The name DIN refers to the Deutsches Institut für Normung (in English, the German Institute for Standardization). The typeface began life as the DIN Institute’s standard no. DIN 1451, published in 1931. It contained several models of standard alphabets for mechanically engraved lettering, hand-lettering, lettering stencils and printing types. These were to be used in the areas of signage, traffic signs, wayfinding, lettering on technical drawings and technical documentation. Rooted in earlier designs for Germany’s railway companies, the alphabets were based on geometric shapes in order to be easily reproducible using compass and ruler.
