits into your existing live or on-demand production environment.

AI-powered sign language for your video

Sign language without limits – scalable integration powered by AI