Warntafeln

Warntafeln are warning plaques or signs that were used to communicate danger, access restrictions, or safety instructions in wartime environments. The term is primarily found in German-language sources and refers to plates or plaques affixed to buildings, gates, walls, and other installations to quickly convey hazards to personnel and the public.

Historically, Warntafeln appeared during the 20th century in military and civil defense contexts. They were common on fortifications, ammunition depots, air-raid shelters, factories producing military materiel, and border or check-point buildings. The signs aimed to provide concise information at a glance, often using simple language, pictograms, or symbols to transcend language barriers in diverse, high-stress settings.

Design and content of Warntafeln varied but typically included essential elements such as the nature of the danger (for example explosive material, restricted area, or gas and radiation warnings), instructions for behavior (access denied, keep out, proceed with caution), and information about who may enter or who is responsible for the area. Materials ranged from metal and enamel to wood or painted surfaces, with color-coding and standard motifs intended to enhance visibility in daylight or low-light conditions.

Today, Warntafeln are studied as historical artifacts that shed light on wartime safety practices, civil defense infrastructure, and military organization. They are found in museums, archives, and heritage sites, where they contribute to understanding how danger was communicated in challenging wartime environments. See also: warning signs, safety signage, civil defense.