National Transport German Traffic Signs & Signals (Page 1 of 2)

This page last updated April 15, 2022

Below is a comprehensive guide of German traffic signs, signals, and markings. This guide is designed for both the short-term tourists wanting to learn German traffic signs in preparation for a trip as well as for those who are studying to get a German or US military driver's license. These pages may also be of interest to road and sign aficionados (yes, that's a thing!)

Because of the volume of information here, this topic is divided into two pages.

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 and use easy-to-understand international pictograms and symbols based on the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. The sign system had its last complete overhaul in the early '90s to more closely conform with European standards and is updated every few years to address changing needs and any shortcomings.

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 2017.

Officially, German traffic signs are divided into four major categories: warning signs, regulation signs, guide signs, and supplemental signs. However, I have divided the sign collection into several more distinct categories and placed each sign where it most logically belongs regardless of its official designation.

In the German traffic code and sign catalog, all signs are assigned an official number. This number is used on traffic tickets and accident reports when a sign is involved in the incident. You can obtain the official sign number for each sign on this page by holding your mouse over the sign for a second (works with most web browsers).

While the German sign system is standardized, there are many cases of unsanctioned, experimental, or non-standard signs in use. I have included some of those.

In recent years, the German government has been trying to reduce the number of traffic signs in use to combat what many believe is an overuse of signs resulting in a "sign forest" (Schilderwald). This has lead to the removal of some signs from the official catalog and a changing of recommendations on signing applications. In practice, however, the impact of these changes has thus far been limited and in some cases has had a paradoxical effect of increasing signage.

These pages include changes made to the traffic sign catalog through 2020. Signs marked as "obsolete" are being phased-out.

Vehicle class symbols

Traffic signs in Germany employ a set of standard symbols to indicate the type or class of vehicle being referred to on the sign. Some of the symbols are hierarchical in that they encompass other classes as well. Therefore, for example, when a traffic sign shows the symbol below for "motor vehicles", the sign applies not only to cars, but also trucks, motor homes, buses, vehicles with trailers, and slow-moving vehicles. The following table describes these symbols, their meanings, and included subclasses:

Symbol	Description	Included subclasses
	Motor vehicles Includes all multi-track motorized vehicles
	Passenger vehicles Includes all cars and light trucks
	Vehicles over 3.5t Includes all vehicles with a permitted gross weight over 3.5 tonnes, their trailers, and any other vehicle that does not qualify as a passenger vehicle; it specifically does not include buses
	Motorcycles Includes motorcycles, motorcycles with sidecars, and mopeds

The following are the other vehicle class symbols:

Mopeds	Bicycles	Cargo bicycles

Electric cars	Electric bicycles	Small electric vehicles

Passenger vehicles with trailers	Vehicles over 3.5t with trailers	Buses	Motor homes

Cattle/domestic animals	Riders	Horse-drawn vehicles	Pedestrians

Streetcars	Rail vehicles	Slow-moving vehicles Includes tractors and other vehicles that cannot exceed 25 km/h	Tracked military vehicles

Vehicles with marked hazardous cargo	Vehicles carrying more than 3000 liters of water-pollutants

Supplemental signs

The German sign system uses a fair amount of "supplemental signs" (Zusatzschild). These are black and white rectangular or square signs mounted below a parent sign, and are used to modify or give additional information regarding the condition shown on the parent sign such as exemptions, restrictions, or more specific details. Supplemental signs use symbols wherever possible, but most supplemental signs use words. To help you decipher these signs, a complete vocabulary list is provided at the end of the signs section on page 2.

Because of the large number of supplemental signs, only a few of them are shown on these pages, especially ones that are rather common or ones with symbols.

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

Distance to the condition shown on the parent sign.	Duration (length) of the condition shown on the parent sign.

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

Traffic signals 200 meters ahead.	Rough road next 800 meters.	Autobahn ends 2 kilometers ahead.	No passing next 3 kilometers.

Remaining duration (length) of the condition shown on the parent sign.	Duration (length) of the condition shown on the parent sign. This is used only for certain regulatory signs that do not have a cancellation sign.

Warning signs

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

	General danger This 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 a specific hazard for which no individual sign exists. Some examples of the more common combinations are below.

Accident hazard Marks an area where a high number of accidents have occurred.	Sliding danger Used to warn of a downhill section with strong side winds that may cause a vehicle pulling a trailer to lose control.	Winter sports along road Watch for people on the road and be aware that the road may not be salted or sanded.

Soft shoulders Do not drive on the shoulder.	Soft shoulder (Obsolete) Avoid driving on the shoulder.	Soft shoulder (Obsolete) The shoulder will not support heavy vehicles.	Rough road edge (Obsolete) There is a rough drop-off along the edge of the road.

