Brian's Guide to Getting Around Germany - German Traffic Signs & Signals (Page 2 of 2)

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

This page last updated May 2, 2022

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Parking signs

In this section are all signs related to parking, both prohibition signs against parking as well as signs indicating where parking is allowed. For more details on parking regulations, see the parking section of the road rules page, and for information on where and how to park, see the parking section of the City Driving & Parking page.


*No stopping* Stopping or standing on the roadway on the same side where this sign is posted is prohibited.	*No parking* Prohibits leaving your vehicle or otherwise stopping on the roadway on the same side where this sign is posted for more than 3 minutes except for passenger boarding/discharging and loading/unloading.	*Parking restriction zone* Posted at entrances to a neighborhood or area where parking is prohibited on all streets in the area until the "End of parking restriction zone" sign is reached.	*End of parking restriction zone*


*No stopping (end)* This sign marks the end of a no stopping area (i.e. no stopping prior to this sign on the same side of the street where it is posted.)	*No stopping* Stopping or standing on the roadway is prohibited in either direction on the same side where this sign is posted.	*No stopping (start)* This sign marks the beginning of a no stopping area (i.e. no stopping beyond this sign on the same side of the street where it is posted.)


*No parking (end)* This sign marks the end of a no parking area (i.e. no parking prior to this sign on the same side of the street where it is posted.)	*No parking* Parking on the roadway is prohibited in either direction on the same side where this sign is posted.	*No parking (start)* This sign marks the beginning of a no parking area (i.e. no parking beyond this sign on the same side of the street where it is posted.)

SIDEBAR: Understanding parking sign arrows


*No stopping on shoulder*	*No parking on shoulder*	*Taxi stand* This area is reserved for taxis only-- other vehicles may not stop here. The supplemental sign indicates the number of taxis allowed to wait here.	*Tow-away zone* Illegally parked vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.


*Parking area* Marks an area where parking is permitted. This sign is also used to give directions to parking areas.	*Parking management zone* Posted at entrances to a neighborhood or area where parking is permitted with the use of a parking disc or voucher as indicated by a supplemental sign. The restrictions shown apply to all streets beyond this sign until the "End of parking management zone sign" is reached.	*End of parking management zone*


*Restricted parking* You must use a parking disc to park here and you may only park for the length of time indicated.	*Restricted parking* You must purchase and display a parking voucher to park here.	*Restricted parking* Only residents with the indicated parking permit number may park here.


*Reserved parking* You may park here only if you have an official handicapped permit.	*Reserved parking* Parking only for car share vehicles. The name of the specific car share company permitted to park here will be indicated.	*Parking for indicated vehicles* Parking only for the vehicle class shown on the sign (i.e. parking only for passenger vehicles.)	*Parking for indicated vehicles* Parking for vehicles with trailers allowed. Vehicles may remain parked for longer than 14 days.

Parking garage

Indexed parking facility
Marks or gives directions to a numbered parking facility (e.g. parking lot #8.)

Directions to parking


*Parking area (end)* This sign marks the end of a parking area.	*Parking area* This sign indicates parking is allowed in both directions from the sign.	*Parking area (start)* This sign marks the start of a parking area.


*Perpendicular parking* Parking spaces are perpendicular to the roadway.	*Angle parking* Parking spaces are at an angle to the roadway.


*Parking on sidewalk allowed* Parallel parking half on the sidewalk and half in the street is permitted on the right or left side of the street respectively.	*Parking on sidewalk allowed* Parallel parking completely on the sidewalk is permitted on the right or left side of the street respectively.


*Parking on sidewalk allowed* Perpendicular parking half on the sidewalk and half in the street is permitted on the right or left side of the street respectively.	*Parking on sidewalk allowed* Perpendicular parking completely on the sidewalk is permitted on the right or left side of the street respectively.


*Hiker's parking* Indicates an area where you may park and hike a circuit trail.	*Park & ride* Indicates a facility where you may park your vehicle and transfer to public transportation.	*Carpool parking* Indicates a roadside parking lot for use by carpoolers.

Service signs

Below are signs that are used to give directions to motorist services on or near the road. These signs are especially used along the Autobahn. Service signs are a symbol in a white field on a blue square or rectangle.


*Filling station*	*Filling station w/ unleaded gasoline* *(Obsolete)* This sign is now obsolete as all stations have unleaded fuel, but it may still appear on older signs.


Electric vehicle charging station	*Filling station w/ liquefied petroleum gas*	*Filling station w/ compressed natural gas*	*Hydrogen station*


*Restaurant*	*Snack bar*	*Hotel*	*Auto repair shop*


*Restrooms/toilets*	*Autobahn chapel*	*Police station*	*Tourist information*


*Telephone*	*Emergency telephone*	*First aid station*


*Motor home park*	Motor home and travel trailer park	*Campground*	*Traffic information radio* *(Obsolete)* This sign showed the name and frequency of a radio station giving local traffic information. The letter at the bottom indicated the traffic reporting region that the station covered.

