Logo
German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the 551-25 Lane Merge Board and navigate lane changes safely.

551-25 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing German road sign meaning

German road sign 551-25, officially known as a 'Zusammenführungstafel', indicates a lane merge situation where one lane joins a road with multiple lanes. This sign is part of traffic control boards and helps manage traffic flow, especially in areas with roadworks or lane closures on motorways and multi-lane roads. It requires drivers to adapt their speed, position, and attention early to safely merge with other traffic streams.

Understanding German Road Sign 551-25: Lane Merge Guidance

This sign visually explains how traffic lanes merge, specifically indicating one lane joining a continuing four-lane route. Proper road sign meaning interpretation is crucial for safe lane changes and traffic flow, especially during complex roadworks or diversions as part of your theory test revision.

Definition of 551-25

German road sign 551-25, officially designated "Zusammenführungstafel - an einmündender Strecke - 1-streifig einmündend plus 4-streifig durchgehend", 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. An end version marks the point where that specific rule, facility, or marked section ceases to apply. 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.

Meaning of 551-25

German road sign 551-25 means "Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing" and is officially listed as "Zusammenführungstafel - an einmündender Strecke - 1-streifig einmündend plus 4-streifig durchgehend". 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.

Allowed actions for 551-25

Read the full lane diagram before reaching the taper, merge, or separated traffic stream.Select the correct lane early and signal lane changes clearly when a change is necessary.Reduce speed to match the temporary lane width, curvature, traffic density, and roadworks environment.Keep extra following distance because drivers ahead may react to the lane layout at different times.Follow temporary signs, cones, barriers, and lane markings as one combined traffic-guidance system.

Prohibited actions for 551-25

Do not wait until the lane shift, taper, or merge point before choosing the correct lane.Do not continue in a lane that the board shows as closed, diverted, ending, or reserved for a different movement.Do not overtake aggressively through the controlled section, especially where lanes narrow or traffic is being shifted.Do not ignore temporary roadworks markings because they may override normal lane expectations.

551-25 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 551-25 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing 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.

What does German road sign 551-25 specifically mean?

Sign 551-25, the 'Lane Merge Board', shows a configuration of lanes where one lane is merging into a section with four continuing lanes. It visually guides drivers on how lanes are arranged ahead, indicating a need to merge or be aware of merging traffic.

How should I react when I see sign 551-25?

Upon seeing sign 551-25, you should prepare to merge or acknowledge merging traffic. It's crucial to adapt your speed, check your surroundings, and select the appropriate lane well in advance of the actual merge point, rather than waiting until the last moment.

Are there common exam traps associated with sign 551-25?

A common trap is reacting too late to the merge indicated by the sign. Learners might fail to recognise the need to change lanes early or might merge aggressively. Always anticipate the lane configuration change and position your vehicle accordingly before the merge becomes critical.

What if there are additional signs or road markings with sign 551-25?

Sign 551-25 should always be interpreted in conjunction with accompanying road markings, traffic lights, temporary signs, or police instructions. These can refine the meaning, indicate specific lane closures, or provide further guidance on priority, so pay close attention to the entire traffic control system.

Does sign 551-25 apply only to motorways?

While often seen on motorways and high-speed multi-lane roads, sign 551-25 can appear in various locations where lane configurations change, such as construction zones or areas with temporary lane diversions. Its purpose is to manage lane merging regardless of the specific road type.

551-25 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing road sign image

A clear reference image of the 551-25 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing road sign used in Germany.

551-25 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing road sign

Other names for the 551-25 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing

The 551-25 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 551-25German traffic sign 551-25StVO sign 551-25Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing signZusammenführungstafel - an einmündender Strecke - 1-streifig einmündend plus 4-streifig durchgehendtraffic control boards 551-25

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 551-25 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 1-lane einmündend plus 4-lane continuing road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Knowledge with Similar Signs

Comparing related road signs like this lane merge board helps solidify your understanding and reduces confusion during your theory test revision. Practising traffic sign comparison actively improves your ability to recall and correctly interpret all signs, crucial for your German driving licence exam.

501-11 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane to the left road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane to the left

Understand the Lane Transfer Board (501-11) for Shifting Lanes Left Safely

German Traffic Control Boards501-11
501-14 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted

Navigate lane changes safely with the German Sign 501-14 Lane Transfer Board

German Traffic Control Boards501-14
501-16 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead

Understand Lane Transfer Sign 501-16: Prepare for Diverted Lanes Ahead

German Traffic Control Boards501-16
501-19 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead

Understand German Lane Transfer Board 501-19: Shifting Lanes Ahead

German Traffic Control Boards501-19
501-26 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead

Master lane changes with German road sign 501-26 for lane transfers.

German Traffic Control Boards501-26
501-29 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead

Understand the Lane Transfer Board (501-29) for Lane Adjustments

German Traffic Control Boards501-29
501-50 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead

Navigate Lane Changes Safely with the German 4-Lane Transfer Board (Sign 501-50)

German Traffic Control Boards501-50
501-51 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead

Master German Sign 501-51: Understanding Lane Transfers and Lane Divergences

German Traffic Control Boards501-51

Ready to Master German Road Signs? Start Your Focused Revision

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
CTA Decorative Squares

Dive into German road sign knowledge

German Driving Theory B courseGerman Driving Theory AM courseGerman HGV Theory - C/CE courseGerman Motorcycle Theory A courseGerman Bus & Coach Theory (D) courseGerman Regulatory Signs German road sign categoryGerman Supplementary Signs German road sign categoryGerman Danger Warning Signs German road sign categoryGerman Traffic Control Boards German road sign categoryGerman Guide and Information Signs German road sign categoryGerman Traffic Facilities and Road Markings German road sign category501-11 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane to the left German road sign501-14 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted German road sign501-52 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted German road sign501-53 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left, with 2 lane diverted German road sign501-54 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left, with 3 lane diverted German road sign501-62 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right, with 1 lane diverted German road sign501-63 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right, with 2 lane diverted German road sign501-64 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right, with 3 lane diverted German road sign505-11 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 264 StVO - 2-lane to the left German road sign501-16 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-26 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-19 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-51 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-29 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-61 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-70 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-80 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-50 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-60 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-73 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-75 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-83 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-85 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the right diverted rechter lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-71 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-72 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-81 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-82 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted rechter lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-74 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-84 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign