What does the figure "26" indicate in this traffic sign?

Your answer is correct. The number "26" in this traffic sign indicates the autobahn exit number. In Germany, autobahn exits are numbered sequentially to help drivers identify and refer to specific exits easily. This number helps you recognize which exit to take, especially when distances and destinations are shown nearby. The number does not indicate the autobahn number itself (such as A 26), nor does it represent the distance to the destination listed below the sign. Instead, it simply labels the specific exit, which in this case is exit 26 for Düsseldorf-Benrath. Understanding exit numbers aids in navigation and ensures you can quickly locate the correct exit on an autobahn.