Information and guide signs

Below are signs that give directions or other information.


*Entering urban area* Posted at the entrance to a built-up area and indicates that the 50 km/h speed limit and other urban traffic regulations begins.	*Leaving urban area* This is usually the backside of the "Entering town area sign" and indicates the end of urban traffic regulations and the return to the 100 km/h rural speed limit. The top section shows the distance to the next town.	*Leaving urban area* Same as the sign to the left except that the white top section indicates that the next town is in the same municipality as the one you are leaving.	*Place name* Marks small towns that do not require the "Entering urban area" sign. This sign is also used occasionally to mark other places of interest.


*Federal Highway route number*	*Autobahn route number*	*European route number*


*Federal Highway direction marker* Posted at the junction and shows the direction and distance to major destinations.	*Secondary road direction marker* Posted at the junction and shows the direction and distance to major destinations.	*Secondary road direction marker* Posted at the junction and shows the direction and distance to minor destinations.	*Local direction marker* Posted at the junction and shows the direction and distance to an important local destination.


*Advance direction sign* Gives advance notice of directions at an approaching intersection.	*Advance direction sign* Gives advance notice of directions as well as the lane configuration at an approaching intersection (e.g. left lane must turn left.)	*Advance direction sign* Gives advance notice of directions at an approaching roundabout. Note the "do not enter" for the leg at the 2 o'clock position.


*Consolidated direction sign* Shows route information for all directions at this junction (single board or multiple panels.)	*Abbreviated consolidated direction sign* Shows route information for all directions at this junction (used in urban areas.)


*Direction to Autobahn* Shows the direction to the indicated Autobahn and destination.	*Autobahn entrance direction sign* Shows direction information for Autobahn entrance ramps ahead.	*Autobahn entrance direction sign* Shows direction information for Autobahn entrance ramps ahead as well as the lane configuration at those intersections (e.g. right lane must turn right.)


*Autobahn exit initial approach sign* Located 1000 meters (nominally) before Autobahn exits and shows the interchange number and name.	*Autobahn junction initial approach sign* Located 2000 meters (nominally) before the junction of two Autobahns and shows the interchange number and name.	*Autobahn interchange advance directional sign* Located 500 meters before Autobahn exits and at both 1000 meters and 500 meters before Autobahn junctions and shows a schematic of the interchange and lists additional destinations.


*Autobahn interchange number* Shown on the initial interchange approach sign and on the first interchange countdown marker. Interchanges are numbered sequentially; if a new interchange is added, a letter suffix is used to preserve the numbering system.	*Autobahn interchange countdown markers* Located at 300 meters (three stripes), 200 meters (two stripes), and 100 meters (one stripe) before the interchange. The interchange number sign is typically mounted above the 300 meter marker.	*Autobahn exit* This sign is placed just prior to the exit. It is sometimes located in the center median.


*Expressway interchange initial approach sign* Located 1000 meters (nominally) before exits and shows the interchange name.	*Expressway interchange countdown markers* Located at 300 meters (three stripes), 200 meters (two stripes), and 100 meters (one stripe) before the interchange.	*Expressway exit* This sign is placed just prior to the exit. It is sometimes placed in the center median.


*Expressway exit* Shows an exit for local destinations.	*Exit* Marks an exit ramp from the Autobahn or expressway.	*Truck stop* This sign indicates that there is an off-Autobahn truck stop at the indicated exit (typically the next exit) with the services indicated by the pictograms.


*Autobahn distance board* Placed after most entrances and lists the distance to major cities along the route. Distances to major destinations via intersecting Autobahns are listed at the bottom with the corresponding route number.	*Expressway distance board* Placed after most entrances and lists the distance to major cities along the route.


*Autobahn emergency detour* These signs mark pre-posted detour routes for use in the event that an Autobahn must be closed due to a crash or other incident or as an optional route to bypass congestion. Follow the same-numbered route to return to the next Autobahn entrance.	*Emergency detour schematic* Used to direct Autobahn traffic to the next even/odd sequential detour route when traffic cannot return to the Autobahn at the next entrance.


*"Red route" detour* These signs mark a special detour to bypass a long-term Autobahn construction project or a frequently congested area.	*"Red route" detour approach* Announces a closure ahead for which a "red route" detour should be followed. Examples: (left) A40 toward Dortmund is closed, so follow posted "red route" detour; (right) Exit 4 is closed during the dates shown, so follow "red route" detour straight ahead.


