German railway route numbers

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German railway route numbers (German:Streckennummern) are used to designate and identify railway routes, or sections of routes, within Germany. In Germany, there are a total of 3 different numbering systems used by the Deutsche Bahn, which meet different requirements.

These systems are:

1. VzG line numbers (four digit, unambiguous identification of a railway line)
2. Timetabled route numbers (three digit, Kursbuchstrecke referring to a route of passenger services)
3. Restricted speed section (La) route numbers (one to three digit)

In addition there are numbers in the railway operators' timetables; these are not covered here.