The n-Wagen ("n-coaches") are a type of passenger coach used by Deutsche Bundesbahn and subsequently Deutsche Bahn. With two double-leafed doors per side to enable a high passenger throughput rate, the coaches were conceived for short dwell times in commuter and regional transit. Succeeding the, 5,000 units were built from 1958 to 1981, with some remaining in service still today.

Origin of the name

The UIC classification identifier letter "n" is an abbreviation for Nahverkehr ("local transit"); the complete description is local transit passenger coach (Nahverkehrswagen) with a length of over 24.5 metres, open coach with centre aisle in 2nd class, centre aisle or side corridor in 1st class, two centre doors, with 36-pole control cable for push-pull operations. The term Silberling (from German Silber, "silver") derives from the coaches' stainless steel body, which was originally unpainted, giving them a unique silver look.

Technical data

Type overview