*Alternate route* Indicates a recommended alternate route on the Autobahn system for specific vehicles or destinations in order to avoid congestion.	*End of alternate route*


*Detour approach* Indicates that a detour/diversion is about to start and is often accompanied by a supplemental sign indicating the distance to the start of the detour.	*Detour direction sign* These are being phased-out in favor of the sign to the right.	*Detour direction sign* Follow these signs to remain on the detour route. This sign can also be used at the start of a detour in lieu of the "detour approach" sign to the left. These signs may be accompanied by a destination panel on top.	*End of detour*

Routing for designated vehicles
Vehicle types shown on the sign must follow the route as indicated.

Routing for designated vehicles
Vehicle types shown on the sign turn here.


*Detour route schematic* Indicates that the road ahead is closed and graphically shows the detour route (e.g. turn left in 80 meters and follow the road to A-Dorf and B-Dorf to return back to the route to Stuttgart.)	*Routing schematic for designated vehicles* Indicates that the specified vehicle type is prohibited ahead, and indicates that there's a posted detour route (e.g. no vehicles over 3.5t on the road ahead, so follow the posted route 80 meters ahead on the left.)	*Special traffic route* Shows special routing required to go in the direction indicated (e.g. there's no left turn ahead, so follow the route shown instead.)


*River name* Shows the name of the river the road is crossing.	*Scenic area* Denotes a scenic or tourist area along or near the road.	*Iron Curtain marker* Marks the location where Germany and Europe was divided prior to 1989.


*Tourist route* Marks one of the several themed tourist roads.	*Tourist route direction marker* Shows the direction to follow to stay on the indicated tourist route.	*Tourist route* Shows additional route information (in this example, which direction the route is headed.)


*Tourist attractions* Used to give directions to tourist attractions.	*Tourist attraction direction marker* Shows the direction to the indicated tourist destination.	*Tourist attraction* Shows additional route information about an attraction (in this example, the town in which it's located.)


*Dead end street*	*Dead end street* However, there is a through path for pedestrians and/or bicycles.


*Pedestrian underpass* Marks the entrance to an underpass, subway, or tunnel that pedestrians must use to cross under the road.	*Pedestrian overpass* Marks the entrance to a bridge or overpass that pedestrians must use to cross over the road.	*Pedestrians must cross street* Posted where the sidewalk is closed (i.e. for construction) and directs pedestrians to use the sidewalk across the street in the direction indicated.	*Water protection area* Posted in environmentally sensitive areas and reminds drivers of vehicles carrying water-hazardous cargo to be extra careful.


*Bus or streetcar stop* Parking within 15 meters of this sign is prohibited. Do not pass streetcars stopped on the street to board or discharge passengers. Yield to transit vehicles leaving the stop.	*School bus stop* Watch for children during the times indicated.	*National speed limits information* Posted at international borders and informs drivers of the general speed limits.


*Customs post*	*Toll road* Motorists using this road must pay a toll.	*Truck toll road* Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must pay the national toll to use this road.	*End truck toll road*


*Street name signs* These signs may be mounted on a pole or on the side of a building.	*Streetlight does not stay on all night* Applied to lamp posts with a streetlight that turns off during the night. If you park near this street lamp at night, you must leave your parking lights on. The time that the light turns off may be marked in the red area.	*Turn headlights on* Posted before tunnels to remind drivers to switch-on their headlights.	*Turn headlights off* Posted after tunnels to remind drivers to switch-off their headlights.

Miscellaneous signs


*Reflector guide posts* Posted every 50 meters along the roadside, left and right sides respectively. Blue reflectors may be installed the back side of the post; these ostensibly deter wildlife from crossing at night.	*Reflector guide posts* Posted on the roadside at an intersection with a driveway or side road.	*Curve markers* Posted on the outside of a curve and point in the direction to travel.	*Obstruction marker* This sign is posted on the edge of an object or island in the roadway that you may pass on either side.

Obstruction marker/channelizing device (left)
This sign is posted on the edge of an object or island in or adjacent to the roadway that you must pass to the right of. These are also used on channelizing devices in work zones and may use fluorescent yellow instead of white.

Obstruction marker/channelizing device (right)
This sign is posted on the edge of an object or island in or adjacent to the roadway that you must pass to the left of. These are also used on channelizing devices in work zones and may use fluorescent yellow instead of white.

Obstruction marker/ channelizing device
Includes flashing lights and integrated keep right/left sign.


*Mobile lane closure board* Used in construction areas to temporarily close lanes. You must pass by on the side indicated.	*Traffic cone*	*Barricade*


*Bollard* Placed at the entrance to pedestrian areas and bike paths to prevent unauthorized vehicle entry.	*Reduced clearance* Marks the edges of an overpass or other structure with reduced vertical and/or horizontal clearance.	*Parking hazard* Mounted on the back of vehicles and trailers that may slow or stop on roadways (e.g. maintenance vehicles.)

NATO military bridge classification signs
Posted near bridges and viaducts and indicates the safe load-carrying capacity of the bridge for military vehicles.

