Deutsche Bahn (DB) Psychometric Tests, Recruitment Process & Interviews Online Preparation – 2025

What Is Deutsche Bahn?

Berlin-based Deutsche Bahn is a German railway company that is the second-largest transport company in the world, after Deutsche Post (DHL). It provides passenger transportation services both locally as DB Regio, and long-distance as DB Fernvekehr, as well as freight services under the name DB Cargo. These services are offered under 3 different company names, with a fourth subsidiary company, DB Netz, that operates large portions of the railway infrastructure in Germany.

To encourage employees to remain with the company long-term and promote a healthy work-life balance, Deutsche Bahn offers its employees a number of competitive benefits.

These benefits include:

• Health and dental coverage
• Company pension plan
• Family support centres
• Travel discounts
• Supplementary unpaid leave

What Is Deutsche Bahn’s Hiring Process?

If you are interested in a position with Deutsche Bahn start your search directly on their careers website. You can browse opportunities available in Germany as well as internationally, including locations across Europe, the Middle East, South America, Canada, and Asia. Positions specifically located in Germany will typically be listed in German. You can set filters to narrow your search specifically to graduate, student, or experienced hire positions.

To apply, you’ll first need to create an applicant profile on the Deutsche Bahn careers portal. This involves uploading your CV, resume, and filling out the online application form thoroughly. If there aren’t currently openings matching your qualifications, you can set up personalized job alerts to be notified when suitable positions become available.

Applicants who seem like they will be a good fit will be asked to take an online assessment test. In addition to the psychological tests that are required for train operators, Deutsche Bahn uses the Cut-e tests developed by Aon, the Eligo tests and the Korn Ferry tests (Talent Q). These tests are used to narrow the applicants down to those who show the best chance of success.

Those who perform successfully on these assessments typically advance to the interview stage. Deutsche Bahn’s interview process usually includes an initial video interview, followed by more detailed competency-based interviews, which may be conducted either virtually or in-person, depending on the role and circumstances.

Deutsche Bahn Interviews: Quick Tips for Success

Candidates preparing for Deutsche Bank’s interviews should anticipate two main interview formats: the pre-recorded video interview and the in-person competency-based interview. The video interview typically involves 5 to 8 pre-set questions, providing around 30 seconds of preparation and up to 3 minutes to record each answer. Since there’s no live interviewer, it’s crucial to clearly articulate responses within these time constraints, paying close attention to body language, tone, and confidence.

For the in-person competency-based interviews, be prepared to discuss detailed examples from your past experiences demonstrating key competencies such as teamwork, adaptability, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. Practicing common interview questions, thoroughly researching Deutsche Bank’s values and recent developments, and preparing thoughtful questions about the role or company will further showcase your genuine interest and increase your chances of interview success.

Deutsche Bahn’s Online Tests

Those who are applying for positions as train operators will be required to take a psychological test as well as a train driving aptitude test. Applicants for other positions will also be asked to take assessment tests. These tests will be tailored to measure the skills you will need for the position.

Train operating tests focus on situational judgment and decision-making. These tests have a strong psychological component since train operation can be mentally taxing.

Deutsche Bahn uses psychometric tests of few test providers. These tests are designed to test specific job-relevant skills, so the exact tests given will vary by position. Many applicants will be required to take the Mechanical reasoning test. Like almost all job tests, the mechanical reasoning test is multiple choice and timed. You will have around 12 minutes to complete the 24 tasks on the test. The questions will all take the form of graphics which you will need to have a basic mechanical understanding to solve.

How to Prepare for Deutsche Bahn’s Assessment?

Lack of preparation can result in undesirable test scores. To achieve a high score and outshine the competition you will need to prepare the assessment tests. The job descriptions will list necessary skills, which should give you an idea of the areas you will need to study. If you know your position is likely to require a mechanical reasoning exam, focus on physics and mechanical principles. Motion, circuits, force, pulleys, gears, and levers are all examples of topics that are typically found on a mechanical reasoning test. Websites that help explain physics, flashcards to review the principles, and carefully studying diagrams so you can understand the way things work, will all benefit you when studying for the pre-hire assessment.

Train operators have an extra tool when it comes to preparing. Due to poor performance in previous years, Deutsche Bahn has worked to develop a resource to help operator and dispatch applicants prepare. Working with Games for Business they have developed a training platform that functions as an online game to allow applicants to practice and help you understand the process.