German road sign 512-10, also known as a 'Verschwenkungstafel', indicates a lane shift to the left where one lane is open in your direction and one lane is open for oncoming traffic. This sign is part of traffic control boards and usually signals upcoming roadworks or lane closures. Drivers must recognise this early, adapt their speed, and choose the correct lane well before the actual shift point, always paying attention to road markings and any supplementary signs.
This sign details a lane shift with oncoming traffic, indicating a temporary change in road layout and requiring careful attention to lane markings and speed. It's crucial for your theory test revision to understand how this sign influences lane choices and safe driving practices.
German road sign 512-10, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel - mit Gegenverkehr – Verschwenkung nach links 1-streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-streifig in Gegenrichtung", belongs to the traffic control boards group. It shows how lanes are arranged, shifted, narrowed, separated, or merged, usually before a roadworks or high-speed lane-change area. You may see it in motorways, multilane roads, temporary roadworks, lane closures, lane shifts, merge areas, and construction-stage traffic management, depending on how the road authority has arranged the location. Any left 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 translating the arrows into early lane choice rather than reacting at the last moment. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.
German road sign 512-10 means "Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the left 1-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel - mit Gegenverkehr – Verschwenkung nach links 1-streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-streifig in Gegenrichtung". 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 512-10 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the left 1-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction 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 512-10 informs drivers that lanes are being shifted to the left due to roadworks or other temporary conditions. It specifically warns that there is one lane for your direction of travel and one lane for oncoming traffic, requiring you to merge or change lanes safely.
Upon seeing sign 512-10, you should immediately prepare to shift lanes to the left. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and select the correct lane early. It's crucial to be attentive to road markings, cones, and any supplementary signs that may provide further instructions.
A common exam trap is reacting too late. Drivers often wait until the last moment to merge or change lanes, which can lead to dangerous situations, especially with oncoming traffic. You must anticipate the lane shift well in advance and make your lane choice smoothly.
Sign 512-10 indicates that there is a designated lane for oncoming traffic alongside your shifted lane. It does not necessarily mean they will pass you closely, but it does mean you must be aware of and respect the opposing traffic flow within the designated lanes.
Always treat sign 512-10 as part of a system. Road markings, temporary barriers, additional supplementary plates, or even police instructions at the scene take precedence and provide more specific guidance. You must integrate all available information to navigate the situation safely.
A clear reference image of the 512-10 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the left 1-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.

The 512-10 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the left 1-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 512-10 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the left 1-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Understanding how similar road signs differ is crucial for accurate recognition and fewer mistakes during your German driving theory test. Comparing signs like this lane shift board with others helps solidify your knowledge and improve sign recognition for effective exam preparation.

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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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