This sign, officially 'Gefälle 11%', is a danger warning sign indicating a steep downward slope of 11%. You must recognise this early and adapt your driving before reaching the descent. This means adjusting your speed, gear, and increasing your following distance to maintain control and safety. Always combine this warning with any supplementary plates, road markings, or traffic lights present.
Master the meaning of German road sign 108-11, "Descent 11%", to anticipate and manage steep downhill gradients safely during your theory test revision. This crucial traffic sign explanation helps you understand when to adjust speed and braking for better control on German roads.
German road sign 108-11, officially designated "Gefälle 11%", belongs to the danger warning signs group. It warns about a road-layout, clearance, weather, or surface condition that can reduce control, sight distance, grip, or available space before the driver reaches the hazard. 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. 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.
German road sign 108-11 means "Descent 11%" and is officially listed as "Gefälle 11%". 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.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 108-11 - Descent 11% 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.
The 'Descent 11%' sign (108-11), also known as 'Gefälle 11%', warns you about a steep downhill section of the road. The 11% indicates the steepness of the gradient, which can significantly affect your vehicle's speed and your ability to brake effectively.
When you see the 108-11 sign, you should prepare for the steep descent by reducing your speed before you start going downhill. Select a lower gear to help control your speed without relying solely on brakes, and increase the distance to the vehicle in front.
For your theory test, it's crucial to understand that a steep gradient requires proactive driving. Failing to adapt your speed and gear before the descent can lead to loss of control or being unable to stop in time, which are common test failure scenarios. The exam expects you to anticipate and react early.
Yes, you must not treat this warning as optional or wait until you're on the descent. Avoid overtaking or following too closely. Do not assume the danger is limited to the sign's exact location; the steepness may continue beyond it. Always factor in weather or traffic conditions which can make the descent more hazardous.
A common mistake is braking too late or too hard, which can cause skidding, especially in wet conditions. Another is not selecting a lower gear, leading to the brakes overheating on a long descent. Learners sometimes also forget to increase their following distance, which is vital for safety on steep slopes.
A clear reference image of the 108-11 - Descent 11% road sign used in Germany.
The 108-11 - Descent 11% road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 108-11 - Descent 11% road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Mastering German road signs involves more than just memorizing individual symbols. Comparing similar traffic signs, like this "Descent 11%" warning, helps you quickly identify crucial differences, enhancing your sign recognition and reducing errors during your theory test revision. Effective traffic sign comparison sharpens your recall for the official driving theory exam.
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