The XIV HT was developed as the successor locomotive to the IV T. In order to use an efficient boiler, the locomotive had to have five axles. Running axles were indispensable for good running characteristics in reversing train applications. In order to design an economical engine, a boiler with superheater, i.e. a superheated steam locomotive, was used. The first locomotive of this successful design was delivered in May 1911 by Sächsische Maschinenfabrik AG in Chemitz. Several construction lots followed in the following years, which resulted in a total number of 106 XIV HT units. The last locomotives were in service at DR until the 1970s.