I leave in 4 days for Germany, arriving FRA and travelling to Goslar. Because the trip is long and more costly, I've purchased a binding ticket (SuperSparpreis).
Received an email today that THIS train has been cancelled. I was offered to rebook the next departing train, but now seat reservations are necessary, due to expected high volume.
Though I have travelled often to both Germany and Switzerland, I have never reserved seats!
My seats are in Wagen 1 (car 1) 2. Klasse, # such and such.
How do I know which is Wagen 1 from the outside?
Is that simply the first car of the train?

Generally there is a small sign or card on the car indicating it's number. Should be right next to the entry stairs. Or find a conductor and ask.

As Fmpden says, there will either be a printed card IN the window of the doorway OR depending on the type of train (ICE for example) there may be an LED lighted "sign" showing the car number built into the car's side near or as part of the doorway

Hi mokka4,

If you are at the track early, you can look for a huge info sheet with a diagram of the trains and each wagon number -- it is a white sheet and usually next to the huge yellow sheet showing the schedule of trains. The diagram will list the trains by departure time from that track, so you can find your exact train and see where your wagon is. They will show where each wagon sits in relation to the letters above the track ("A," "B," "C," etc), so you can be standing directly in front of your wagon when the train stops.

Have fun as you plan, and welcome back to Germany!

s

Thanks everyone..
I never have had to pay attention to this, just boarding on any 2nd class car!
Yes, we now will have over 2.5 hours to kill in FRA airport, after a (generally) sleepless flight!
Hope I can stay on my toes!