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A: < dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered < dt> and < dd> groups, < script>, < template> or < div> elements (WCAG 1.3.1)

definition-list

Ensure that <dl> elements are properly structured.

This means

Within a <dl>, only groups consisting of one or more <dt> followed by one or more <dd> are allowed – as well as optionally <script> or <template>. Other elements such as <div>, <p>, <ul> are not permitted here.

Impact

Screen readers cannot reliably associate terms and their descriptions. Users lose orientation; the semantic structure is faulty and violates WCAG.

Recommendation

  • For each term description: <dt>…</dt> and the corresponding <dd>…</dd> directly inside the <dl>.

  • Do not use foreign containers directly inside <dl>. If layout is necessary, apply classes to <dt> and <dd>.

  • Multiple terms can share one description and vice versa, but always group in the order dt → dd.

  • Maintain native HTML semantics; avoid unnecessary ARIA roles.

Example

Problematic

<dl>
  <div class="row">
    <dt>Shipping</dt>
    <dd>3–5 business days</dd>
  </div>
  <p><dt>Withdrawal</dt><dd>14 days</dd></p>
</dl>

Better

<dl>
  <dt>Shipping</dt>
  <dd>3–5 business days</dd>
 
  <dt>Withdrawal</dt>
  <dd>14 days</dd>
 
  <dt>Payment</dt>
  <dt>Invoice</dt>
  <dd>Due in 14 days</dd>
</dl>

Variants with multiple associations

Multiple <dt> for one <dd> or multiple <dd> for one <dt> are allowed, as long as the order dt(s) → dd(s) is maintained.

Related WCAG criterion:
WCAG 1.3.1 - Info and Relationships