You will find these automats in most stations. They sell tickets for regional trains. They sell tickets only from the station they are in. Just to the left of the coin slot is a button with a flag. This button is supposed to change the language of the display. None I have seen have worked.
1. Find your destination and its 4 digit number code on the plaque to the left hand side.
2. Punch in the number code on the numeric keypad.
3. Select one of the buttons in the two columns on the lower right. The left hand column is for adults; the right hand column is for children or dogs. The top row of buttons is for Einzelfahrkarten (single trip tickets). If you want to add another person, punch the green '+' button. You will probably have to punch in the number code again.
4. When it displays the price, insert your money or credit card. With a credit card it will print two cards. The first one is a receipt; the second one is your ticket. Get both!
The red 'C' button is to start over if you make a mistake.
There might be a button for an express train supplement (ICE or IC/EC Zuschlag). You will need this if you want to get on an express train.
You can buy tickets for regional trains here as well as for express trains. Unlike the automats of the Nahverkehr, which only sell undated tickets from that station to a specific destination, these automats allow you to select a different starting station. They will also show you a number of different connections with different types of trains, each possibly with a different price.
Each of these automats should sell L�nder tickets for all of the L�nder, not just the one for the land you are in.
You will find these automats in any station that is served by trains of the Vernverkehr. The regional bahnhof in the Frankfurt airport should have at least one because some ICs go through the station.