Signal type	Explanation
Main signal (Hp - Hauptsignal)	Protects junctions, track parts or block sections.
Line-close signal (Sh - Schutzsignal)	Protects junctions, track parts or shunting routes.
Approach or repeater signal (Vr - Vorsignal / Vorsignalwiederholer)	Announces the aspect of a home signal. Approach signals are normally located at a distance that allows a complete stop before the announced signal. A main signal may be preceded by a repeater signal in case of reduced visibility.

Aspect	Explication
Clear (Ks1 - Fahrt)	Track clear, proceed at maximum speed.
Expect stop (Ks2 - Halt erwarten)	Stop at next signal.
Reduced speed aspects	Aspects of reduced speed are indicated by numbers on signs or luminous indicators. If the signal announces a reduced speed, the green light is flashing (see illustration).
Shunting permitted (Sh1 - Fahrverbot aufgehoben)	Shunting movements are allowed.
Stop (Hp0 - Halt!)	Stop. Conditions for passing the signal depend on the identification plate (see complements for signals).

Distant signals

Approach signal	Announced speed
	Maximum speed
	Reduced speed
	Stop
	Reduced speed (next signal at reduced distance)
	Stop (next signal at reduced distance)
	Reduced speed (repeated aspect)
	Stop (repeated aspect)

Repeater signal	Announced speed
	Maximum speed
	Reduced speed (repeated aspect)
	Stop (repeated aspect)

Home signals

Main signal	Immediate speed
or	Clear	Reduced speed	Shunting permitted	Stop

Main signal combined		Immediate speed
or      or      or	Announced speed	Vmax	Reduced speed	Shunting permitted	Stop
	Maximum speed
	Reduced speed
	Stop
	Reduced speed (next signal at reduced distance)
	Stop (next signal at reduced distance)

Line-close signal	Immediate speed
or	Shunting permitted	Stop