Thanks for your reply. The story ends happily, although strangely. I got on the train and asked the conductor if I should have a first class ticket. He said (in German), no, because this train doesn't have luxury quality."

Uh, ok. I got my own compartment with shower and toilet; I guess whoever had booked the shared space didn't show up. The only things I did notice that I think you would get with a 1st class ticket that I didn't get were a welcome drink and a table-served breakfast. I got mine in a bag.

That was fine as all I really wanted was the space. Funny how 3 DB employees and I and the CNL brochure all seem to think I need a 1st class ticket but 3 DB workers didn't. This seems unusually disorganized for Germany!