German regulatory sign 239, officially designated 'Gehweg', indicates a sidewalk. As a regulatory sign, it mandates specific rules that apply from the point it is displayed. This sign alerts you to a sidewalk, prompting you to adjust your driving behaviour, such as speed or lane position, before reaching the designated area. Always pay attention to road markings and any supplementary plates, as they can refine the sign's specific application.
This section provides a crucial interpretation of the German "Sidewalk" road sign (239), helping you understand its meaning and implications for your driving decisions. Master this essential road sign explanation for your theory test revision and safe driving practice in Germany.
German road sign 239, officially designated "Gehweg", belongs to the regulatory signs group. It assigns a required direction, lane, route, or traffic area and must be followed from the point where the sign applies. You may see it in junctions, restricted streets, cycle and pedestrian facilities, parking areas, low-emission zones, and roads with binding lane or speed rules, 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 knowing whether the sign commands, forbids, limits, or cancels a rule. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.
German road sign 239 means "Sidewalk" and is officially listed as "Gehweg". 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 239 - Sidewalk 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 239, known as 'Gehweg' or 'Sidewalk', is a regulatory sign. It designates an area as a sidewalk, meaning it is specifically for pedestrians. While it doesn't explicitly prohibit driving on it, its presence signals you should be aware of pedestrian activity and ensure your driving is safe and appropriate for the context, especially when entering or passing such areas.
When you see sign 239, you should recognize that you are approaching a sidewalk. This means you need to be particularly attentive to pedestrians. You may need to adjust your speed or position to ensure their safety and comply with any specific road markings or supplementary signs that might further clarify the rules for this area.
Sign 239 itself primarily designates the area as a sidewalk. However, general traffic rules prohibit driving, stopping, or parking on sidewalks unless specifically indicated otherwise by additional signs or road markings. The core principle is to not interfere with pedestrian use of the sidewalk and to adhere to all general traffic regulations.
A common trap is assuming sign 239 automatically means you can drive on the sidewalk. In Germany, sidewalks are strictly for pedestrians unless explicitly permitted. Learners might also overlook that the sign's main purpose is to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians, requiring increased vigilance and appropriate speed adjustments, especially in built-up areas.
Yes, absolutely. Sign 239 is often used in conjunction with specific road markings that clearly delineate the sidewalk. Supplementary plates can provide crucial additional information, such as times of day when the rule is particularly relevant, specific vehicle types that might have different rules, or designated access points. Always observe these details.
A clear reference image of the 239 - Sidewalk road sign used in Germany.

The 239 - Sidewalk road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 239 - Sidewalk road sign is part of the German Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing this sign with similar road signs helps solidify your knowledge and reduces confusion during your theory test revision. Practising traffic sign comparison actively boosts sign recognition, ensuring you're prepared for the official exam.

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