German road sign 108-21 warns you about a significant downhill gradient of 21%. As a danger warning sign, it’s crucial to recognise this early and adapt your driving before you reach the steepest part. This means adjusting your speed and gear selection to maintain control, especially in challenging conditions or when other factors like road markings or supplementary plates modify its meaning. Prepare yourself for this hazard by anticipating potential issues and ensuring your vehicle is ready.
This German road sign 108-21 warns of a steep 21% descent, requiring drivers to adjust speed and anticipate challenges before reaching the gradient. Crucial for your theory test revision, this sign's interpretation helps you safely navigate down steep inclines and understand road sign meaning.
German road sign 108-21, officially designated "Gefälle 21%", 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 108-21 means "Descent 21%" and is officially listed as "Gefälle 21%". 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 108-21 - Descent 21% 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 108-21, officially 'Gefälle 21%', is a danger warning sign indicating a steep downhill slope. The '21%' specifically quantifies the steepness of the gradient, alerting you to a potential loss of control or increased braking distance.
When you see sign 108-21, you must reduce your speed early enough to maintain full control before entering the descent. Select an appropriate lower gear to help control your speed with engine braking, rather than relying solely on your brakes, which can overheat on long or steep descents.
A 21% descent is very steep. Dangers include your vehicle accelerating rapidly, brakes overheating and becoming less effective, difficulty in steering, and increased risk of skidding, especially in wet or icy conditions. You must also be extra cautious of vehicles ahead and be prepared for them to brake suddenly.
Always consider supplementary plates beneath sign 108-21, as they can specify the length of the descent or other conditions. Also, pay close attention to road markings, weather conditions, traffic density, and the behaviour of other road users, as these can all increase the hazard.
Common mistakes include not reacting early enough, failing to select a lower gear, and forgetting to increase the following distance. Learners might also underestimate the severity of a 21% gradient or ignore supplementary signs that modify the warning.
A clear reference image of the 108-21 - Descent 21% road sign used in Germany.
The 108-21 - Descent 21% road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 108-21 - Descent 21% road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing signs like 'Descent 21%' with similar German warning signs reinforces your understanding of their distinct meanings and visual cues, crucial for effective traffic sign comparison. This focused review helps improve sign recognition and aids in your theory test revision.
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