Declarative languages are programming languages that focus on what the program should accomplish rather than how to achieve it. In these languages, developers specify the desired outcome, and the underlying system determines the steps needed to reach that goal. This approach contrasts with imperative languages, where programmers must outline each step explicitly. Common examples of declarative languages include SQL for database queries and HTML for web page structure. These languages allow for more straightforward code, making it easier to read and maintain. By abstracting the implementation details, declarative languages enable developers to concentrate on the logic of their applications.