Logo
German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Watch out for pedestrians: sign 101-21 warns of a crossing on the left.

101-21 - Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left German road sign meaning

This German traffic sign, 101-21 ('Fußgängerüberweg - Aufstellung links'), is a danger warning sign indicating a pedestrian crossing positioned on the left side of the road. As with all warning signs, it requires you to anticipate hazards early and reduce your speed. Be prepared for pedestrians to cross, and always combine the sign's message with visible road markings. This sign highlights a potential conflict point where vulnerable road users have priority.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign (101-21): Interpretation

This sign, designated 101-21, signals a pedestrian crossing installed on the left, requiring drivers to anticipate vulnerable road users and reduce speed proactively. Understanding this specific traffic sign explanation is crucial for your theory test revision and safe driving, especially in urban Germany.

Definition of 101-21

German road sign 101-21, officially designated "Fußgängerüberweg - Aufstellung links", belongs to the danger warning signs group. It warns that vulnerable road users, animals, or crossing movements may appear suddenly, so recognition and early speed reduction are essential. You may see it in approaches to hazards, rural roads, urban conflict points, railway crossings, roadworks, and weather-sensitive sections, depending on how the road authority has arranged the location. This left-side version is used where the sign is placed on the left side of the carriageway or where a mirrored symbol fits the approach direction. Any left reference should be read as part of the direction, road side, lane arrangement, or placement shown by the sign. The practical meaning is not just the symbol itself, but the driving decision it triggers: adjust speed, position, priority, route choice, stopping behaviour, or attention before the situation becomes urgent. For learners, the key skill is anticipating what could go wrong before the hazard is visible. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.

Meaning of 101-21

German road sign 101-21 means "Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left" and is officially listed as "Fußgängerüberweg - Aufstellung links". In practice, it tells drivers to recognise the situation early, adapt before reaching the controlled area, and check whether markings or supplementary plates change how the rule applies.

Allowed actions for 101-21

Reduce speed early enough to keep full control before reaching the hazard.Scan both sides of the road, mirrors, lanes, shoulders, and crossing areas for the risk shown by the sign.Increase following distance and be ready to brake smoothly if another road user reacts suddenly.Choose a lane position that leaves safe clearance from the warned danger while staying within your lane and markings.Continue only when your speed and observation match the hazard, road surface, and available sight distance.

Prohibited actions for 101-21

Do not treat the warning as optional or wait until the hazard is directly in front of you.Do not overtake, accelerate, or follow closely when the sign points to reduced visibility, unstable road surface, crossing traffic, or vulnerable road users.Do not assume the danger is limited to the exact sign location; it may begin shortly after the sign and continue through the affected section.Do not ignore weather, darkness, traffic density, or roadworks conditions that can make the warned hazard more serious.

101-21 - Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 101-21 - Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the German driving theory exam in Germany.

What does the German road sign 101-21 mean?

Sign 101-21 warns drivers of a pedestrian crossing that is installed on the left side of the carriageway. It's a hazard warning sign, meaning you should be extra vigilant and prepare to slow down or stop.

What action should I take when I see sign 101-21?

Upon seeing sign 101-21, you must reduce your speed early enough to be able to stop safely if necessary. Look for the actual road markings of the pedestrian crossing and be ready to yield to any pedestrians who are on, or about to step onto, the crossing.

Are there any common exam traps associated with sign 101-21?

A common trap is assuming the sign is just a general warning; it specifically indicates a pedestrian crossing. Another mistake is not preparing to yield. Remember, even though it's a warning sign, pedestrians generally have priority at these designated crossings.

Does sign 101-21 mean I must always stop?

You must stop if pedestrians are on, or about to step onto, the pedestrian crossing. The sign is a warning to be prepared for this possibility. It's about anticipating the need to stop, not necessarily stopping at the sign itself if no one is present or about to cross.

Why is it important that the sign is 'installed on the left'?

The 'installed on the left' designation (Aufstellung links) refers to the placement of the sign itself, indicating it's on the left side of the road or relevant to the left approach. It doesn't change the fundamental rule about yielding to pedestrians but helps identify the specific crossing location.

