The road signs of the German Democratic Republic includes the distinct system of traffic signs, signals, and road markings used in the country from its establishment in 1949 until the German reunification in 1990. While initially inheriting the pre-World War II German traffic code, East Germany developed its own independent Road Traffic Regulations (Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung, or StVO) in 1956. The system went through a major overhaul between 1974 and 1978 to align with the international standards of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals.
Despite international standardization, East German signage retained unique aesthetic and design choices that set it apart from its West German counterpart. Most notable was the use of GIL, a customized sans-serif typeface heavily based on Gill Sans, which was characterized by extremely tight spacing between letters. The country's traffic infrastructure also led to the introduction of the Ampelmännchen (little traffic light man), which was a stylized pedestrian signal created in 1961 by traffic psychologist Karl Peglau.
Following the dissolution of the GDR in 1990, East German road signs were systematically replaced by West German standards. However, the Ampelmännchen survived due to widespread public nostalgia and remains an iconic cultural symbol across modern Germany today.
(1949-1956) Warning signs
Regulatory signs
Information signs
(1956-1964) Warning signs
Prohibitory signs
Mandatory signs
Information signs
(1964-1971) Warning signs
Prohibitory signs
Mandatory signs
Information signs
(1971-1979) Warning signs
Prohibitory signs
Mandatory signs
Information signs
Additional signs
(1979-1990) Warning signs
Regulatory signs
Information signs
Additional signs
1988 addition
Notes
See also Road signs in Germany
References