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German Traffic Signs & Signals ( of 2)

This page last updated January 28, 2010

Below is a comprehensive guide of German traffic signs, signals, and markings. This guide is designed for boththe short-term tourist wanting to learn German traffic signs in preparation for a trip as well as for someone whois studying to get a German or US military driver's license. This topic is divided into two pages. These pagesmay also be of interest to road and sign aficionados.

On these pages:

Signs

Vehicle class symbols (Page 1)Supplemental signs (Page 1)Warning signs (Page 1)Railway crossing signs (Page 1)Right-of-way signs (Page 1)Speed limit signs (Page 1)Regulatory signs (Page 1)Parking signs (Page 2)Service signs (Page 2)Information and guide signs (Page 2)Miscellaneous signs (Page 2)Additional sign symbols (Page 2)Additional sign information (Page 2)Sign vocabulary (Page 2)

Signals (Page 2)Road markings (Page 2)

SIGNS

Germany has a comprehensive and uniform traffic sign system. All signs have standard shapes and colors anduse easy-to-understand international pictograms and symbols. The sign system was overhauled in the early '90sto more closely conform with European standards.

Below, you will find a complete guide of German traffic signs with their official meaning and additional notes.These signs are from the official German traffic code and include all updates through 2009.

Officially, German traffic signs are divided into three major categories: warning signs, regulation signs, and guidesigns. However, I have divided the sign collection into several additional categories and I've placed each signwhere it most logically belongs regardless of its official designation.

In the German traffic code, most signs are assigned an official number. This number is used on traffic ticketsand accident reports when a sign is involved in the incident. You can obtain the official sign number for each signon this page by holding your mouse over the sign for a second (works with most web browsers). Note that the2009 revision to the traffic code eliminated the official number and definition for some signs although the signsthemselves were allowed to continue to be used as necessary.

These pages include changes made to the traffic code regarding signs that took effect inSeptember 2009. Signs marked as "obsolete" are being phased-out by 2019. Signs marked as"deprecated" no longer carry an official definition, but can be used as needed. Signs markedas "new" were added in 2009.

Brian's Guide to Getting Around Germany - German Traffic Signs & Signal... http://www.gettingaroundgermany.info/zeichen.shtml

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Vehicle class symbols

Traffic signs in Germany employ a set of standard symbols to indicate the type or class of vehicle being referredto on the sign. Some of the symbols are inclusive in that they encompass several lesser classes as well. Thefollowing table outlines these symbols and their meanings:

Symbol Description Other lesser included classes

Motor vehiclesIncludes all multi-track motorized vehicles

Passenger vehiclesIncludes all cars and light trucks

Vehicles over 3.5tIncludes all vehicles with a permitted gross weightover 3.5 tonnes, their trailers, and any other vehiclethat does not qualify as a passenger vehicle; itspecifically does not include buses

MotorcyclesIncludes motorcycles, motorcycles with sidecars, andmopeds

The following are the remaining vehicle class symbols:

Mopeds Bicycles Buses Motor homes

Passenger vehicles withtrailers

Vehicles over 3.5t withtrailers

Slow moving vehiclesIncludes tractors and

other vehicles that cannotexceed 25 km/h

Horse-drawn vehicles(New)

Cattle/animals Riders Pedestrians Tracked militaryvehicles

Streetcars Rail vehicles Vehicles with markedhazardous cargo

Vehicles carrying morethan 3000 liters ofwater-pollutants

Supplemental signs


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The German sign system uses a fair amount of "supplemental signs" (Zusatzschild). These are black and whiterectangular or square signs mounted below a parent sign and are used to modify or give additional information,such as exemptions, restrictions, or more specific details, regarding the condition shown on the parent sign.Supplemental signs use symbols wherever possible, but most supplemental signs use words. To help youdecipher these signs, a complete vocabulary list is provided at the end of the signs section.

Because of the large number of supplemental signs, not all of them are shown on this page. Instead, I'veincluded the most frequent ones in their most common usage, especially the ones that use symbols.

The most common use for supplemental signs is for distances. There are two such signs-- the distance to theparent sign's condition, and the duration of the condition:

Distance to the condition shownon the parent sign

Duration (length) of the conditionshown on the parent sign

Here are some examples to better illustrate the difference between the two types of distance signs:

Traffic signals200 meters ahead

Rough road next800 meters

Autobahn ends2 kilometers ahead

No passing next1 kilometer

Warning signs

This section contains signs that give advance warning of hazards on or near the road. The standard shape forwarning signs in Germany is a red triangle.

General dangerThis sign marks an area where extra caution should be used. It is rarely used by itself;instead, a supplemental sign is usually mounted beneath this sign with information on aspecific hazard for which no individual sign exists. Some examples of the more commoncombinations are below.

