Ampelmann

The Ampelmännchen, or Ampelmann, a beloved symbol from East Germany, survived the end of the Iron Curtain. After the Berlin Wall fell, the “little traffic light man” gained popularity throughout Berlin.

To make traffic light operations apparent to those unable to differentiate colors, a psychologist created the Ampelman in 1961. Evidently, this condition affects roughly ten percent of the population. Who knew?

By adding shapes to the lights, anyone who saw the light would understand its intention. The green light had a cutout of a walking Ampelmann, the red a man with his arms outstretched, legs together.

Ampelmann Red

Ampelmann Green