Church services
Posted near the entrances to towns and lists scheduled Sunday church services. The gold denotes Catholic Masses while the purple denotes Protestant services.


*Forest road closed* This sign indicates that the forest road here is closed to motor vehicles and horse riders. There is also usually a road barrier.	*Nature reserve*


*Shut off engine* These signs remind drivers to shut off their engine to reduce pollution while stopped at a traffic signal or railway crossing.	*School bus* Mounted on the front and back of a vehicle that is carrying school children. Use extreme caution when passing a stopped bus displaying this sign.


*Wrong way* Placed on Autobahn exit ramps (facing opposite flow of traffic) to warn drivers they are going the wrong way in an effort to reduce wrong-way (Geisterfahrer) crashes.	*Autobahn kilometer markers*	*Self-driving car reference sign* This sign is installed on several Autobahns and is used as a reference marker by self-driving cars.


*Construction project information* These signs are posted at the beginning of major construction zones and give information about the project.	*Utility reference signs* While not technically traffic signs, these signs are often found on sign posts or buildings next to streets and mark the location of various underground utility manholes and access points located in the street.

Additional sign symbols

Here are some common additional symbols you may see on signs in Germany.


*Airport*	*Railway station*	*Car train*	*Multimodal terminal*


*Ferry or harbor*	*Hospital*	*Industrial district*


*Sports park*	*Stadium*	Handicapped-accessible restroom/toilet


*Castle*	*Museum*	*War cemetery*

Additional sign information

Over the past three decades, electronic sign systems have been installed on most Autobahns and expressways. These signs are capable of displaying facsimiles of official traffic signs and carry the same authority as their static counterparts. Common signs include speed limits and congestion warnings. When mounted overhead, these signs have added flexibility as they can be used to assign speed limits to specific lanes or to display lane control information. See the "traffic management" section on the Autobahn page for more details and examples.

In cities and towns, you will frequently come across convex mirrors mounted on high posts or on the sides of buildings next to the road. These mirrors are provided to help drivers see around tight corners where the visibility is blocked by a building or other obstacle.

Sign vocabulary

Words are sometimes used on traffic signs, especially on supplemental signs. Here is a rather complete list of vocabulary used on German traffic signs.

ab - after

Abblendlicht - dipped (low-beam) headlights

Abstand halten - maintain following distance

Achtung! - attention!

Alle Richtungen - all directions

Allee - avenue

Altenheim - nursing home

an geraden Tagen - on "even" days (i.e. Tue., Thur.)

an ungeraden Tagen - on "odd" days (i.e. Mon., Wed., Fri.)

an Sonn- und Feiertagen - on Sundays and holidays

Anfang - start, begin

Anlieger frei - residents and local traffic exempt

Anlieger bis Baustelle frei - residents and local traffic allowed as far as construction site

Anlieger oder Parken frei - residents, local traffic and parking exempt

Anwohner frei - residents exempt

Arbeitskolonne - work convoy

auch - also

auf 800 m - beginning in 800 m

auf dem Seitenstreifen - on the shoulder

auf der gesamte Wendeplatte - on the entire turnaround bay

Ausbaustrecke - widened road section

Ausfahrt - exit

Ausfahrt freihalten - keep driveway exit clear

Ausgenommen - except

Außer - except

Autobahn - freeway, superhighway

Autobahndreieck - Autobahn "triangle" (i.e. "T"-crossing)

Autobahnkreuz - Autobahn crossing/junction

Autogas - liquified propane gas

Autohof - truck stop

Bahnhof - railway station

Baustelle- construction area

Baustellen ausfahrt- construction site exit

Baustellenfahrzeuge frei - construction vehicles exempt

Baustellenverkehr - construction vehicles

Baustrecke- construction area

befahren- to travel on (e.g. "Seitenstreifen befahren" = "drive on the shoulder")

Begehen auf eigene Gefahr - proceed at your own risk

Behelfsausfahrt - auxilliary exit

bei Nässe - during wet conditions

bei Rot hier halten - stop here on red

Berechtigte frei - Authorized vehicles exempt

besetzt - full, occupied (e.g. parking lot)

Betreten verboten - keep out

Betriebs- und Versorgungsdienst frei - service and maintenance vehicles exempt

Bewohner frei - residents exempt

bis an die Haltelinie fahren - drive up to the stop line

bis Baustelle frei - allowed as far as construction site

bitte sauberhalten - please keep clean

Blockabfertigung - "block processing" in effect (i.e. metered traffic entry to a tunnel)

Das Abladen von Gartenabfällen, Schutt und sonstigen Abfällen ist verboten - the dumping of garden waste, debris, and other waste is prohibited
Di - Tuesday

Dieser Weg wird bei Eis- und Schneeglätte nich geräumt und gestreut - this road is not plowed or sanded during winter weather

