Travel to Germany

Germany: worth knowing

Passion play in Oberammergau

History of the games

Oberammergau is a municipality with around 5,200 residents in Upper Bavaria in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district. One of the most important sons of the city is certainly the here born writer and satyr Ludwig Thoma (1867-1921).

In 1633 – during the “Thirty Years War”, around 80 people died in the small town of Oberammergau near Berchtesgaden as a result of a plague epidemic. In order to be spared further victims, they promised God that a Passion Play would be performed regularly, provided that he would spare them from this hostage from now on. According to tradition, according to the promise in Oberammergau, there should have been no further victims of the plague.

Already at Pentecost in 1634 the vow was redeemed and the “Game of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ” was performed on a stage – which was erected in the cemetery above the graves of the plague dead. In 1680 the municipal council decided on the ten-year cycle that is still valid today. In 1770, as part of the Enlightenment in Bavaria (and not only there), all Passion Plays were banned. And it wasn’t until 1780 that an exception was granted for Oberammergau – albeit with a number of conditions. The Passion of Father Ferdinand Rosners (1709-1778) was rewritten in 1750 by the Ettal Benedictine Magnus Knipfelberger (1747-1825) and renamed “The Old and New Testament”. The restrictions were not lifted until 1800 and Oberammergau was given the privilege

But ten years later, in 1810, the minister Maximilian Graf Montgelas declared the Oberammergau privilege of 1810 to have lapsed, so that no performances took place that year.

As early as 1811, the ban on the Passion Play was changed due to a new version of the texts by the Ettaler Father Dr. Othmar Weiß (1769-1843) repealed. Under King Ludwig I of Bavaria (1786-1868) the stage was moved from its old place in the cemetery to the northern edge of the village. In 1840 around 124,000 people attended the 40 events.

In 1934, after the games of 1930, for the 300th anniversary, there was a special performance in the newly built auditorium with around 5,200 seats. Adolf Hitler attended the games and declared them “important to the Reich”!

In 1990 even the Bavarian Higher Regional Court had to deal with the question of whether older and/or married women could also take part in the games. The court answered in the affirmative!

The Games 2000 in the 40th year of the game, under the direction of Christian Stückl, brought about the greatest changes in the text since 1860. In particular, anti-Jewish passages were deleted or rewritten by him. The games were attended by around 520,000 people from around the world. Slightly less than 70% of the visitors came from outside Germany.

The 2010 Games

Over 500 residents of Oberammergau take part in the 2010 Games – the 41st year of the game – and thus a large proportion of the population. The premiere will take place on May 15, 2010 in Oberammergau and will end on October 3 after a total of 102 performances. The stage is an open-air stage with a covered auditorium.

The leading actor in the passion play of the last five days in Jesus’ life is “Frederik Mayet” – he plays Jesus. Mayet has been rehearsing almost every day since November 2009 and had to give up his job as press spokesman for a Munich theater during the games. In order to be able to prepare particularly well for the role, he was even in Jerusalem, for example to commit the last way from Jesus to the place of execution – the via dolorosa – himself.

Ticket order

(no public

traffic) Seidlstrasse 30

80335 Munich

Tel. 0049 – (0) 180 – 54 81 81 81

Oberammergau and DER Reisebüro oHG

Passion 2010 office

Eugen-Papst-Straße 9a

82487 Oberammergau

Tel.: 0049 – (0) 8822 – 9231-0

Fax: 0049 – (0) 8822 –

9231/52 E-Mail: info@passionsspiele2010.de

Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hijacking Landshut

On October 13, four terrorists – two men and two women – hijacked the Lufthansa plane, a Boeing 737-200, named Landshut on its flight from Palma de Mallorca to Frankfurt am Main.

In addition to the kidnapping of Hanns Martin Schleyer (1915-1977) on September 5, they wanted to put pressure on the RAF terrorists Andreas Bader (1943-1977), Gudrun Ensslin (1940-1977) and Jan -Carl Raspe (1944-1977) and eight other to get rid of it.

