The German Class 23 (Baureihe 23 or BR 23) engines of the Deutsche Reichsbahn (DRG) were standard (Einheitslokomotiven) steam engines that were conceived as a replacement for the Prussian P 8 by the Schichau Works.
The procurement of 800 locomotives had been planned, however the constraints of the Second World War meant that they never entered full production.
After the war the two locomotives, with operating numbers 23 001 and 23 002, went to the DR in East Germany and were variously stabled in Berlin, Brandenburg an der Havel, Jüterbog and Halle.
In 1961, number 23 001 was given a Reko boiler with combustion chamber, developed for the Class 50.
Number 23 002 was to be reconstructed, but was retired however in 1967 due to damage to the frame and scrapped.