Markus Heckhausen, CEO of Berlin's 'Ampelmann' brand, poses with a model of the East German 'Ampelmaennchen' traffic light at the company's office in Berlin, Germany on July 19, 2024. – AFP
As Germany prepares to commemorate 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, one emblem from the former communist East has emerged as a symbol of reunification, recognized by millions each time they cross a street. The 'Ampelmann' or pedestrian traffic light figure, with his distinctive chunky outline and wide-brimmed hat, almost vanished along with East Germany after the Wall fell on November 9, 1989. Many symbols of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) were discarded, including its polluting Trabant cars and threadbare state-run shops.
Markus Heckhausen, a businessman from the western German city of Tuebingen, recalls seeing the Ampelmann traffic lights often discarded on the roadside in the early days of reunified Germany. Despite being a 'Wessi' (West German), Heckhausen championed the cause of the Ampelmann, recognizing a commercial opportunity. He began collecting the lights to transform them into indoor lamps and launched a campaign to save the Ampelmann on the streets. This resonated with many East Germans who felt they were losing their identity as their country merged with the West.
The Ampelmann not only survived in the East but also found acceptance in parts of the West, including former western sectors of Berlin. Designed in 1961 by the state's 'transport psychologist' Karl Peglau, the Ampelmann became a star in East Germany, appearing in cartoons. Graphic designer Fons Hickmann attributes the Ampelmann's enduring appeal to his lovable 'imperfection'. Peglau aimed to create a cute, eye-catching figure to be noticed by children and the elderly, especially during a time of rising road accidents.
The humble Ampelmann has also become a lucrative business, with Heckhausen expanding into mugs, T-shirts, soft toys, and USB sticks. Today, the Ampelmann business generates millions of euros annually and employs around 80 people. In Berlin, Ampelmann stores have become a must-visit for tourists, offering a range of products that celebrate the iconic figure.
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