The kidnapping had taken place via France and was diverted to Larnaka in Cyprus. Due to a lack of fuel, the machine had to make a stopover in Rome to be refueled. It was here in Rome that the terrorists’ political demands were made known for the first time, identical to those of the kidnappers of Hanns Martin Schleyer. From here the Landshut could fly on to Larnaka, where a representative of the PLO had tried in vain to persuade the terrorists to give up. After refueling, the plane took off for Lebanon, but since the airports of Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad and Kuwait City had been closed, it flew on to Dubai.

Because of a lack of fuel, she was given permission to land in the morning hours of October 14th. Here the plane stood in the blazing sun for over three days. After the terrorists threatened to shoot hostages, the plane was refueled and was able to take off in the direction of Oman. Since a landing permit had been refused here, we went on to Aden in what was then South Yemen.

Since the local runway had been closed, the machine had to make an emergency landing on a strip of sand next to the runway during the night. Therefore, the flight captain Jürgen Schumann (1940-1977) was able to inspect the landing gear. Since Schumann did not return to the plane for about an hour, the terrorist leader executed Schumann with a shot in the head. This probably induced the authorities to refuel the machine so that it could be flown to Mogadishu by co-pilot Jürgen Vietor (born 1942) in the morning hours of October 17th. She landed here at 4:30 a.m. (CET). Here the terrorists had set an ultimatum until 3 p.m. CET to release the RAF terrorists from the Stuttgart penal institution. Then the machine should be blown up,

The Liberation

Before the end of the ultimatum, the terrorists had doused the passengers with alcohol and armed the explosives. The stewardess Gabriele Dillmann (now Gabriele von Lutzau) had appealed to the German politicians on the instructions of the terrorists to release the RAF prisoners.

In order to gain time for the final preparations for a liberation operation, the terrorists were deceived with the news that they wanted to meet their demands and that the RAF prisoners wanted to be flown to Mogadishu. The promise prompted the terrorists to extend the ultimatum until October 18 at 01:30 a.m. CET.

Shortly after midnight at 00:05 a.m. CET, the GSG-9 command under the direction of Police Director Ulrich Wegener (born 1929) stormed Landshut as part of Operation Magic Fire. During the seven-minute operation, three of the four terrorists – with the exception of one of the women – were killed.

In addition, a GSG-9 officer and stewardess Gabriele Dillmann were injured. At 12:12 a.m. CET, the Minister of State Hans-Jürgen Wischnewski (1922-2005) who was traveling with him was able to inform the then Federal Chancellor Helmut Schmidt (1918-2015) of the success of the liberation campaign.

Germany: traffic and traffic rules

General information

There are around 600 different road traffic signs in the Federal Republic of Germany. There are around 20 million traffic signs in Germany.

The specified maximum speeds can of course be reduced by current traffic signs. Regardless of the information given here, it is advisable for tourists from abroad to obtain further information from the ADAC or the AvD. The ADAC was founded on May 24, 1903 as the “German Motorcyclists Association” in Stuttgart

and was given its current name in 1911.

From July 2014 safety vests will be compulsory, and every car must then have at least one on board.

The new points system will be in effect from May 2014, and you will lose your driver’s license with just 8 points in Flensburg.

Winter tires should be used from October to April, but these are only mandatory if the weather is good.

Special regulations

Motorcycles must also be driven with lights on during the day.

In play streets, parking is only permitted in specially designated parking bays or the like. allowed.

The speed there is walking pace.

In areas that are designated as 30 zones, a limit of 30 km/h applies until the zone has been canceled by the corresponding sign.

In the course of 2008, environmental zones were set up in numerous German cities and identified by signs. You are only allowed to use vehicles. be driven on with an appropriate sticker. This also applies to visitors from other cities and from abroad.

Mopeds

Mopeds are not allowed to use bike paths in the city center. It is that this is expressly permitted by traffic signs.

Outside built-up areas, however, they may be used unless it is expressly prohibited by traffic signs.