101-21 - Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left road sign image

A clear reference image of the 101-21 - Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left road sign used in Germany.

101-21 - Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left road sign

Other names for the 101-21 - Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left

The 101-21 - Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 101-21German traffic sign 101-21StVO sign 101-21Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left signFußgängerüberweg - Aufstellung linksdanger warning signs 101-21

German Danger Warning Signs road sign category

The 101-21 - Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Compare Similar German Road Signs

Studying related road signs side-by-side helps solidify your understanding and prevents confusion, which is crucial for the German driving theory test. Effective traffic sign comparison sharpens your recognition skills, leading to fewer mistakes and better exam preparation.

101 - Danger spot road sign

Danger spot

Sign 101: Danger Spot Ahead – Be Prepared for Hazards

German Danger Warning Signs101
101-10 - Aircraft operations - installed on the right road sign

Aircraft operations - installed on the right

Warning: Aircraft Operations Ahead (Sign Installed on the Right)

German Danger Warning Signs101-10
101-11 - Pedestrian crossing - installed on the right road sign

Pedestrian crossing - installed on the right

Beware of Pedestrians: Understand the "Pedestrian Crossing - Installed on the Right" Danger Warning Sign (101-11)

German Danger Warning Signs101-11
101-12 - Cattle crossing - installed on the right road sign

Cattle crossing - installed on the right

Warning: Cattle Crossing Ahead - Sign 101-12 (Installed on the Right)

German Danger Warning Signs101-12
101-13 - Reiter - installed on the right road sign

Reiter - installed on the right

Understand German Road Sign 101-13: Reiter - Installed on the Right

German Danger Warning Signs101-13
101-14 - Amphibian migration - installed on the right road sign

Amphibian migration - installed on the right

Beware of Amphibian Migration Crossing Ahead!

German Danger Warning Signs101-14
101-15 - Falling rocks - installed on the right road sign

Falling rocks - installed on the right

Beware of falling rocks on the right with sign 101-15

German Danger Warning Signs101-15
101-20 - Aircraft operations - installed on the left road sign

Aircraft operations - installed on the left

Prepare for Aircraft Operations Ahead with Warning Sign 101-20

German Danger Warning Signs101-20

Ready to Master German Road Signs? Start Your Focused Revision

Deepen your understanding of specific road sign categories or test your knowledge with practice questions. Explore our themed sign groups for targeted study or jump into quizzes to reinforce your recognition skills for the official German theory exam.

All German Road Signs List
CTA Decorative Squares

Dive into German road sign knowledge

101-53 Ufer German road signGerman Driving Theory B courseGerman Driving Theory AM courseGerman HGV Theory - C/CE course101 Danger spot German road signGerman Motorcycle Theory A course101-51 Snow or ice German road sign108-10 Descent 10% German road sign108-11 Descent 11% German road sign108-12 Descent 12% German road sign108-13 Descent 13% German road sign108-14 Descent 14% German road sign108-15 Descent 15% German road signGerman Bus & Coach Theory (D) course101-52 Loose gravel German road sign103-10 Curve - left German road sign103-20 Curve - right German road sign101-55 Movable bridge German road sign102 Intersection or side road German road signGerman Regulatory Signs German road sign category105-10 Double curve - first left German road sign105-20 Double curve - first right German road signGerman Supplementary Signs German road sign categoryGerman Danger Warning Signs German road sign category101-23 Reiter - installed on the left German road sign101-54 Insufficient clearance profile German road signGerman Traffic Control Boards German road sign category101-13 Reiter - installed on the right German road signGerman Guide and Information Signs German road sign category101-25 Falling rocks - installed on the left German road sign101-15 Falling rocks - installed on the right German road sign101-22 Cattle crossing - installed on the left German road sign101-12 Cattle crossing - installed on the right German road sign101-20 Aircraft operations - installed on the left German road sign101-21 Pedestrian crossing - installed on the left German road sign101-24 Amphibian migration - installed on the left German road sign101-10 Aircraft operations - installed on the right German road sign101-11 Pedestrian crossing - installed on the right German road sign101-14 Amphibian migration - installed on the right German road signGerman Traffic Facilities and Road Markings German road sign category