Originally Posted by
miserablewithAC
Very few exits have advance signs indicating that they are ahead a few kilometres - usually only the kreutz (where two Autobahns cross), or major airports have signs which indicate the approaching exit. Instead it is more common to post large overhead signs with the mileage (in kms) to the next three city/exits. Exits are numbered but not indicated on the mileage signs - usually only numbered right at the exit itself. Read your map ahead of time.
All exits are signaled in the exact same way (German love for rules and conventions): sign with exit number and name 1km from exit, sign with localities reachable from exit, as well as name of next exit at 500m from exit, sign to the side with three diagonal bars at 300m, sign with two diagonal bars at 200m, sign with one diagonal bar at 100m (and I believe this one repeats the exit number), sign with names of localities at beginning of deceleration lane, and arrow with the word "Ausfahrt" right at exit. 1km should be plenty of warning when approaching an exit...
Junctions & "triangles" have an additional sign 2km out telling you the name of the junction and the type (ie, junction or triangle).