--- title: Digital Sovereignty at Scale url: "https://typo3.com/case-studies/dgb" description: DGB and THE BRETTINGHAMS built a scalable, accessible TYPO3 platform, unifying 90+ sites for millions of users and 250+ editors across Germany. image: "https://typo3.com/_assets/d1e01514e4c4a5b3147940fa2ec50682/Images/og-image-com.jpg" date: 2026-01-28 modified: 2026-03-04 categories: - Public Sector - Accessibility - "Multi-Brand & Multisite" - Workflow optimization --- # Digital Sovereignty at Scale ![Digital Sovereignty at Scale](https://typo3.com/fileadmin/Case-Studies/Brettinghams/DGB/DGB_logo_white.svg) Digital Sovereignty at Scale ============================== How the German Trade Union Confederation partnered with THE BRETTINGHAMS to build one of Germany’s fastest and most accessible public-sector platforms -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ![Digital Sovereignty at Scale](https://typo3.com/fileadmin/_processed_/5/3/csm_dgb_mockup_macbook_2_05647a4264.webp) Headquarter Germany Project Type Relaunch Project Focus Editor centric, Accessibility In this article --------------- - [Introduction](#c16488) - [Challenge](#c16489) - [Key Outcomes](#c16539) - [Work Performed](#c16492) - [Outcome](#c16493) - [Gallery & Features](#casestudy-screenshots-1767 "Gallery & Features") - [Behind the project](#partner-intro-partner-81b7dc6f-3a47-4d68-939d-379e5a03ba1e "Behind the project") Are you interested in learning how to reshape your organization's digital presence with TYPO3? [I'm interested](mailto:partner@typo3.com) Introduction -------------- The German Trade Union Confederation ([DGB](https://www.dgb.de/)) represents over six million workers and is one of Germany’s most influential public institutions. In 2024/25, the DGB partnered with [THE BRETTINGHAMS](https://www.brettingham.de/) to completely rebuild its digital ecosystem: a future-proof, accessible, multi-site TYPO3 platform designed to serve millions of users, hundreds of editors, and highly heterogeneous target groups ranging from journalists and works councils to young employees. **The DGB's TYPO3 relaunch took first place in the Government & Public Sector and Sustainability category at the** [**2025 TYPO3 awards.**](https://t3con.typo3.com/awards/winners-2025) ![](https://typo3.com/fileadmin/Case-Studies/Cyberhouse_GmbH/PORR_Group/T4-Awards-Winner_Logo-black-orange.svg) Challenge ----------- The previous system was fragmented and difficult for editors to manage. Content was scattered across multiple platforms, the information architecture had grown over time, and performance issues negatively impacted both SEO and user engagement. DGB needed a high-performance, accessibility-first digital platform that **unified more than 90 subsites into a consistent system of over 20 websites**, balanced political expertise with clear, human-centered communication, and delivered speed, scalability, and security. At the same time, the platform needed to support more than 250 editors across Germany and meet strict public-sector requirements, including WCAG, DSGVO, and security standards. Key Outcomes -------------- Award-Winning Relaunch -------------------------- The DGB TYPO3 platform was recognized for excellence, winning a TYPO3 award for its accessibility, scalability, and innovative digital ecosystem. Scalable Multi-Site Platform -------------------------------- The new TYPO3 platform unified 90+ subsites into a single, future-proof ecosystem capable of supporting 30–50 websites and hundreds of editors. Accessible & Compliant ------------------------------ The platform meets 100% BITV 2.0 / WCAG 2.1 standards and adheres to strict public-sector requirements, ensuring inclusivity and legal compliance. Editor Empowerment ---------------------- With structured workflows, role-based permissions, and comprehensive training, 250+ editors can now manage content efficiently across the entire ecosystem. Work Performed ---------------- THE BRETTINGHAMS delivered a relaunch focused on future-proof technology, user-centered design, and digital sovereignty. **Technology & Architecture** A multi-site TYPO3 enterprise platform was built to support 30–50 websites within a single system. SOLR search was implemented with faceting, autocomplete, and highlighting shared across multiple websites. External systems — including the elaine newsletter, Softgarden career portal, easyDB DAM, and social media feeds — were integrated into one unified digital platform. SEO was optimized through improved metadata, redirects, schema, and URL logic, and the entire system was built to meet 100% accessibility requirements in line with BITV 2.0 and WCAG 2.1. **UX & Content Experience** The project included six co-creation workshops with DGB teams as well as interviews with real users. Personas were developed and navigation concepts tested directly with users, leading to a reworked information architecture focused on clarity, simplicity, and fast orientation. A visual system was designed to represent diversity, clarity, and solidarity, supported by a Corporate Design Portal that serves as a digital style guide for all DGB digital products. **Editorial Empowerment** Backend workflows were designed to support more than 250 editors, with clearly defined roles and permission concepts. In addition, comprehensive training, manuals, and video tutorials were delivered to ensure long-term editorial independence and efficiency. Outcome --------- Today, the DGB digital ecosystem is one of the fastest and most accessible public-sector platforms in Germany. The relaunch strengthened DGB’s role as the digital voice of workers, dramatically improved SEO performance, and established a sustainable, scalable foundation designed to support the organization for the next decade. Gallery & Features ----------------------- ![](https://typo3.com/fileadmin/_processed_/a/f/csm_dgb_mockup_iPad_0e47c0281b.webp) ![](https://typo3.com/fileadmin/_processed_/6/5/csm_dgb_mockup_iphone_c9eba00ad5.webp) ![](https://typo3.com/fileadmin/_processed_/5/3/csm_dgb_mockup_macbook_2_e07226a7e8.webp) ![](https://typo3.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/6/csm_dgb_screenshot_1_7d6239b263.webp) ![](https://typo3.com/fileadmin/_processed_/8/4/csm_dgb_screenshot_2_ee073fe03e.webp) ![](https://typo3.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/2/csm_dgb_screenshot_3_c4e463b358.webp) ![](https://typo3.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/b/csm_dgb_screenshot_kpi_f6ec11a8ff.webp) Previous Next Behind the project ------------------- The partner who made this TYPO3 project possible. -------------------------------------------------- ![THE BRETTINGHAMS GmbH](https://typo3.com/extension-storage/partner/2639adda30ed9bc52cc35e49c3c4052a.svg) ### THE BRETTINGHAMS GmbH Berlin, Germany [ Website ](https://www.brettingham.de/) We design and develop TYPO3 solutions for the digital age. Our team is located in Berlin and is specialized in digitization and B2B communication. [ Partner profile ](https://typo3.com/partner/the-brettinghams-gmbh)