Do - Thursday

Durchgangsverkehr - through traffic

dürfen überholt werden - are allowed to be passed

Einbahnstraße - one way street

Einfahrt - entrance

Einfädeln lassen - allow merging

Einfahrt freihalten - keep driveway entrance clear

Eingeschränkter - limited

einordnen - get into line

einordnen/einfädeln lassen - allow other vehicles to merge

Einsatzfahrzeuge frei - operations vehicles excepted

Elektrofahrzeuge - Electric cars

Elektrofahrzeuge während des Ladevorgangs frei - Electric cars exempt while recharging

Eltern haften für Ihre Kinder - parents are responsible for their children

Ende - end

Fahrbahn - roadway, lane

Fahrbahn überflutet - roadway flooded

Fährbenutzer frei - ferry users exempt

Fahrrad - bicycle

Fahrradstraße - bicycle path

Fahrschule - driving school (marked on vehicles operated by student drivers)

Fahrzeug - vehicle

1 Fahrzeug bei Grün - one vehicle per green signal

fehlende Fahrbahnmarkierung - road markings (striping) missing

Feuergasse - fire lane

Feuerwehrzufahrt - fire department access (fire lane)

Flughafen - airport

folgen - follow

Forstwirtschaftlicher Verkehr frei - forestry vehicles exempt

Fr - friday

frei - exempt (e.g. "Anlieger frei" = "Residents exempt"); also means "available" (i.e. parking spaces)

freihalten - keep clear

Frostschäden - frost/freeze damage

Fußgänger - pedestrian

Fußgänger bitte andere Straßenseite benutzen - pedestrians please use the other side of the street

Gasse - alley, lane

gebührenpflichtig - toll/fee required

Gefahr- danger

Gehweg- sidewalk, footpath

gesperrt - closed, blocked (e.g. "Straße gesperrt" = "road closed")

Glatteis - "black ice"

grüne Welle bei 60 km/h - all green signals ("green wave") at 60 km/h

Gülletransport frei - slurry transport exempt

h - o'clock (e.g. "8-16 h" = "8am - 4pm")

Hafengebiet; Schienenfahrzeuge haben Vorrang - harbor area; rail vehicles have right-of-way

Haltebucht - wayside/stopping area

Haltestelle - bus/tram stop

Haltverbot - stopping prohibited

hier gilt die StVO - official traffic laws are in effect here (often posted at private parking lots)

hier gilt rechts vor links - standard right-of-way (right before left) applies here (posted at entrance to private roads)

hinter - behind or past (e.g. "B10 gesperrt hinter Dietersdorf" = "B10 closed past Dietersdorf")

Hochwasser - high water

Im gesamten Ortsbereich - in the entire town

Industriegebiet; Schienenfahrzeuge haben Vorrang - industrial area; rail vehicles have right-of-way

kein/keine - no (e.g. "Keine Mofas" = "no mopeds")

keine Wendemöglichkeit - no place to turn around (i.e. on dead-end street)

Kfz. - motor vehicle

Krankenfahrzeuge frei - ambulances exempt

Krankenhaus - hospital

Kreuzung - intersection

Kreuzung freihalten - keep intersection clear

Krötenwanderung - frog crossing

Kuppe - blind hill

Ladezone - loading zone

Landwirtschaftlicher Verkehr frei - agricultural vehicles exempt

Land- und forstwirtschaftlicher Verkehr frei - agricultural and forestry vehicles exempt

Langsam fahren - drive slowly

Lärmschutz - noise prevention

Licht! - turn on your headlights (when entering a tunnel)

Licht? - turn off your headlights (when coming out of a tunnel)

Licht ausschalten - turn off headlights

Licht einschalten - turn on headlights

Lieferverkehr frei - delivery vehicles exempt

Linienverkehr frei - scheduled transit vehicles exempt

Linksabbieger - left-turning traffic

Lkw. - truck

Mäharbeiten - mowing work

Markierung fehlt - road markings (striping) missing

Markierungsarbeiten - road marking work

Mi - Wednesday

mit Ausweis Nr. - with permit number

mit Parkausweis Nr. - with parking permit number

mit Parkschein - with parking voucher

Mo - Monday

Mofas - mopeds

Müll und Schutt abladen verboten - dumping prohibited

Nebel - fog

Nebenstrecke - secondary route

neuer Fahrbahnbelag/neue Fahrbahndecke - new road surface

nicht nach Navi fahren! - don't follow GPS directions

noch 8km - next 8km

Nothaltebucht - emergency stopping area

Notruf - emergency telephone

nur - only

nur innerhalb gekennzeichneter Parkflächen - only within marked parking spaces

OD - through road (through a town)

Ölspur - watch for oil on lane

Ortsdurchfahrt - through road (through a town)

