This German road sign, officially 'Steigung 22%', is a warning sign indicating a steep uphill gradient of 22%. It alerts you to a significant change in road elevation that can affect your vehicle's performance and your driving. You should prepare to adjust your speed, select an appropriate gear for climbing, and maintain a safe following distance well before you reach the steepest part of the ascent.
This sign warns of a steep incline, crucial for understanding your vehicle's performance and maintaining control on German roads. Mastering this road sign meaning is vital for your theory test revision.
German road sign 110-22, officially designated "Steigung 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 110-22 means "Ascent 22%" and is officially listed as "Steigung 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 110-22 - Ascent 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 'Ascent 22%' road sign (110-22) warns you that the road ahead has a very steep uphill gradient, specifically a 22% incline. This means for every 100 meters travelled horizontally, the road rises by 22 meters. It signals that your vehicle's power will be tested and you need to take precautions.
Upon seeing the Ascent 22% sign, you should immediately consider how to adapt your driving. This includes checking your mirrors, reducing your speed before the gradient becomes severe, and selecting a lower gear to maintain momentum and control. Be prepared for slower-moving vehicles ahead, and ensure you have adequate space.
You should not ignore this warning or wait until you're already on the steep incline to react. It's also unwise to overtake, accelerate aggressively, or follow too closely, especially if visibility is limited or traffic is heavy. Always treat this warning seriously and prepare proactively.
A common exam trap is not reacting early enough. Learners might think they can deal with the incline once they reach it. However, the test expects you to anticipate and prepare beforehand. Another trap is forgetting to check for potential issues like overheating engines or the need for a lower gear, which could lead to losing control or stalling.
Not necessarily stop, but drastic gear changes are often necessary. The 22% figure indicates a significant climb. You must be prepared to shift to a lower gear to maintain sufficient power and prevent excessive strain on your engine. If you're towing or have a heavily loaded vehicle, the impact will be even greater, requiring more significant adjustments.
A clear reference image of the 110-22 - Ascent 22% road sign used in Germany.

The 110-22 - Ascent 22% road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 110-22 - Ascent 22% road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing signs like 'Ascent 22%' with others helps solidify your knowledge and improve recall for the German theory test. Effective traffic sign comparison is key to building confidence and reducing exam mistakes.

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