German traffic sign 120 warns you about a 'Narrowed Road' (Verengte Fahrbahn). As a danger warning sign, it indicates a reduction in available road width, requiring you to adjust your speed and position early. Always combine this warning with any markings, supplementary signs, or traffic signals present to fully understand how to navigate the upcoming hazard safely.
This explanation of German Road Sign 120, "Narrowed Road" (Verengte Fahrbahn), focuses on its practical implications and significance for your driving theory test revision. Recognizing this danger warning sign is crucial for interpreting upcoming road conditions and making informed decisions about speed and positioning.
German road sign 120, officially designated "Verengte Fahrbahn", 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 120 means "Narrowed road" and is officially listed as "Verengte Fahrbahn". 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 120 - Narrowed road 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 120, officially called 'Verengte Fahrbahn', warns drivers that the road ahead will become narrower. It's a crucial danger warning sign that prompts you to prepare for a reduced driving space.
Upon seeing sign 120, you must reduce your speed in advance of the narrowed section to maintain full control. Be extra vigilant, potentially increase your following distance, and be ready to react to other road users or changing conditions.
Sign 120 can be placed before various hazards such as roadworks, temporary narrowings due to construction, bridges, or even natural constrictions on rural roads. The exact placement is decided by the road authority.
A common trap is failing to slow down early enough, or treating the warning as optional. Learners might also forget to consider how other factors like weather or traffic density can amplify the danger of a narrowed road.
No, sign 120 itself does not mean you must stop. It's a warning to reduce speed and be prepared for less space. You should only stop if traffic conditions, other signs, or a police officer directs you to.
You must always pay close attention to lane markings, traffic lights, and any supplementary plates (Zusatzzeichen) accompanying sign 120. These will provide crucial details on how the narrowing applies, such as indicating which side is narrowed or specifying times.
A clear reference image of the 120 - Narrowed road road sign used in Germany.

The 120 - Narrowed road road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 120 - Narrowed road road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing related German road signs like 'Narrowed road' helps solidify your understanding and reduces errors during your theory test revision. Studying these traffic sign comparisons improves your ability to quickly identify and react to potential hazards, ensuring a stronger grasp of driving knowledge.

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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.
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