Meet the man who turned a traffic light into an icon

In the heart of divided Berlin, in 1961, a man with a clear vision and a hint of genius created one of Germany’s most recognizable symbols: the Ampelmann. Karl Peglau, a traffic psychologist and engineer, was tasked with designing new pedestrian signals to reduce accidents in an increasingly congested and complex city. Peglau observed that traditional traffic lights were insufficiently clear, especially for children, the elderly, and the visually impaired.

So, in 1961, he proposed an innovative design: two stylized anthropomorphic figures, a red one with outstretched arms to indicate “Stop” and a green one moving to indicate “Go.” These figures, wearing coats and hats, were designed to be easily recognizable and understandable by everyone.

Today, the Ampelmann is much more than just a traffic light: it’s a brand, a souvenir, and an ambassador for the city of Berlin. Its image is used in a variety of contexts, from souvenir shops to designer products, and is beloved by locals and tourists alike.

The story of the Ampelmann demonstrates how a simple idea, born to solve a practical problem, can evolve into an enduring cultural symbol. Thanks to Karl Peglau’s vision and the passion of those who believed in him, the Ampelmann continues to thrive, a symbol of security, identity, and shared history!