Mysterious tank road sign in front of bridges: This is what it really means. MLC signs indicate the maximum total weight with which military vehicles are allowed to pass the bridge.
They have their origins in the Cold War and can be seen on many bridges in West Germany. However, the yellow signs are gradually disappearing from German roads. In East Germany this is not necessary at all, because according to Focus there were never any in East Germany. The signs have been gradually being dismantled for years.