Curve (left)	Curve (right)	Double curve First curve is to the left.	Double curve First curve is to the right.

The following signs may have a fluorescent yellow background when used in work zones.
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 split Left lane(s) crosses over to left side of the median; right lane(s) remains on right side of the median.

Lane split/return Lanes to the left of the median shift to the right and/or return to right side of the median.

Road shift Traffic is shifted briefly to the left/right, then back again.

Shift to shoulder One lane shifts to the right shoulder.

Steep upgrade The degree of the ascent is shown.	Steep downgrade The degree of the decent is shown. Prepare to downshift.	Falling rocks Watch out for rocks on the road, and do not stop or park.	Tree overhang Drivers of trucks and other high-profile vehicles should beware of low trees.

Strong cross wind Prepare to adjust steering as necessary, and avoid overtaking.	Beware of ice/snow The road or bridge ahead freezes easily. (Applicable during Winter months.)	Slippery when wet or dirty Avoid sudden braking, accelerating, or steering.

Traffic signals ahead Be prepared to stop.	Drawbridge Be prepared to stop.	Quay/riverbank There is an unguarded quay, riverbank, or landing ahead or alongside the road.

Road work Watch for workers, machinery, dirt, or mud on the roadway.	Rough road	Loose gravel Avoid sudden braking, accelerating, or steering.

Pedestrians Marks a general area where pedestrians may be on or near the road.	Pedestrian crossing ahead	Pedestrian crossing Marks a crosswalk and indicates that pedestrians have the right-of-way.	Watch for children Posted near schools and playgrounds. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop quickly.

School crossing Reduce speed and watch for children.	Kindergarten zone Reduce speed and watch for children.	School zone Indicates a reduced speed limit near a school during the times shown.	School crossing guards Marks a crosswalk where school crossing guards may direct traffic.

Wild animal crossing Be prepared to stop or swerve suddenly and use low-beam headlights.	Domestic animal crossing Watch for animals and mud on the road.	Frog crossing The road ahead is used by migrating frogs.	Horse crossing Watch for horses crossing the road.

Congestion hazard Marks an area where congestion frequently occurs. Be prepared to slow down or stop.	Bicycle crossing	Buses (Obsolete) Watch for buses entering, leaving, or crossing the road.	Low-flying aircraft Be prepared for sudden noise and, at night, for the glare of landing lights.

Two-way traffic Generally posted where oncoming traffic is unexpected, such as when coming from a one-way street to a two-way street.	Road narrows	Road narrows (left side)	Road narrows (right side)

The following signs may have a fluorescent yellow background when used in work zones.

Lane allocation The number of lanes in each direction is shown.

Left lane ends

Right lane ends

Right lane(s) exits	Lane added (right)

Lane added (left)

Lane(s) added from the right One or two lanes are added from another roadway to the right side of your roadway; there is no merging required.

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

Zipper merge ahead A lane is closed ahead. Vehicles should continue in both lanes and use the "zipper" merge.	Stagger formation This sign marks an area such as a construction zone where there is a very narrow left lane. Trucks should use the right lane and vehicles in both lanes should stagger themselves and not overtake.

Railway crossing signs

This section shows all signs related to railway level crossings.

Railway crossing ahead This sign formerly indicated an unguarded railway crossing ahead. However, as of late 2009, it is now being 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 with barriers or half-barriers ahead. It will still be found in use until all instances have been replaced with the "railway crossing ahead" sign to the left by 2022. You may not overtake between this sign and the crossing.
Railway crossing approx. 240 meters ahead These 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 crossing A different distance may be shown on the sign if applicable.	Approx. 80 meters to railway crossing A 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 crossing This railroad crossing has electrical wires overhead. High profile vehicles should exercise caution.

Railway crossing signal This is now the standard railroad crossing signal in Germany. Yellow indicates a train is approaching-- stop if possible. Red means you must stop and remain stopped until the signal turns off.	Railway crossing flasher (Obsolete) This is the old standard railroad crossing signal in West Germany. You must stop when the red signal flashes.	Railway crossing flasher (Obsolete) This is the old standard railroad crossing 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 road You have the right-of-way at all intersections on this road until cancelled by a "Yield", "Stop", or "End of Priority Road" sign. Outside of urban areas, parking is prohibited on this road.	End of priority road You must yield at all subsequent intersections.	Priority You have the right-of-way at the next intersection only.

Yield You must give way to traffic on the intersecting road.	Stop You 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.

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 road The priority road (wide black line) turns in the intersection. You must yield to traffic following or leaving the priority road coming from the left or approaching from straight ahead.	Yield to Priority road The priority road (wide black line) turns in the intersection. You must yield to traffic following or leaving the priority road coming from the right or approaching from straight ahead.
Stop and yield to Priority road The same rules as "yield to priority road" above apply, but you must come to a complete stop first.	Stop and yield to Priority road The same rules as "yield to priority road" above apply, but you must come to a complete stop first.

