How to prove a Deutsche Bahn delay
Good evidence makes the claim simple.
Yardstick: the timetable when you bought your ticket
What counts is the delay at the destination on your ticket, measured against the timetable when you bought your ticket. Changes announced before you bought it do not count as delay. Later real-time revisions do not reset the yardstick. DB brochure (PDF, German)
Documenting a delay: how
- DB Navigator screenshots: planned and actual times, with date.
- Keep the ticket and all receipts (taxi, hotel, food) in the original. DB: original receipts
- Delay confirmation: train staff can confirm delays of 60+ minutes on the passenger rights form. For the Deutschlandticket DB says no confirmation is needed, because delays are recorded electronically. DB: confirmation, DB: Deutschlandticket
- Note the time and platform; for cancellations also displays or announcements.
Passenger information on the general rules, not legal advice. Your case is decided by DB or your contract partner; in a dispute, söp can help.