The first thing to do when buying a Bahn card is immediately cancel it. It will still remain valid during its period of validity, but then it won't be automatically renewed.

I ordered the Probe BahnCard 25 yesterday. How do I cancel the card? I cannot find out how to do that online? My temporary card shows it is good until 8-18-12, which is, in fact, the date I leave. I am assuming since this is the paper one that is why it says that and not the four months which is what it says it is online. When I cancel I can put in the 4 months date, correct? I don't want it to cancel effective immediately!

You can go to any DB office in the train station and they will handwrite a letter for you, which you will sign, stating that you want it cancelled. You can handwrite a letter saying the same if you must.

How ,long is temporary Bahncard good for, the paper version you get when you first order it at the station. I know, after it expires, they will send the plastic one in ten mail and it will automatically renew after 4 months.

> How ,long is temporary Bahncard good for, the paper version you get when you first order it at the station.

~ 2 month. The validity period is shown on the preliminary BahnCard.

> I know, after it expires, they will send the plastic one in ten mail

No. The real (plastic) BahnCard will be send to your address a few days after you bought it.

> and it will automatically renew after 4 months.

Only true if you buy a Probe (trial) BahnCard. All other BahnCards are goord for one year. You can cancel a BahnCard subscription until 6 weeks before your BahnCard expires. You'll normally receive your new BahnCard so 3 weeks before the old one expires.