P + M - carpool parking

P + R - park and ride

Parkausweis - parking permit

Parken in gekennzeichenten Flächen 2 Std. - parking in marked spaces for 2 hours

Parken in gekennzeichenten Flächen erlaubt - parking in marked spaces allowed

Parken Sa und So erlaubt - parking permitted on Saturday and Sunday

Parkflächen - parking spaces

Parkhaus - parking garage (above ground)

Parkplatz - parking place, lot

Parkscheibe - parking disc

Parkschein - parking voucher

Parkscheinautomat - parking voucher dispensing machine

Parkstände - parking spaces

Parkuhr - parking meter

Pkw. - passenger vehicle (car)

Polizei - police

Polizeikontrolle - police checkpoint

Privatgrundstück: Wer hier parkt, wird kostenpflichtig abgeschleppt - Private property: Anyone parked here will be towed at their expense

Radfahrer absteigen - bicyclists dismount

Radweg - bicycle trail

Rasthaus - service area

Rasthof - service area

Raststätte - service area

Rauch - smoke

räumen - vacate (e.g. "Seitenstreifen räumen" = "vacate the shoulder")

Reißverschluss erst in 200 m - "zipper" merge begins in 200 meters

Rettungsweg - rescue lane

Richtung - direction of travel

Rollsplitt - loose gravel/chippings

Sa - Saturday

Sackgasse - dead end, cul-de-sac

schäden - damage

Schleudergefahr - skidding danger

Schneeverwehungen - snow drifts

Schranke - gate, barrier

Schnellstraße - expressway

Schritt fahren - drive very slowly

Schule - school

Schulbus - school bus

Schulweg - school crossing

Schülerlotse - school crossing guard

Schutt abladen verboten - dumping prohibited

Seitenstreifen - Shoulder

Seitenstreifen nicht befahrbar - Do not drive on the shoulder

Skiabfahrtkreuzt - ski-run crossing

Skiwanderweg kreuzt - ski trail crossing

So - Sunday

Sperrgebiet - restricted area

Sperrung - closure

spiegel beachten - pay attention to the traffic mirror

Sprengarbeiten - blasting area

Spur - traffic lane

Spurrillen - lane grooves

Spurrinnen - lane grooves

Stadtmitte - downtown/city center

Standspur - Shoulder/breakdown lane

Stau - congestion/traffic jam

Std. - hours (abbr. for "Stunden") (e.g. "2 Std." = "2 hours")

Straße - street

Straßenbahn - streetcar

Straßenreinigung - street cleaning

Straßenschäden - road damaged

Streugut - road sand/salt

Stunde - hour

Tag und Nacht - day and night

Tankstelle - filling station

Tiefgarage - underground parking garage

Tollwut - rabies (used on signs to warn of a rabies outbreak area)

überholen - overtake, pass

Umleitung - detour/diversion

Umweltspur - "Green" lane (buses, electric vehicles, carpools, etc.)

Umweltzone - Low emissions restriction zone

Unberechtigt parkende Fahrzeuge werden kostenpflichtig abgeschleppt - Improperly parked vehicles will be towed at their owner's expense

Unfall - accident

verboten - prohibited

Verkehr - traffic

Verkehrshelfer - school crossing guard

Vermessung - survey crew

verschmutzte Fahrbahn - dirt/mud on road

versetzt fahren - drive in a stagger formation

Verkehrsführung geändert - traffic pattern has been changed

Vorfahrt - right-of-way/priority

Vorfahrt geändert - right-of-way has been changed

Vorfahrtstraße - priority road

Vorrang - right-of-way/priority

Vorrang beachten - give the right-of-way

Vorsicht - caution

Wasserschutzgebiet - water protection area

Weg - way, lane

Wendeplatte - turnaround bay

Werktags - workdays

Widerrechtlich geparkte Fahrzeuge werden kostenpflichtig abgeschleppt - illegally parked vehicles will be towed at owner's expense

Wildtollwut - rabies (used on signs to warn of a rabies outbreak area)

Winterdienst - snow removal service

Zentrum - downtown/city center

Zufahrt - access

Zufahrt bis XX frei - access permitted as far as XX (house number or other location)

Zuflussregelung - Ramp metered (i.e. traffic signal on entrance ramp)

SIGNALS

Traffic signals in Germany are the same red-yellow-green type found in the US and elsewhere. However, the signals are usually located on near side of the intersection instead of across the intersection as is typical in the US. The basic operation is similar to that of most other places, but there are a few idiosyncrasies. Below are illustrations and descriptions of various signals and related signs that you will come across in Germany. Items marked with are especially important for US visitors.

Signals with white horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines, triangles, circles, or letters are signals for public transit vehicles and can be ignored.

