At a German roundabout signed with both sign 215 (roundabout) and sign 205 (give way), traffic already circulating has priority. You wait for a safe gap before entering. Do not signal when entering this signed type of roundabout; signal before your exit and check the people whose paths your exit crosses.
That familiar layout is common, but the shape of a circular island is not enough to establish its priority rule. Read the signs at your own approach every time.
Approach: find both signs
Sign 215 directs traffic around the island; sign 205 tells you to yield. German § 8 StVO specifically gives circulating traffic priority when those signs appear together. Reduce speed early, read the lane and watch approaching vehicles in the circle. Enter only when you can do so without endangering or significantly obstructing them.
A driver already in the roundabout may be indicating an exit, but do not rely solely on the indicator. Confirm the vehicle’s movement and available space. A missed signal by another driver is a reason to wait, not a reason to rush.
Entry: no indicator for this signed roundabout
Under § 8 paragraph 1a, indicating while entering a roundabout with signs 215 and 205 is prohibited. Continue around the island in the prescribed direction. Maintain enough distance to respond if a vehicle ahead slows for its exit or for a person crossing near it.
Different junction designs can have different signs or signal controls. If there is no sign 205 beneath sign 215, do not transfer this exact rule by habit. Work from the actual traffic control.
Exit: indicate and look across the full route
Before your intended exit, indicate the turn in good time without suggesting you will take an earlier exit. Check the side and the road you are entering. A cyclist moving around the circle or a pedestrian crossing near the exit may be in your path. The turning duties in § 9 StVO still matter.
For example, you approach the second exit. You pass the first one without signalling. After it, you indicate your intended exit, check mirrors and the side, then leave only if the exit path is clear. At a busy location, slower and more deliberate observation is safer than trying to hold your speed.
Common misunderstandings
- “Circular road means the circulating car always wins.” Read the signs before deciding.
- “I should indicate right as soon as I enter.” Not for the sign 215 plus 205 arrangement.
- “The vehicle’s indicator proves it is leaving.” Wait for the movement to be clear.
- “Priority in the circle lets me exit across anyone.” Turning and crossing traffic still need attention.
A short practice method
Practise each roundabout in two decisions. First: may I enter, given the signs and circulating traffic? Second: may I exit, given my intended turn and anyone crossing the exit? Treating those as separate questions stops an easy entry from becoming a careless exit. Rehearse the same two-step pattern when walking through theory pictures and when driving with an instructor.
Practise the priority decision
- 1
Identify the signs
Check whether the familiar 215 and 205 combination is present.
- 2
Choose a safe entry
Allow circulating traffic to pass before entering.
- 3
Review the exit
Think through signalling and crossing road users.
Free to download on iPhone & iPad
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Who has priority in a German roundabout?
With signs 215 and 205 together at the entrance, traffic already on the circular roadway has priority. Other layouts require their own sign check.
Should I indicate when entering?
No. For the roundabout regulated by signs 215 and 205, indicating on entry is prohibited by § 8 paragraph 1a StVO.
When do I indicate when leaving?
Indicate in good time before your chosen exit, without misleading others about an earlier exit, and check the full turning path.
Can cyclists or pedestrians affect my exit?
Yes. Check the actual cycle and pedestrian routes at the exit and comply with the duties for turning traffic.