What applies when you see this traffic sign?

Your answer is correct.

The traffic sign shown indicates the beginning of a multi-lane road with multiple lanes for the same direction. According to German traffic rules:

- You can freely choose any lane for your direction of travel. This means you are not restricted to a specific lane based on your intended route within the lanes going in your direction.
- It is allowed to drive faster in the right-hand lane than in the left-hand lane, which often serves overtaking or faster moving traffic, provided speed limits permit.

However, the sign does NOT automatically mean you can drive faster than 50 km/h just because it's a multi-lane carriageway. Speed limits still apply based on posted signs or general regulations. The multi-lane sign only relates to lane use and overtaking behavior, not to speed limits.

Understanding these points helps you use multi-lane roads correctly and safely according to German traffic regulations.