Free alternatives to Bahnschrift

The closest free alternative to Bahnschrift is DINish, an open font in the same DIN style. Barlow is close too and comes in several widths.

  • 5 free alternatives
  • Free for commercial use
  • Updated November 2026

At a glance

FontMatchWeightsItalicsBest for
DINishClose match300 to 900YesSignage and data UI
DIN 1451 Alte MittelschriftClose match400 to 700NoSignage and wayfinding
BarlowClose match100 to 900YesSigns and dashboards
Barlow Semi CondensedSimilar feel100 to 900YesTight layouts
SairaSimilar feel100 to 900YesSporty and technical layouts

The 5 best free alternatives

Same widths: drawn to the same letter widths, so nothing reflows. Close match: nearest look. Similar feel: same mood, different details.

  1. DINish

    Close match

    Best alternative

    An open-source DIN with several weights and widths.

  2. DIN 1451 Alte Mittelschrift

    Close match

    An open-source take on the German DIN 1451 road sign lettering.

  3. Barlow

    Close match

    A slightly rounded grotesque with a DIN-like feel, weights from 100 to 900 and italics.

  4. Barlow Semi Condensed

    Similar feel

    The narrower cut of Barlow, with weights from 100 to 900. Good for signs and tight layouts.

  5. Saira

    Similar feel

    A squared sans with weights from 100 to 900, italics and a technical feel.

Pair it with

Curated pairings that use these alternatives.

About Bahnschrift

Bahnschrift is Microsoft's take on the German DIN 1451 lettering and comes with Windows.

Designed by
Microsoft
License
Ships with Windows. Webfont use needs a license.
Best free match
DINish

Questions about Bahnschrift

Is Bahnschrift free?

It comes with Windows, so you can use it in your own documents. Serving it as a webfont or embedding it in an app needs a license.

What is the closest free font to Bahnschrift?

The closest free alternative to Bahnschrift is DINish, an open font in the same DIN style.

Is Bahnschrift on Google Fonts?

No. Barlow, Barlow Semi Condensed and Saira are the closest Bahnschrift-style fonts on Google Fonts.

What font pairs well with Barlow?

Barlow pairs well with Barlow Condensed.

More font alternatives

See all