E-scooters

E-scooters have been approved in Germany since June 15, 2019. You can be a maximum of 20 kilometers per hour. A moped test certificate or a helmet is not required. They can be used by people aged 14 and over. However, liability insurance is mandatory, which must be recognizable by means of a sticker on the scooter.

You are only allowed to ride on bike paths in built-up areas. If these are not available, the lane is also allowed. The equipment requirement includes two independently acting brakes and lighting that can also be detachable.

Side reflectors and a bell are also required.

Control elements for the motor, such as knobs or knobs, must automatically return to the zero position within a second when they are released.

Recommended speed

The recommended speed on German motorways is for motor vehicles. up to 3.5 t usually 130 km/h. However, exceeding this does not result in any sanctions. But anyone who – through no fault of their own – is involved in a traffic accident at a higher speed must expect joint liability of approx. 25%. An exception to this can only be expected if it can be clearly demonstrated that the accident is not related to exceeding the recommended speed – which is usually quite difficult!

Speeding

If you drive 16 km/h too fast inside and outside built-up areas, you should now expect a point. A fine of 70 euros (in built-up areas) and 60 euros for exceedances outside built-up areas will be levied. Exceeding the speed limit by 21 km/h within the city leads to a fine of 80 euros and two points in Flensburg as well as a one-month driving ban. Out of town, if you exceed the speed limit of 26 km/h, you have to pay 95 euros and a driving ban for one month.

Rescue

alley If you do not have to form an emergency alley, you can expect a fine of 200 € and two points in Flensburg. In the event of a hazard or obstruction, the fine is also up to € 320. Anyone who illegally uses a rescue alley pays a fine of at least € 240 and also receives two points in Flensburg and a one-month driving ban.

Winter tires

With the approval of the Federal Council, from the beginning of December 2010 it became compulsory for motor vehicles – including motorized two-wheelers – to use winter tires or all-season tires in snow, slush or slippery snow and frost as well as slippery ice. Failure to comply will result in a fine of € 40 plus 1 point in Flensburg.

If there are disabilities or property damage, the fine increases to € 80.

Trucks and buses with more than eight seats only need to equip the drive wheels with such tires.

Alcohol in traffic

Blood alcohol limits

In Germany there is a limit for the blood alcohol level of 0.5 per mille for drivers of motor vehicles and 0.3 per mille for abnormalities (driving serpentine lines, accidents).

Since August 2007, there has been an absolute ban on alcohol for drivers of motor vehicles under the age of 21. For novice drivers over the age of 21, a zero per mille limit also applies to the two-year probationary period after passing the driving test.

Violations are punished with 250 € and one point in Flensburg. The courts assume that the blood alcohol level will drop by 0.1 per mil per hour.

On May 1, 2014, the following changes came into force, the driver’s license will be withdrawn from 8 points and can be re-applied for at the earliest 6 months later:

Blood alcohol level (per mille) Sanctions without abnormalities Sanctions in the event of abnormalities
below 0.3 no no
0.3 to 0.49 no Without an accident:1. Fine from 30 daily rates

2. At least 6 months driving license withdrawal

3. Two points in FlensburgIn the event of an accident:

1. Fine from 45 daily rates

2. At least 9 months driving license withdrawal

3. Three points in Flensburg

0.5 to 1.09 1. 500 € fine2. one month driving license withdrawal

3. two points in Flensburg

4. after the 2nd time MPU *

Without an accident:1. Fine from 30 daily rates

2. At least 6 months driving license withdrawal

3. Two points in FlensburgIn the event of accidents:

1. Fine from 45 daily rates

2. At least 9 months driving license withdrawal

3. Three points in Flensburg

4. In the case of personal injury or repetition: Imprisonment possible

1.1 to 1.59 1. From 40 daily rates penalty2. six months to 5 years driving license withdrawal