Yield to roundabout Traffic in the roundabout has right-of-way.	Yield and watch for bicycles You must yield to all intersecting traffic, including traffic on the bicycle path from both directions.	Yield to streetcars You must yield the right-of-way to streetcars crossing, entering, or leaving the roadway.	Stop ahead There is a stop sign 100 meters ahead.

Uncontrolled intersection ahead The next intersection has no signed right-of-way, so you must yield the right-of-way to traffic approaching the intersection from the right.	Priority over oncoming traffic You have the right-of-way over oncoming traffic along the narrow one lane road ahead.	Yield to oncoming traffic You must give way to oncoming traffic along the narrow one lane road ahead.

Speed limit signs

Below are the various signs related to speed limits.

Maximum speed limit Shown in kilometers per hour (in km/h).	Maximum speed limit The speed limit has been reduced due to a history of crashes at this location.	Conditional speed limit The speed limit shown is only in effect when the road is wet.	Conditional speed limit The bottom speed limit shown is applicable for the indicated vehicle type (e.g. vehicles over 3.5t.); all other vehicles must obey the top limit.

Contextual speed limit The speed limit shown is in effect from this point until the condition or hazard shown on the parent sign is passed. If no additional speed limit sign is posted at that point, you can then return to the statutory speed limit.	Speed limit zone This sign is posted at the entrances to a neighborhood where the speed limit shown applies to all streets beyond this sign until the "End of speed limit zone" sign is reached.	Minimum speed limit Shown in km/h. You must travel at this speed or faster unless road, weather, or traffic conditions make it necessary to drive slower.	Advisory speed limit (Obsolete) Shown in km/h. Indicates the recommended speed limit for good road, weather, and traffic conditions.

End of speed limit The statutory speed limit now applies.	End of speed limit zone	End of minimum speed limit	End of advisory speed limit (Obsolete)

Maximum speed limit by lane The speed limit(s) shown applies to the indicated lane(s).	End of maximum speed limit by lane The statutory speed limit now applies.

Minimum speed limit by lane A new lane is added ahead, and the minimum speed limit(s) shown applies to the indicated lane(s).

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

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

Regulatory signs

This section contains various signs that provide regulation. In Germany, the standard shape for most regulatory signs is a circle.  A red circle is prohibitive, while a blue disc is prescriptive.

No passing You may not overtake other vehicles except bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles.	No passing for vehicles over 3.5t Vehicles with a permitted gross weight over 3.5 tonnes are not allowed to overtake any other vehicle except bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles.	No passing of single-track vehicles Multi-track motor vehicles are prohibited from passing single-track vehicles (i.e. bicycles, mopeds, etc.)

Conditional no passing Passing of tractors and other designated slow-moving vehicles is permitted.	Conditional no passing The no passing restriction applies only to vehicles with a permitted gross weight over 3.5 tonnes, buses, and any vehicle pulling a trailer.	Conditional no passing The no passing restriction is in effect only between 8-11am and 4-6pm, and applies only to vehicles with a permitted gross weight over 3.5 tonnes, buses, and any vehicle pulling a trailer.

End of no passing zone	End of no passing zone for vehicles over 3.5t	End of no passing of single-track vehicles	End of all restrictions This sign cancels all previous posted speed limit and passing restrictions. However, the statutory speed limit applies.

All vehicles prohibited A supplemental sign indicating exceptions to this prohibition often accompanies this sign.	Residents only This roadway may only be used by local residents and visitors.	Play street Marks a street where vehicles are prohibited and children are allowed to play in the roadway.

Motor vehicles prohibited Applies to all motor vehicles except motorcycles and mopeds.	Vehicles over 3.5t prohibited	Vehicles over 7.5t prohibited

Vehicles over 3.5t prohibited from left lane(s) Vehicles over 3.5t are prohibited from the lanes shown and for the distance shown.

Bicycles prohibited	Mopeds prohibited	Motorcycles and mopeds prohibited	Multiple prohibition All motor vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds, are prohibited.

Passenger vehicles prohibited	Passenger vehicles with trailers prohibited	Vehicles over 3.5t with trailers prohibited	Buses prohibited

Horses prohibited	Horse-drawn vehicles prohibited	Slow-moving vehicles prohibited	Cattle prohibited Farmers are prohibited from herding their cattle on this roadway.

Hazardous cargo prohibited Vehicles transporting marked hazardous materials are prohibited.	Water polluting cargo prohibited Vehicles transporting more than 3000 liters of water-pollutants are prohibited.	Pedestrians prohibited

Weight limit Vehicles with an actual composite weight exceeding the indicated limit are prohibited.	Axle weight limit Vehicles exceeding the indicated weight on any axle are prohibited.	Minimum following distance Vehicles with a permitted gross weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes are required to maintain the indicated minimum following distance.