Typical German traffic signals

Typical German traffic signals

Figure 1

Traffic signals in Germany use the same green, yellow, and red sequence found in most places. Red, of course, means STOP. Green means PROCEED with caution, and yellow means PREPARE TO STOP. In Germany, however, an extra indication is added: just before the light changes from red to green, the yellow signal comes on briefly in conjunction with the red. This means PREPARE FOR GREEN and is helpful if you are driving a manual transmission to give you a bit of warning to get into gear. Figure 1 (left) shows the signal cycle.

Some locations have two-section signals consisting of just the red and yellow sections as shown in Figure 2 (right). These function just like regular traffic signals minus the green light. So, when the green light would normally be on, there is instead no signal (dark). If you come upon one of these signals showing yellow or red, obey it like you would any traffic signal. Otherwise, ignore the signal and obey any other signs or signals, or in the absence of such, use the default right-of-way rules. These types of signals are usually located at railway crossings and some pedestrian crossings.

Figure 2

Figure 3

Intersections in Germany often have signals controlling each permitted maneuver at the intersection, such as the examples in Figure 3 (left). If a signal at an intersection has an arrow for the direction you want to travel, you must obey it. If you don't see a signal with an arrow for the direction you want to go, then traveling that direction may not be permitted; be sure to look for signs. A circular green signal without any arrows (like in Figure 1 above) usually means you may travel straight ahead or make a right or left turn unless otherwise prohibited by signs.

In the case of left turns, a green arrow like the one shown in Figure 4 (right) indicates a protected left turn. Oncoming traffic, as well as pedestrians, will have a red signal.

Figure 4

When the right-of-way for left turns changes from protected to unprotected (i.e. yield to turn left) or vice-versa, a different style of signal is used. In this case, the left turn signal is usually located across the intersection on the left corner. There are two varieties in use: a two-section signal with green and yellow arrows, or a single green arrow signal. The two-section signal consists of a flashing yellow arrow (Figure 5 below) and a solid green arrow (Figure 6). The yellow flashing arrow indicates a left turn is allowed but not protected-- use caution and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. When the green arrow is on, then the turn is protected. When only the single green arrow signal is used (i.e. a single-section signal), if the signal is dark, then obey the signals for through traffic and yield to oncoming traffic if turning left.

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Always watch for and yield to pedestrians and cyclists when turning left or right. Sometimes there will be a flashing yellow signal like the one shown in Figure 7 (left) adjacent to the other signals warning you that pedestrians crossing the intersecting street to the right also have a green light. (There may be a pedestrian symbol instead of the arrow.) Even if there is no flashing signal, if you are turning and don't have a green arrow signal, watch for and yield to any pedestrians.

Right turns on red are not universally permitted in Germany. However, such a turn is permitted at intersections with the green arrow sign shown in Figure 8 (right) but only after coming to a complete stop and yielding to all other traffic and pedestrians. This traffic law was actually retained from the former East Germany but has since spread to many intersections in western Germany. Note that the green arrow in this case is on a static sign and is not a signal. Right turn on red is allowed only for bicycles if the sign shown in Figure 9 is posted.

Figure 8

Figure 9

Many intersections have dedicated right turn signals. These can consist of either a complete three-section signal, a single-section signal with just a green arrow (right turn without stopping allowed when it's on, otherwise, obey the main signal), or a two-section signal. The two-section signals come in two versions. One consists of green and yellow arrows that are used to allow traffic to make a right turn while the signal for through traffic is red. So, if you encountered the signals in Figure 10 (below) and you wanted to turn right, you could do so without having to stop. The cycles for these can vary; two common cycles are shown in Figure 11. When the right turn signals are dark, you must obey the signals for through traffic. Instead of a two-section signal, there may be just a one section signal with a green arrow.

Red signal with green right arrow signal

Figure 10

Red signal with green right arrow signal cycles

Figure 11

The other version of the two-section right turn signal consists of the red and yellow sections instead of the yellow and green as discussed above. These are used when right turns must wait for some part of the time that through traffic has green, e.g. to allow for pedestrians, bicycles, or streetcars. So for example, if you want to turn right and encounter the signal in Figure 12 (below), you would have to stop and wait. If the right turn signals are dark, then obey the main signal. Figure 13 shows a common cycle for this type of signal. This same arrangement is also sometimes used for left turn signals; in that case, the two-section signal would be to the left of the main signal with, of course, left-pointing arrows. In that situation, if the left turn signals are dark and the main signal is green, you may turn left but must yield first to any oncoming traffic as well as to any pedestrians.

Figure 12

Figure 13

A flashing yellow signal or a traffic signal that is completely dark indicates that the intersection is currently not being controlled by the signals. Many traffic signals in Germany are switched off at night and sometimes on weekends as well. Also, some pedestrian crossing signals turn themselves off after a period of inactivity. To provide for traffic control in this situation, nearly all traffic signals also have right-of-way signs installed nearby, usually near the rightmost signal face. Motorists must obey the signs when the signal is off or flashing. So, if you encountered Figure 14 (below), you would have to yield. If you encountered Figure 15, you would have the right-of-way. The signs also provide regulation in the rare event of signal malfunction. Where used, a flashing yellow almost always indicates that you must yield or stop. However, you may have to stop or yield even if there is no flashing yellow-- watch for the signs. There is no flashing red signal in Germany. When the signals are off and you are required to stop, you do not need to stop at the stop line or sign; instead, you should stop at a location where you can safely see the traffic on the intersecting street.