Accident hazardMarks an area where a

high number of accidentshave occurred

Sliding dangerUsed to warn of a downhill

section with strong sidewinds that may cause avehicle pulling a trailer to

lose control

Tree overhangDrivers of trucks and

other high-profile vehiclesshould beware of low

trees

Winter sports alongroad

Watch out for people andbe aware that the roadmay not be salted or

sanded


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Soft shoulder(Obsolete)

Avoid driving on the shoulder

Soft shoulder for heavy vehicles(Obsolete)

Rough road edge(Obsolete)

There is a rough drop-off along theedge of the road

Curve (left) Curve (right) Double curveFirst curve is to the left

Double curveFirst curve is to the right

Lane shift (left)All lanes shift to the left

Lane shift (right)All lanes shift to the right

Lane crossover (left)All lanes cross over the median to the left

Lane crossover (right)All lanes cross over the median to the right

Lane splitLeft lane(s) crosses over to left side of median;

right lane(s) remains on right side of median

Road shiftTraffic is shifted briefly to the

left/right, then back again.

Steep upgradeThe degree of the ascent

is shown

Steep downgradeThe degree of the decent

is shown; prepare todownshift

Falling rocks(Deprecated)

Watch out for rocks on theroad and do not stop or

park

Strong cross windPrepare to adjust steeringas necessary and avoid

passing


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Rough road Beware of ice/snow(Deprecated)

The road or bridge aheadfreezes easily

(applicable during Winter months)

Slippery whenwet or dirty

Avoid sudden braking,accelerating, or steering

Loose gravel(Deprecated)

Avoid sudden braking,accelerating, or steering

Road workWatch for workers,

machinery, dirt, or mud onthe roadway

Traffic signals aheadBe prepared to stop

Quay/riverbank(Deprecated)

There is an unguardedquay, riverbank, or landing

ahead or alongside theroad

Drawbridge(Deprecated)

Be prepared to stop

PedestriansMarks a general area where

pedestrians may be on or near theroad

Pedestrian crossing ahead(Deprecated)

Pedestrian crossingMarks a crosswalk and indicatesthat pedestrians have the right-

of-way

Watch for childrenPosted near schools and playgrounds; reduce speed

and be prepared to stop quickly

Crossing guardsMarks a crosswalk where school crossing guards may

direct traffic

Wild animal crossingBe prepared to stop or swerve

suddenly; use low-beam headlights

Domestic animal crossing(Deprecated)

Watch for animals and mud on theroad

Frog crossing(Deprecated)

The road ahead is used bymigrating frogs

Congestion hazardMarks an area wherecongestion frequently

Bicycle crossing Buses(Deprecated)

Watch for buses entering,leaving, or crossing the

Low-flying aircraft(Deprecated)

Be prepared for suddennoise and, at night, for the


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occurs; be prepared toslow down or stop

road glare of landing lights

Two-way trafficGenerally posted where

oncoming traffic isunexpected, such as when

coming from a one-waystreet to a two-way street

Road narrows Road narrows (leftside)

Road narrows (rightside)

Two-way trafficThe number of lanes in each direction is shown

Left lane ends

Right lane ends

Lane added (left) Lane added (right)

Lanes added to another roadwayThe lanes from your roadway are added to another roadway; you will not have to merge

Railway crossing signs

This section shows all signs related to railway level crossings.


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Railway crossing aheadThis sign formerly indicated an unguarded railway

crossing ahead; however, as of late 2009, it will nowbe used to warn of all railway crossings; you may not

overtake between this sign and the crossing

Guarded railway crossing ahead(Obsolete)

This sign formerly indicated a railway crossing withbarriers or half-barriers ahead; it will still be seen until

all instances have been replaced with the "railwaycrossing ahead" sign to the left by 2019; you may not

overtake between this sign and the crossing

Railway crossing approx. 240 meters aheadThese countdown markers are located on the left and right sides of the road respectively and indicate that the

crossing is about 240 meters ahead; a different distance may be shown on the marker if applicable

Approx. 160 meters to railway crossingA different distance may be shown on the sign if

applicable

Approx. 80 meters to railway crossingA different distance may be shown on the sign if

applicable

Railway crossing on crossroad (left) Railway crossing on crossroad (right)

Railway crossing (St. Andrew's cross)Posted at the crossing; you must stop here if a train is

approaching

Electrified railway crossingThis railroad crossing has electrical wires overhead;

high profile vehicles should exercise caution


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Railway crossing signalThis is now the standard railroad

crossing signal in Germany; yellowindicates a train is approaching--stop if possible; red means you

must stop and remain stopped untilthe signal turns off

Railway crossing flasher(Obsolete prior to 2009)

This is the old standard railroadcrossing signal in western

Germany; you must stop when thered signal flashes

Railway crossing flasher(Obsolete prior to 2009)

This is the old standard railroadcrossing signal in East Germany;you must stop when the red signal

flashes

Right-of-way signs

This section shows signs related to right-of-way assignment.

