Teorio
Advance direction sign
Download Teorio and practise for the theory exam.
When you see the Zeichen
Read the destinations shown well in advance and match them to the indicated direction of travel. Then move into the appropriate lane in good time, while also observing lane arrows, traffic lights and mandatory directions of travel.
Rules
- Zeichen 439 indicates the directions to the listed destinations before a junction or intersection.
- The destinations are grouped by direction of travel; arrows show which direction to take to reach the respective destination or specified road.
- The sign is for orientation and, by itself, neither imposes a speed limit nor requires a specific direction of travel.
- Mandatory instructions given by other traffic signs, traffic lights and road markings continue to take precedence regardless of the route guidance.
Tips
- First look for your destination or road number, then remember the corresponding arrow direction.
- Move into the appropriate lane early, but only after checking the traffic behind you.
- After the advance direction sign, check whether lane arrows or additional guide signs specify the correct lane more precisely.
- If you miss the turn, continue driving in accordance with the rules instead of braking suddenly or crossing several lanes.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 332: Zeichen 439 announces a choice of route before a junction, but does not directly indicate an Autobahn exit.
- Learner drivers interpret the arrow as a mandatory direction of travel. It indicates the route to the stated destination, but does not replace a mandatory sign.
- A stated Bundesstraße or Autobahn number is confused with a separate road sign such as Zeichen 401 or 405; on the advance direction sign, it is part of the route information.
Exam tip
In exam questions, pay attention to the wording „Which direction must you take?“. Zeichen 439 only shows which direction leads to a particular destination; a direction of travel only becomes mandatory through the relevant mandatory signs, traffic lights or road markings.
Did you know
Zeichen 439 clearly groups several destinations by direction of travel. This allows the route to be selected before reaching the actual junction area, without requiring a separate directional arrow sign for every direction.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to follow the arrow on Zeichen 439?
Only if you want to reach the destination named next to the arrow. The arrow provides route guidance and, by itself, does not require you to drive in that direction.
Does Zeichen 439 indicate an exit that is immediately ahead?
It announces the distribution of directions before a junction or intersection. An Autobahn exit, on the other hand, is indicated in particular by Zeichen 332 and the further Autobahn route guidance.
May I choose my lane based solely on the advance direction sign?
The advance direction sign helps you choose your lane early. However, the actual lane markings, direction arrows, traffic lights and traffic signs remain decisive.
What do road numbers on the advance direction sign mean?
They show which classified road to take to reach the destination, for example a Bundesstraße or Autobahn. The number is part of the route information and is not a speed indication.
Study for the Theorieprüfung
Teorio has all the theory material in your own language. Download the app and study whenever it suits you.