Figure 14

Figure 15

When the traffic signals are in operation, the signal takes precedence over the sign. Therefore, if you encountered Figure 16 (below), you would have to stop. In Figure 17, you could proceed without stopping.

Figure 16

Figure 17

Lane control signals are used in areas where reversible lanes are used, or in areas where lanes may need to be closed periodically. They are also used in conjunction with the electronic sign systems found on the Autobahn and urban expressways to close lanes after accidents and during road work. They are the same standard arrow and X symbols used in many other countries:


*Lane open*	*Lane closed ahead* Merge in the direction indicated	*Lane closed* You may not drive in this lane

ROAD MARKINGS

Pavement markings in Germany are generally similar to those in the US. Unlike the US, however, all regular road markings in Germany are white, including those used to separate opposing traffic. Yellow road markings are used in construction areas and supersede the regular white markings. Below are diagrams and descriptions of most of the road markings you will encounter in Germany. The letters on the diagrams correspond to the explanations.

Urban road markings

A	Stop line You must stop behind the thick solid line across your lane.
B	Wait line A thick broken line across your lane is the equivalent to a yield sign (and is often used in conjunction with it.) If necessary, you must wait behind the broken line across your lane.
C	Bicycle crossing A red path through an intersection highlights where a bicycle lane crosses the road.
D	Priority road A broken line passing through an intersection along the edge of one of the roadways indicates the path of the priority road.
E	Pedestrian crosswalk Zebra-striped markings across the roadway mark a pedestrian crosswalk. You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalk. At traffic signals, crosswalks are marked by dashed lines across the road instead of the zebra crossing.
F	Bus stop The word "BUS" on the pavement indicates a bus stop or bus lane.
G	Bicycle lane A solid white line marks a dedicated bicycle lane where other vehicles are not permitted to drive. A broken line indicates a shared lane where other vehicles can park to make deliveries or use as necessary to avoid oncoming traffic.
H	Numbers Numbers on the pavement in your lane usually indicate the speed limit, but may also indicate a route number. Speed limits may also be indicated with a number in circle, or by a facsimile of the red, white, and black speed limit sign on the pavement (see "L" below.)
I	No stopping/parking zone Zig-zag lines next to the curb mark a specific area (often near a near a bus stop or driveway) where you may not stop or park.
J	Restricted area Hash lines mark an area upon which driving is prohibited.
K	Letters and numbers A combination of letters and numbers on the pavement usually indicate route numbers. These are frequently used at complicated intersections to guide motorists into the correct lane. For instance, a marking such as "B27" indicates that the lane you are in follows the B27 highway.
L	Intersection arrows Arrows on the pavement in your lane indicate which turns are allowed from your lane.
M	Sign facsimile Facsimiles of official traffic signs may also be painted on the pavement to improve driver awareness..

Rural road markings

M	No crossing You may not cross the solid center line to overtake or turn.
N	No crossing on one side You may cross over the center line only if you have a broken line on your side and doing so does not endanger traffic; you may not cross a solid line on your side.
O	Merge arrow An arrow slanting toward the right in the center of the roadway warns passing traffic to return to the right as a no passing zone is approaching.
P	Warning line Short broken lines are used as a warning on the approach to a solid line, obstacle, or lane division.
Q	Guide line Long broken lines between opposing traffic lanes indicate crossing is allowed unless otherwise prohibited by a sign. This marking is also used to separate traffic lanes traveling in the same direction.

Autobahn road markings

R	Edge marking A solid line along the side of the roadway marks the edge of the roadway or separates the travel lanes from the shoulder. You may not cross this line except in an emergency or if a sign directs you to.
S	Lane lines Long broken lines separate traffic lanes.
T	Restricted zone You may not drive in an area with diagonal lines.
U	Acceleration/deceleration lane Short, thick broken white lines separate a deceleration (exit) lane or acceleration (entrance) lane from the main traffic lanes.

Newer trunk roads now feature a green painted centerline. Crossing the centerline is prohibited. These roads will have a continuous center lane for overtaking that alternates direction periodically.

Trunk road markings

Trunk road green centerline

Single lane rural roads are being updated with a broken edge line. This encourages the driver to reduce speed and allows the driver to pull close to the edge to allow an oncoming vehicle to pass.

Rural lane markings

Single lane rural road edge markings

Colored curb markings are not used in Germany. Head-in and parallel parking lines are obvious and similar to those used in the US.

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