3. two points in Flensburg

4. after the 2nd time MPU *

In the event of abnormalities or accidents:1. Fine from 50 daily rates

2. Withdrawal of driver’s license for at least 12 months

3. Two points in Flensburg

4. In the event of personal injury or repetition: imprisonment possible

from 1.6 With and without abnormalities:1. Fine from 50 daily rates

2. At least 12 months driving license withdrawal

3. Three points in Flensburg

4. In the case of personal injury or repetition: imprisonment possible

5. Always MPU * – also cyclists

The sanctions are the same for abnormalities as without

MPU * = medical psychological examination (around 107,000 in 2013)

Note

The points are omitted – regardless of whether new ones have been added – after the following times:

  • Administrative offenses with 1 point after 2.5 years
  • Administrative offenses and criminal offenses, each with 2 points after 5 years
  • 3 point offenses after 10 years

Illegal drugs

According to a ruling by the Federal Administrative Court, the driver’s license can be withdrawn at a concentration of 1 ng (1ng = 10 -9 g) per millimeter of blood of THC. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most important active ingredient in hash or cannabis.

The driver’s license is then usually only reissued after passing the MPU or must be acquired again. The same applies to a number of medications, such as the anesthetics used in an outpatient gastroscopy or colonoscopy. By the way, in Switzerland the limit is 3 ng.

Drugs behind the wheel have a huge impact on the driver. Above all, the driver’s reaction time can be significantly impaired, which not only endangers himself but also his fellow human beings. The reaction time doubles under the influence of drugs, which is why in the event of an accident it is usually not possible to react and brake in time. Drug users overestimate their ability to drive drugs and believe they are still able to drive safely.

The Narcotics Act regulates the penalties for possession and consumption of drugs. According to traffic law, driving is prohibited, but this can also be prosecuted under the STGB. Then consumers can end up in court and, in the worst case, in prison.

In contrast to some other traffic irregularities, fines for consuming drugs can be very high.

According to the table of fines, the following fines apply to the offenses:

• First offense: 500 euros fine/two points in Flensburg/one month driving ban

• Second offense : 1000 euros fine/two points in Flensburg/three months driving ban

• Every further violation: 1500 euros fine/two points in Flensburg/three months driving ban.

Possession and trafficking in drugs can be imprisoned for up to 15 years. To identify the drugs, a blood test must be taken, which must be ordered by a judge.

In contrast to alcohol, drugs, including THC, can still be detected after days.

Drug trips that end in an accident will result in permanent withdrawal of the driver’s license. This can only be regained by purchasing it again. An MPU (Medical – Psychological Examination) is necessary for this.

Further information on fines can be found at www.bussgeldkataloge.de from the Association for Citizen-Friendly Transport Policy The Association for Citizen-Oriented Transport Policy also offers a free fines calculator and a list of fines in other countries on its free advice portal.

Streets in Germany

Something historical

The first long car trip in Germany was made by Cäcilie Bertha Benz (1849-1944) and her two children – Carl Benz’s wife – on August 1888 from Mannheim to Pforzheim (approx. 105 km). She needed a little less than 13 hours for the route with the 1.5 hp vehicle. She bought 3 liters of petrol in a pharmacy in Wiesloch, making it the first gas station in the world.

In the beginning, in Germany a speed limit was applied in the dark, which corresponded to a horse’s extended trot – about 15 km/h. In 1925 it was increased to 25 km/h.

In 1939 it was 40 km/h in town and 60 km/h outside of town. In 1953 the speed limit was lifted, but already in 1957 it was set to the still valid value of 50 km/h in urban areas. In 1972, the limit of 100 km/h on roads outside built-up areas followed. There are still no general restrictions on motorways.

In Germany there were around 250,000 cars in the mid-1920s. In 2020 there were around 47.5 million.

General

Germany has one of the best developed road networks in the world.

It is mainly divided into motorways, motorways (expressways), federal highways, country roads and district roads. Then there is the road network in towns or cities.

The length of the federal highways is around 40,000 km. The maximum speed for cars is 100 km/h.

The network of state, district and municipal roads is around 600,000 km long.

Motorways

Motorways – also known as expressways – may only be used by motor vehicles which, due to their design, can travel faster than 60 km/h. In 2015 there were around 3,500 km of motorway-like expressways in Germany.

