Reading signs and notices

Schilder und Hinweise lesen

Recognize common signs for doors, opening status, restrictions, and equipment that cannot be used.

Signs often omit a full sentence. Eingang identifies an entrance; Ausgang identifies an exit. Geöffnet and Geschlossen tell you whether a place is open or closed.

Learn the entire notice: Nur für Personal limits access to staff, while Außer Betrieb says equipment is out of service. Short sign wording is normal German.

At a station, shop, or workplace, read the whole sign before choosing a door or using a machine.

Do not confuse Eingang and Ausgang. A smoking restriction also tells you nothing about whether a door is an entrance.

Ein- points in and aus- points out in Eingang/Ausgang. Nur means only; verboten means prohibited.

Match each of the eight notices to a place where you might see it and say what you would do.