Priority roadYou have the right-of-way at allintersections on this road until

cancelled by a "Yield", "Stop", or"End of Priority Road" sign; outside

of urban areas, parking isprohibited on this road

End of priority roadYou must yield at all subsequent

intersections

PriorityYou have the right-of-way at the

next intersection only

YieldYou must give way to traffic on the intersecting road

StopYou must come to a complete stop and give way to

traffic on the intersecting road

Priority road turns (left)The priority road (wide black line) turns left in the intersection; the other lines represent other streets at this

intersection


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Priority road turns (right)The priority road (wide black line) turns right in the intersection; the other lines represent other streets at this

intersection

Yield to Priority roadThe priority road (wide black line) turns in the

intersection; you must yield to traffic following orleaving the priority road coming from the left or

approaching from straight ahead

Yield to Priority roadThe priority road (wide black line) turns in the

intersection; you must yield to traffic following orleaving the priority road coming from the right or

approaching from straight ahead

Stop and yield to Priority roadThe same rules as "yield to priority road" above apply,

but you must come to a complete stop first

Stop and yield to Priority roadThe same rules as "yield to priority road" above apply,

but you must come to a complete stop first

Yield to roundaboutTraffic in the roundabout has right-

of-way

Yield and watch for bicyclesYou must yield to all intersecting

traffic, including traffic on thebicycle path

Stop aheadThere is a stop sign 100 meters

ahead


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Unmarked intersection aheadThe next intersection is

uncontrolled; yield the right-of-wayto traffic approaching theintersection from the right

Priority over oncoming trafficYou have the right-of-way over

oncoming traffic along the narrowone lane road ahead

Yield to oncoming trafficYou must give way to oncomingtraffic along the narrow one lane

road ahead

Speed limit signs

Below are the various signs related to speed limits.

Maximum speed limitShown in kilometers per hour

(km/h)

Speed limit zoneThis sign is posted at the entrancesto a neighborhood where the speedlimit shown applies to all streets inthe neighborhood until the "End ofspeed limit zone" sign is reached

Conditional speed limitThe speed limit shown is only in

effect when the road is wet

Minimum speed limitShown in km/h; you must travel at this speed or faster

unless road, weather, or traffic conditions make itnecessary to drive slower

Advisory speed limit(Obsolete)

Shown in km/h; indicates the recommended speed limitfor good road, weather, and traffic conditions; this sign

is being phased-out by 2019

End of speed limitThe general speed limit

now applies

End of speed limit zone End of minimum speedlimit

End of advisory speedlimit

(Obsolete)

Minimum speed limit by laneA new lane is added ahead and the minimum speed limit(s) shown applies to


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the indicated lane(s)

Minimum speed limit by laneThe minimum speed limit(s) shown apply to the indicated lane(s)

End of minimum speed limit by laneThese signs also typically indicate a lane ending

Regulatory signs

This section contains various signs that provide regulation. In Germany, the standard shape for most regulatorysigns is a circle. A red circle indicates something is prohibited, while a blue disc indicates something is required.

No passingYou may not overtake other vehicles except bicycles,

mopeds, and motorcycles

No passing for vehicles over 3.5tVehicles with a permitted gross weight over 3.5 tonnesare not allowed to overtake any other vehicle except

bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles

No passingPassing of tractors and other

designated slow-moving vehicles ispermitted

No passingThe no passing restriction appliesonly to vehicles with a permittedgross weight over 3.5 tonnes,

buses, and any vehicle pulling atrailer

No passingThe no passing restriction is in

effect only between 8:30am and6:00pm and applies only to vehicleswith a permitted gross weight over3.5 tonnes, buses, and any vehicle

pulling a trailer


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End of no passing zone End of no passing zone forvehicles over 3.5t

End of all restrictionsThis sign cancels all previous speed

limit and passing restrictions;however, the general speed limit

applies

Road closedAll vehicles are prohibited;

a supplemental signindicating exceptions to

this prohibition oftenaccompanies this sign

Motor vehiclesprohibited

Applies to all motorvehicles except

motorcycles and mopeds

Vehicles over 3.5tprohibited

Vehicles over 7.5tprohibited

Bicycles prohibited Mopeds prohibited(Deprecated)

Motorcycles andmopeds prohibited

Multiple prohibitionAll motor vehicles,

including motorcycles andmopeds, are prohibited

Horses prohibited(Deprecated)