They are closed to cyclists and pedestrians. Their beginning and end are indicated by the traffic signs shown.

The following applies to the maximum permitted speeds:

  • On motorways outside of built-up areas with no structural separation (there is only one solid line between the directions of travel), but with at least two lanes in each direction, no speed limit applies to cars and other motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 t, unless these is arranged by signs. For other vehicles, however, the same maximum speeds apply as they otherwise apply on non-local roads.
  • On motorways with a structural separation of the directional lanes (e.g. by a green strip or a central guardrail) – regardless of the number of lanes – the same maximum speeds apply to all vehicle types as on motorways.
  • A maximum speed of 50 km/h applies in urban areas – unless traffic signs allow something else.

This can be seen in Section 18 (5) of the StVO, although paragraph 5 is quite a bureaucratic gibberish.

Motorways

The German motorway network covers around 13,000 km (as of 2014), with Germany being one of the few countries in which there is no general speed limit on the motorway.

Central reservation and guardrails, a paved verge, emergency telephones and numerous rest stops make traveling on German autobahns generally appear to be a very fast, safe and comfortable way of traveling.

There is a toll requirement for trucks on motorways and, since August 1, 2012, also on four-lane federal roads with motorway connections. Cars drive toll-free.

The numbering of the highways is done with the letter combination BAB or A and the corresponding number from A 1 to A 999. All highways from north to south are marked with odd numbers and those from west to east with even numbers.

With a length of 961.7 km, the A7 from Flensburg to Füssen is the longest German motorway.

By the way

For those interested in history, it should be noted that the first German motorway with a length of around 20 km was inaugurated in August 1932 between Cologne and Bonn by the then Lord Mayor of Cologne, Konrad Adenauer.

The world’s first motorway was opened in Italy in 1924 between Milan and Como. The longest road tunnel in Germany is the Rennsteig tunnel along the A71, which over a length of 7,916 m (western tube) and 7,878 m (eastern tube) crosses the ridge of the Thuringian Forest and connects Erfurt/Thuringia with Schweinfurt in Bavaria.

Flight connections

There are numerous smaller and larger airports in Germany with international connections, especially to European destinations.

By using cheap flights, more and more people are also flying within the country.

Long-distance trips to Asia, Australia, Africa or America can often only be carried out from the airport in Frankfurt/Main.

Larger airports
Berlin-Brandenburg Airport(not yet opened)
Bremen
Dortmu
Dresden
Dusseldorf
Erfurt/Thuringia
Cologne/Bonn (madness)
Frankfurt/M.
Hahn/Rhineland-Palatinate
Hamburg
Hanover
Leipzig/Halle
Munich
Münster/Osnabrück
Nuremberg
Saarbrücken
Stuttgart

Railways

Germany has an excellent railway network with a length of around 33,300 km, on which around 39,000 trains run daily.

There are Inter City Express trains (ICE) and other fast connections with EC (Euro City), IC (Inter City), IR (Inter Regio) or RE (Regional Express trains).

Unfortunately, traveling by train in Germany is very expensive.

For example, a “normal” trip, without a Bahncard or special offers, costs around 121 euros in 2nd class from Berlin to Munich on the ICE.

It is therefore advisable for people who take the train more often to purchase a Bahncard.

Since there are also numerous discounts and different saver fare offers, detailed information is urgently recommended before each train journey.

Bus transport

There are numerous bus routes that connect German cities with each other. One of the largest providers is the company that emerged from the merger of “Mein Fernbus” and Flixbus “.

Many foreign cities are also served. The respective stops and connections can be inquired from the respective cities.

Since January 1, 2013 that is Long-term ban on private buses from Deutsche Bahn AG not being allowed to compete on their routes.As of

this date, there will be numerous bus connections between German cities – albeit with a distance of more than 50 km – which are usually considerably cheaper than the train.

However, the travel time is usually considerably longer, especially of course compared to the ICE connections.

