| Name | Fernsprechhäuschen 78 |
| Date | 1978-2010 |
| Manufacturer | Deutsche Bundespost |
Development of the Fernsprechhäuschen 78
| The Fernsprechhäuschen 78 (FeH 78 / later TelH 78) is the most iconic German telephone booth, introduced around 1979 by the Deutsche Bundespost as the final standard enclosed kiosk type. It became the dominant form of public telephony across West Germany and remained in service into the 21st century. The design marked a clear departure from earlier steel-and-glass booths. It featured rounded corners, smooth moulded surfaces, and large curved windows, giving it a softer, modern appearance. The structure was largely made from glass-fibre reinforced polyester, making it lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, while stainless steel reinforcement plates were used in high-wear areas. Finished in the distinctive post yellow (RAL 1005), it was highly visible and instantly recognisable. Like other German kiosks, the FeH 78 was a standard design issued by the Bundespost but manufactured by multiple contractors. One confirmed producer is Süd-Böhl, reflecting a decentralised production model typical of the system. The booths housed push-button and later card-operated telephones, reflecting technological change. Today, surviving examples are often repurposed as book exchanges or community installations, preserving one of Germany’s most recognisable pieces of late 20th-century street furniture. |
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