Pedestrians prohibited

Vertical clearanceVehicles, including loads, higher

than the indicated height areprohibited

Horizontal clearanceVehicles, including loads, wider than

the indicated width are prohibited

Length restrictionVehicles, including loads, longer

than the indicated length areprohibited


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Lane crossover with width restrictionAll lanes cross over the median and the width restriction shown is in effect

for the indicated lane(s)

Lane shift with width restrictionAll lanes shift and the width restriction shown is in effect

for the indicated lane(s)

Weight limitVehicles with an actual composite weight exceeding

the indicated limit are prohibited

Axle weight limitVehicles exceeding the indicated weight on any axle

are prohibited

Minimum following distanceVehicles with a permitted grossweight exceeding 3.5 tonnes arerequired to maintain the indicated

minimum following distance

Hazardous cargo prohibitedVehicles transporting marked

hazardous materials are prohibited

Water polluting cargo prohibitedVehicles transporting more than

3000 liters of water-pollutants areprohibited

Emergency trafficrestriction due to air

pollutionOnly vehicles displaying avalid emissions inspection

sticker are permitted(shown only when applicable)

Traffic restriction zonefor reduction of air

pollutionOnly vehicles displaying

one of the indicatedcolored emissions

inspection stickers arepermitted

End of traffic restrictionzone for reduction of air

pollution

Snow chains or tiresrequired

A speed limit of 50 km/happlies

(shown only when applicable)


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Do not enter One way streetTraffic on this street musttravel in the direction of

the arrow

One way streetBicycles are exemptedand may travel in either

direction

One way street(Obsolete)

The street you are on isone way; this sign is being

phased-out by 2019

Mandatory direction of travelAll traffic must turn left

Mandatory direction of travelAll traffic must turn right

Mandatory direction of travelAll traffic must turn either left or

right

Mandatory direction oftravel

All traffic must continuestraight ahead (i.e. no

turns)


All traffic must continuestraight ahead or turn left

(i.e. no right turn)


All traffic must continuestraight ahead or turn right

(i.e. no left turn)

No U-turn


All traffic must turn lefthere


All traffic must turn righthere

Pass by on leftAll traffic must pass theobstacle on the left side

(i.e. keep left)

Pass by on rightAll traffic must pass the

obstacle on the right side(i.e. keep right)

Shoulder open to trafficThe right-hand shoulder of this

roadway can be used as a trafficlane; this is generally done onlyduring periods of congestion to

provide additional capacity

Shoulder lane endsIf you are in the shoulder trafficlane, you must merge to the left

immediately

End of shoulder laneDo not drive on the shoulder past

this point

Pedestrian pathPedestrians only

Pedestrian zoneMarks the entrance to an areareserved for pedestrians; all

adjacent streets are included untilthe "End of pedestrian zone" sign is

reached

End of pedestrian zone


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Bicycle pathBicycles only

Bicycle pathMopeds also allowed

End of bicycle path

Pedestrian & bicycle pathPedestrians and bicycles only; both can use the entire

pathway

Split pedestrian & bicycle pathPedestrians and bicycles only; pedestrians and

cyclists must keep to the side of the path indicated bythe sign

Bus laneAll other vehicles prohibited

Bus laneThis sign shows which lane is

reserved for buses

Bridle pathHorses only

Traffic calming zoneMarks the beginning of an area where traffic calming

rules apply

End of traffic calming zone

TunnelPosted at the entrance to a tunnel and indicates thatlow-beam headlights must be turned-on, that U-turns

are prohibited, and that accidents or breakdowns mustbe moved to a designated emergency wayside

Emergency waysideMarks a roadside bay for stopping in case of an

emergency or breakdown; all other use is prohibited


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Autobahn entrancePosted on Autobahnentrance ramps and

indicates that Autobahntraffic regulations begin

Expressway entranceMotor vehicles only

End of AutobahnLocated on Autobahn exitramps and indicates that

Autobahn trafficregulations end; may alsobe used to warn that the

Autobahn ends ahead

End of expressway

Continue to page 2 >>

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This page and all its contents are Copyright © 2010 by Brian Purcell

NOTICEThe information provided on this website is provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind either express or implied. The author and his agents make no warranties or representations of

any kind concerning any information contained in this website. This website is provided only as general information. The author expressly disclaims all liability with respect to actions taken or nottaken based upon the information contained herein or with respect to any errors or omissions in such information. All opinions expressed are strictly those of the author. This site is not affiliated in

any way with any official agency.


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german driving guide

Documents

guide signs page

warning signs page

regulatory signs page

supplemental signs page

parking signs page

miscellaneous signs

rightofway signs page

service signs page