What does this traffic sign indicate?

This traffic sign is a distance marker indicating a level crossing ahead. The two red stripes mean that the level crossing is approximately 160 meters away.

In Germany, these distance markers are often placed before level crossings to alert drivers about the upcoming crossing. One stripe means about 240 meters, two stripes mean about 160 meters, and three stripes mean about 80 meters distance to the crossing.

Recognizing these markers helps drivers prepare to slow down and carefully approach the crossing, increasing safety near railway tracks.