German railway route numbers

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.