German road sign 108-22, officially 'Gefälle 22%', warns you about a very steep downhill slope. This sign is part of Germany's danger warning signs, designed to alert drivers to potential hazards like reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, or loss of vehicle control. You should anticipate this steep gradient well in advance, adjust your speed, select an appropriate gear, and increase your following distance before you reach the descending section.
This danger warning sign indicates a significant 22% gradient, requiring drivers to adjust speed and braking strategy well in advance for safe descent. Proper interpretation of this road sign is crucial for your theory test revision and overall driving knowledge in Germany.
German road sign 108-22, officially designated "Gefälle 22%", 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 108-22 means "Descent 22%" and is officially listed as "Gefälle 22%". 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 108-22 - Descent 22% 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 22%' road sign (108-22) warns of a road with a steep gradient, meaning a significant downward slope. The '22%' indicates the steepness, alerting drivers to potential challenges such as difficulty controlling speed, increased braking distances, and reduced visibility around curves on the descent. It's crucial to prepare for this by reducing speed and selecting a lower gear before entering the downhill section.
Upon seeing the 'Descent 22%' sign (108-22), you must prepare for a steep downhill slope. The primary actions are to reduce your speed early, select a lower gear to assist with engine braking, and increase the distance to the vehicle in front. This allows you to maintain control and avoid overheating your brakes.
A common mistake is failing to react early enough; learners might wait until they are already on the steep descent. Another trap is not selecting a lower gear, relying solely on brakes, which can lead to overheating and reduced stopping power. The exam often tests your understanding of anticipating hazards and taking preventative measures before reaching them, as indicated by signs like 108-22.
The 'Descent 22%' sign (108-22) itself does not prohibit overtaking. However, the steepness and potential reduced visibility or grip on a descent often make overtaking extremely dangerous and impractical. You should always assess the specific conditions, including sight lines and traffic, and if overtaking is unsafe due to the gradient or other factors, you must refrain from doing so.
Yes, absolutely. The 'Descent 22%' sign (108-22) is a warning sign, and its meaning can be modified by supplementary plates or other traffic control devices. For instance, a supplementary plate might indicate the length of the descent, or other signs like curves or slippery road warnings could be present, requiring even greater caution.
A clear reference image of the 108-22 - Descent 22% road sign used in Germany.

The 108-22 - Descent 22% road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 108-22 - Descent 22% road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Mastering German traffic signs means understanding subtle differences. Comparing signs like "Descent 22%" with others helps solidify your recognition and reduces mistakes during your theory test revision, improving your overall traffic sign comparison skills.

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