Bus lanes

Only buses, ambulances, taxis and bicycles are allowed to use the bus lanes. There are bus lanes that are permanent and those that only apply for the time shown.

If you park illegally in bus lanes, you will face a fine and be towed away. Illegally driving on a bus lane without a handicap will result in a fine of € 15 – if you are handicapped it is € 35.

Ferry connections

There are numerous ferry connections in Germany on inland lakes such as Müritz, Lake Constance and Wannsee. Ferry connections continue to exist to the North Sea islands.

There are also ferries to England, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Poland and Finland.

Important ferry ports are Stralsund, Rostock-Warnemünde, Kiel, Lübeck, Bremerhaven, Emden and Hamburg, to name just a few.

Cycle

Equipment of bicycles n

There are a number of regulations and rules for the equipment and use of bicycles:

  • There must be two brakes that are independent of each other (Section 65 Paragraph 1 StVZO)
  • Racing bikes with a weight of up to 11 kg may also use battery-operated lights instead of a permanently installed lighting system. (Paragraph 67 StVZO)
  • There must be reflectors on the wheels and pedals (Paragraph 67 StVZO)
  • A bell or bell is required (§ 64a StVZO)
  • Front and rear reflectors (reflectors) are required (Paragraph 67 StVZO)
  • Speed limits also apply to bicycles
  • Dogs may be led by bike – but other animals are not (Paragraph 28 StVO)
  • There is no obligation to wear a helmet
  • Recommended, but not mandatory, are: luggage racks, mudguards and a chain guard.

Bicycle lanes

It should be noted that a bicycle is also considered a vehicle. Motorcycles and cars are motor vehicles, but also vehicles.

Cycle paths that are not marked with the illustrated traffic sign (signs 237, 240, 241) do not have to be used.

The traffic sign 240 identifies a common pedestrian and bicycle path, while the sign 241 identifies a separate pedestrian and bicycle path.

This rule can be deviated from if the signposted cycle path is objectively unusable.

This can be the case, for example, when it is structurally impassable, icy, overgrown with plants or blocked by incorrectly parked cars.

According to § 27 of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), closed associations with more than 15 cyclists are allowed to use the road side by side, even if there is a cycle path that is compulsory to use.

Children up to the age of 8 must, older children up to the age of 10 may use sidewalks with bicycles.

Notes, dogs

According to § 21 of the StVO, children up to the age of seven can be taken on bicycles by a person at least 16 years old.

For this it is necessary that special seats are available for the children and that wheel coverings or equally effective devices ensure that the children’s feet cannot get caught in the spokes.

Up to two children up to the age of seven of at least 16 years of age can be carried behind bicycles in trailers that are set up for the transport of children.

The limitation to the age of seven does not apply to the transport of a disabled child.

Dogs may be led from a bicycle, but no other animals (Section 28 (1) of the StVO). Inline skaters or skateboarders must use the sidewalk and are not allowed to ride on the bike path or street.

Bicycle streets

Bicycle lanes are being established where cyclists are predominant. Apart from bicycles, other vehicles are only allowed to run here in exceptional cases – for example residents.

However, this must be indicated by appropriate additional characters. There is a speed limit of 30 km/h on bicycle roads.

The beginning and the end of bicycle streets are indicated by the traffic signs shown.

Environmental zones

Environmental zones were introduced in Germany in 2008 to reduce the environmental impact of motor vehicle traffic in cities.

Initially, the city’s environmental zone was allowed to be entered with a red, yellow or green sticker, i.e. vehicles with pollutant groups 2, 3 and 4.

In the meantime, only vehicles with the green sticker are allowed to enter the environmental zones.

The sticker requirement in the environmental zone of a city also applies to foreign vehicles and to the vehicles of visitors from other cities or regions in Germany.

Violations against this have been punished with a fine of € 80 since May 1, 2014 – the point in Flensburg has been omitted since this date. Further restrictions – especially for diesel vehicles, which already exist on a number of roads in some cities – can be expected in the course of 2019.

