Ampelmännchen

Pedestrian traffic lights of the East Germany

Pedestrian traffic lights of West Germany

Although Germany has officially been reunificated since October 3rd, 1990, there are still many momentos of Eastern Germany that can be found in Berlin. Point in case, the pedestrian traffic lights. Prior to the reunification of Germany, different forms of pedestrain traffic lights were used in the two German states, with those originating in the former East Germany being particularly distinctive. In contrast to the generic human figure used in West Germany, the figure in the east is generally held to be male, and wears a hat. The East Berlin Ampelmann was created in 1961 by traffic psychologist (never knew there was such a specialization!!!) Karl Peglau. He theorised that people would respond better to the traffic signals if they were presented by a friendly character, instead of meaningless coloured lights. However, Peglau is said to have initially feared that the design might be rejected because of its "petit bourgeois" hat.

Following German unification, there were attempts to standardise all traffic signals to the West German forms, leading to calls to save the East German Ampelmännchen. It thus became a kind of mascot for the East German nostalgia movement, known as Ostalgie (click on the word to learn more about this movement!). The protests were successful, and the Ampelmännchen returned to pedestrian crossings.

The Ämpelmännchen of the East are so popular here that they even have their own store! Here is the address for the Ämpelmännchen store in Berlin: http://www.ampelmann.de/html/shops.html

Click on "Ampelmann Shop" link to have a look at all the things you can get with your favorite red or green little pedestrian light men!!!