The DE 2000 was the prototype of a diesel locomotive which, contrary to usual practice, did not go back to an order from the Bundesbahn, but was developed by Henschel and the Siemens-Schuckert-Werke on their own initiative. Although only diesel-hydraulic locomotives had been procured in Germany due to the weight savings, the need for diesel-electric locomotives was seen in other countries and this prototype was created.

In contrast to American and Soviet diesel-electric locomotives, an engine was installed which, at 1,500 rpm, reached almost twice the rotational speed. This allowed an increase in power without increasing the displacement, in order to be able to compensate for the higher weight caused by the generator and the traction motors. The engine was of the Maybach MD 870 type and had 16 cylinders and was charged by an exhaust gas turbocharger and intercooler.

Immediately after acceptance, the Bundesbahn rented the locomotive in order to compare it with its diesel-hydraulic locomotives in passenger service. In 1968 it was internally assigned the computer number 202 001, but in the following year it was returned to the manufacturer and series production did not take place, as the intention was to continue to procure the locomotives of the class V-160.

After a conversion of the suspension to a more contemporary design, it was adopted by the Westfälische Landes-Eisenbahn to be used in front of limestone trains. Since this operation was a heavy burden for the high-revving engine, it was derated from 1,450 to 1,323 kW in 1973 to extend its service life. Its service ended in 1977 after the generator and traction motors overheated because the driver had overloaded them in the lowest speed range. In the end, the repairs were no longer worthwhile, which is why the locomotive was scrapped in 1978.