This sign (108-20), officially 'Gefälle 20%', is a danger warning sign indicating a significant downward slope of 20%. It's crucial to recognise this early and adjust your speed and gear before reaching the descent. Always be aware that supplementary plates or road markings might modify its application, and combine the sign's warning with current traffic and weather conditions.
This sign warns of a significant downward slope, requiring you to adjust your speed and braking strategy to maintain control on German roads. Master this road sign meaning for effective theory test revision and safer driving.
German road sign 108-20, officially designated "Gefälle 20%", 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 108-20 means "Descent 20%" and is officially listed as "Gefälle 20%". 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 108-20 - Descent 20% 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.
Sign 108-20, also known as 'Gefälle 20%', warns you that the road ahead has a steep downhill gradient of 20%. This means gravity will increase your speed significantly, so you must be prepared to control your vehicle.
Upon seeing sign 108-20, you should proactively reduce your speed before entering the descent. Select a lower gear to help control your speed without relying solely on brakes, and increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead.
A common trap is not preparing early enough. Learners might wait until they are already on the steep slope to brake or change gear. It's essential to anticipate the hazard and act before you are directly on it, as the sign indicates, and remember that constant braking can overheat your brakes.
Yes, supplementary plates can significantly alter the interpretation or application of sign 108-20. They might indicate the length of the descent, specific conditions, or the start and end points of the hazard. Always check for and obey any accompanying signs.
No, the '20%' refers to the gradient as a percentage, not degrees. A 20% gradient means that for every 100 units of horizontal distance, the road drops or rises by 20 units. This is a substantial slope that requires careful speed management.
A clear reference image of the 108-20 - Descent 20% road sign used in Germany.
The 108-20 - Descent 20% road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 108-20 - Descent 20% road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing similar road signs like "Descent 20%" helps solidify your understanding and reduce errors in the German theory test. Practicing this traffic sign comparison is key for accurate recognition and exam preparation.
Sign 101: Danger Spot Ahead – Be Prepared for Hazards
Warning: Aircraft Operations Ahead (Sign Installed on the Right)
Beware of Pedestrians: Understand the "Pedestrian Crossing - Installed on the Right" Danger Warning Sign (101-11)
Warning: Cattle Crossing Ahead - Sign 101-12 (Installed on the Right)
Understand German Road Sign 101-13: Reiter - Installed on the Right
Beware of Amphibian Migration Crossing Ahead!
Beware of falling rocks on the right with sign 101-15
Prepare for Aircraft Operations Ahead with Warning Sign 101-20
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