Vertical clearance Vehicles, including loads, higher than the indicated height are prohibited.	Horizontal clearance Vehicles, including loads, wider than the indicated width are prohibited.	Length restriction Vehicles, including loads, longer than the indicated length are prohibited.

Lane crossover with width restriction All lanes cross over the median and the width restriction shown is in effect for the indicated lane(s).

Lane shift with width restriction All lanes shift and the width restriction shown is in effect for the indicated lane(s).

Low emissions restriction zone Only vehicles displaying the indicated emissions inspection sticker shown on the supplemental sign are permitted.	End of low emissions restriction zone	Diesel vehicles prohibited Diesel vehicles with the indicated EU rating or lower are prohibited except for local residents, visitors, and deliveries.

Do not enter	One way street Traffic on this street must travel in the direction of the arrow.	One way street Bicycles are exempted and may travel in either direction.	One way street (Obsolete) The street you are on is one way.

Mandatory direction of travel All traffic must continue straight ahead (i.e. no turns.)	Mandatory direction of travel All traffic must turn left.	Mandatory direction of travel All traffic must turn right.	Mandatory direction of travel All traffic must turn either left or right.

Mandatory direction of travel All traffic must continue straight ahead or turn left (i.e. no right turn.)	Mandatory direction of travel All traffic must continue straight ahead or turn right (i.e. no left turn.)	Roundabout All traffic must travel counter-clockwise around the center island, may not drive on the center island (unless vehicle size makes that impossible), and may not stop in the roundabout.	No U-turn

Mandatory direction of travel All traffic must turn left here.	Mandatory direction of travel All traffic must turn right here.	Pass by on left All traffic must pass the obstacle on the left side (i.e. keep left.)	Pass by on right All traffic must pass the obstacle on the right side (i.e. keep right.)

Shoulder open to traffic The right-hand shoulder of this roadway can be used as a traffic lane. This is generally done only during periods of congestion to provide additional capacity

Shoulder lane ends If you are in the shoulder traffic lane, you must merge to the left immediately.

End of shoulder lane Do not drive on the shoulder past this point.

Pedestrian path Pedestrians only	Pedestrian zone Marks the entrance to an area reserved for pedestrians. All streets beyond this sign are included until the "End of pedestrian zone" sign is reached.	End of pedestrian zone

Bicycle path or lane Bicycles only. Bicyclists must use this path or lane instead of the roadway.	Bicycle path or lane Mopeds also allowed.

Bicycle street Marks the entrance to a street designated for bicycles and where "bicycle street" rules apply.	Bicycle street Motor vehicles allowed.	Bicycle street Motor vehicles allowed from opposite direction (i.e. motor vehicles may not enter here.)

Bicycle street Inline/roller skating in the street is allowed.	End of bicycle street

Bicycle zone Marks the entrance to an area reserved for bicycles and where "bicycle street" rules apply. All streets beyond this sign are included until the "End of bicycle zone" sign is reached.	Bicycle zone Motor vehicles allowed.	End of bicycle zone

Bicycle highway Marks a long-distance bicycle-only road.	End of bicycle highway

Pedestrian & bicycle path Combined pedestrian and cycle path. Both can use the entire pathway. Cyclists do not have right-of-way, but pedestrians must allow cyclists to pass.	Pedestrian & bicycle path Divided pedestrian and cycle path. Pedestrians and cyclists must keep to the side of the path indicated by the sign.

Bridle path Horses only.	Snow chains or tires required A speed limit of 50 km/h applies. (Shown only when applicable.)

Bus lane All other vehicles prohibited.	Bus lane Carpools with 3 or more passengers also allowed. (The carpool sign on the right was provisional and has been deprecated.)	Bus lane This sign shows which lane is reserved for buses.

Traffic calming zone Marks the beginning of an area where traffic calming rules apply. All streets beyond this sign are included until the "End of traffic calming zone" sign is reached.	End of traffic calming zone

Tunnel Posted at the entrance to a tunnel. Drivers must turn on their low-beam headlights. U-turns are prohibited, and accidents or breakdowns must be moved to a designated emergency wayside.	Tunnel Also shows the length of the tunnel.	Emergency wayside Marks a roadside bay for stopping in case of an emergency or breakdown; all other use is prohibited.

Autobahn entrance Posted on Autobahn entrance ramps and indicates that Autobahn traffic regulations begin.	Expressway entrance Motor vehicles only.	End of Autobahn Located on Autobahn exit ramps and indicates that Autobahn traffic regulations end. This sign may also be used to warn that the Autobahn ends ahead.	End of expressway

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