German road sign 159-11, officially 'Zweistreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung rechts', is a crucial danger warning sign indicating an approaching hazard. Typically seen before railway crossings, it advises drivers to recognise the potential danger early and prepare to adjust their speed or behaviour. This version is placed on the right side of the carriageway, and its presence requires drivers to proactively scan for risks, even if not immediately visible, and to combine its message with any road markings or supplementary plates.
This sign (159-11) warns of an approaching railway crossing on the right, signaling the need to prepare for a change in conditions. Mastering its road sign meaning is crucial for your German driving licence theory exam preparation.
German road sign 159-11, officially designated "Zweistreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung rechts", belongs to the danger warning signs group. It prepares the driver for a railway crossing sequence, where speed, observation, and stopping readiness must be planned well before the tracks. 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. This right-side version is used where the sign is placed on the right side of the carriageway or where the symbol must face traffic approaching from that side. Any right reference should be read as part of the direction, road side, lane arrangement, or placement shown by the sign. 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 159-11 means "Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the right" and is officially listed as "Zweistreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung rechts". 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 159-11 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the right 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 159-11 is a danger warning sign that specifically prepares you for an upcoming hazard, such as a railway crossing. The two bars indicate that the hazard is relatively close. You must prepare to slow down or stop by adapting your speed and observation well in advance.
This means the sign itself is positioned on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic that is approaching from that direction. It's important to be aware of its placement as it dictates where you'll see the warning and helps orient you to the specific hazard it's signalling.
You must not treat this warning as optional or wait until the danger is directly in front of you. It is also prohibited to overtake, accelerate, or follow too closely, especially as the exact nature of the hazard might not be immediately visible. Always assume the danger begins shortly after the sign.
Upon seeing sign 159-11, you should immediately begin to reduce your speed to maintain full control before reaching the hazard. Increase your following distance, scan thoroughly for potential risks, and be ready to brake smoothly. Ensure your speed and observation are appropriate for the warned danger.
A common trap is treating this sign passively. Learners sometimes forget that warning signs require active preparation, not just passive awareness. Another trap is not considering how other factors like weather or traffic density might amplify the danger, or ignoring supplementary plates that could alter the sign's specific meaning.
This sign is commonly placed on the approach to railway crossings, where it warns drivers of the tracks ahead. You might also encounter it before other significant hazards, such as sharp bends, roadworks, or areas with potential conflicts, depending on the specific road layout and safety arrangements.
A clear reference image of the 159-11 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the right road sign used in Germany.

The 159-11 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the right road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 159-11 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the right road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Reviewing adjacent or similar German road signs, like the Zweilanee distance marker board, enhances recognition and reduces errors. Comparing traffic signs aids your theory test revision by solidifying your understanding of subtle differences and immediate implications.

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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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