As of 2026, there is no high-speed maglev system in commercial operation in Germany, although the country was a pioneer of the technology. For decades, Germany operated the Transrapid test track in Emsland, which showcased the potential for trains to reach speeds of 500 km/h using magnetic levitation. However, a tragic accident in 2006 and escalating costs led to the project being largely abandoned for domestic use, though the technology was successfully exported to China for the Shanghai Maglev. Recently, there has been a "maglev revival" in German politics; in Berlin, officials have proposed a new magnetic levitation pilot line to connect the city center to the airport or other key hubs, potentially using the "Max Bögl" system, which is designed for medium speeds and urban transport. While the iconic high-speed Transrapid era has closed, the focus has shifted toward these smaller, driverless maglev shuttles as a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional trams or subways in dense German urban centers.