30 zones

The start of these zones is indicated by the traffic sign shown. The maximum speed in the entire zone is 30 km/h.

This zone only ends when the sign shown on the right appears. Until then, regardless of how long the area is and how many intersections you have crossed, the specified speed applies.

20 zones

There is also that. The beginning of a 20 zone is indicated by the traffic sign shown. The maximum permitted speed in the entire zone is 20 km/h.

This zone only ends when the sign shown on the right appears. Until then, regardless of how long the area is and how many intersections you have crossed, the specified speed limit applies.

10 zones

The start of these zones is indicated by the traffic sign shown. The maximum speed in the entire zone is 10 km/h.

This zone only ends when the sign shown on the right appears. Until then, regardless of how long the area is and how many intersections you have crossed, the specified speed of 10 km/h applies.

Play streets

Traffic-calmed area

In a play street, which correctly represents a traffic-calmed area, you are only allowed to drive step, that is a maximum of 7 km/h, although the police in a number of federal states still tolerate 10 km/h.

Incidentally, this also applies to cyclists. You should also be very careful here, especially with children.

Another special feature of play streets is that parking is only allowed where it is expressly permitted.

What many do not know: If you drive out of a play street, you have no right of way according to § 10 of the StVO.

Without giving way signs, a vehicle coming from the left has right of way.

Anyone who drives faster than step speed has to expect a corresponding fine.

Play street

In a (real) play street there is the driving in and through of vehicles. forbidden. The (real) play street is displayed with a drive-through sign with a rectangular black and white image underneath. There is a child with a ball on the shield.

Pedestrian zones

A pedestrian zone is a street or a traffic area that is basically closed to all vehicle traffic.

However, exceptions – often for a limited period – can be permitted, for example for emergency, disposal and cleaning vehicles as well as here and there for local public transport vehicles.

The first pedestrian zone in Germany was stairs street in Kassel, which opened on November 9, 1953.

Disabled parking

Only the vehicles of a person with the required disability ID are allowed to park in a disabled parking space. this must be proven with a parking card visibly affixed to the vehicle.

Depending on the federal state, these parking permits are usually issued by the road traffic office or the regulatory authority. There are disabled

parking spaces, which are only reserved for a specific person by marking, and general parking spaces on which every authorized person can park.

A violation is punished with a fine of 35 €, and you have to expect that the vehicle will be towed or moved – which will be expensive.

Attention

The fine of 35 € is levied on the condition that the violation was negligent. If intent is assumed, the violation can be a lot more expensive.

For example, intent is assumed if you left your mobile phone number on a slip of paper on the dashboard – even if it was meant well.

Lowered curb

If you come from a street that joins another street over a lowered curb, you have no right of way – so the rule “right before left” does not apply.

However, if there are right of way signs, these naturally apply.

This rather unknown right of way rule is regulated in § 10 of the StVO, which is somewhat abbreviated as follows:

“Anyone who drives from a property, from a pedestrian area, from a traffic-calmed area onto the street or from other parts of the street or over a lowered curb into the carriageway or from the edge of the carriageway has to behave in such a way that there is no danger to other road users is; if necessary, he must be instructed.

Zebra crossing

Pedestrian crossings – known as zebra crossings for short – are indicated by the traffic sign shown. There are also a number of white stripes running parallel to the road.

At zebra crossings, pedestrians have absolute priority according to § 26 of the StVO (road traffic regulations), including wheelchairs and wheelchairs. Cyclists have no priority unless they push the bike and are therefore considered pedestrians.

However, this priority rule does not apply to rail transport, such as trams.

It is forbidden to stop or park at a distance of less than 5 m in front of a zebra crossing, and overtaking is prohibited here. They get their name from the designation: “Sign of a particularly considerate driver” and not from the striped zebras. This pedestrian crossing was included in the road traffic regulations of the Federal Republic of Germany on August 24, 1953 and priority for pedestrians was introduced on June 1, 1964.

International license plate

According to Abbreviationfinder, the international license plate of Germany is:

D

Travel to Germany