This German road sign, 108-4, alerts you to a significant downhill slope with a 4% gradient. As a danger warning sign, it prompts you to prepare early by checking your speed, gear, and following distance before you reach the descent. Always be aware that supplementary plates or road conditions can modify how you should react.
This explanation card details the meaning and implications of German road sign 108-4, warning of a 4% descent to help with your theory test revision. Understanding gradient road sign meaning is crucial for anticipating changes in vehicle control and braking effectiveness, making this a key topic for your German driving licence theory exam preparation.
German road sign 108-4, officially designated "Gefälle 4%", 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 108-4 means "Descent 4%" and is officially listed as "Gefälle 4%". 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 108-4 - Descent 4% 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 4%' road sign, officially 'Gefälle 4%', warns drivers about a steep downhill section of the road. The '4%' indicates the steepness, meaning for every 100 meters travelled horizontally, the road drops 4 meters vertically. This sign requires you to anticipate and adjust your driving before entering the descent.
Upon seeing the Descent 4% sign, you should proactively reduce your speed and select an appropriate lower gear to help control your vehicle's momentum. Avoid braking sharply unless necessary, as this can destabilise your vehicle or lead to skidding on wet surfaces. Ensure you maintain a safe following distance.
Yes, a 4% descent can increase your vehicle's speed unexpectedly, making it harder to brake effectively and increasing the risk of skidding, especially in wet or icy conditions. Your brakes can also overheat if used continuously on long descents. Visibility might also be reduced as you approach the bottom of the slope.
A common mistake is not reacting early enough to the sign, treating the warning as if it only applies once you are already on the steep section. Learners might also forget to select a lower gear, relying solely on brakes, which is inefficient and potentially dangerous. Overlooking supplementary signs that might indicate the length or specific conditions of the descent is another trap.
A clear reference image of the 108-4 - Descent 4% road sign used in Germany.
The 108-4 - Descent 4% road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 108-4 - Descent 4% road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing signs like the 'Descent 4%' warning with others in its group helps solidify your recognition and recall for the German driving theory test. Practicing traffic sign comparison sharpens your ability to quickly identify and react to road hazards during your exam preparation.
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