There was an interesting topic that was posted on the Tripadvisor board regarding a new function on the Die Bahn Website:
"Just found out one nice new feature of the new version: Länder-Tickets are now shown as a savings fare price option if available for a route."
After further research the same poster, abalada, found this additional information:
"If you query for a connection at DB ticket machines you'll have the choice to choose between a normal ticket and a Länder-Ticket if applicable."
"...at the moment DB is installing new ticket machines which combine the functions of the old DB ticket machines (but are faster) and the ones of the local "Verkehrsverbund". For non-locals for sure less confusing than to deal with 2 different ticket machines."
For myself, this was valuable information. I suspect that it will be for other train buffs going to Germany>
Regards, Gary