Can I be arrested in Germany based solely on an Interpol Red Notice without a formal extradition request?

Yes, German police can provisionally arrest you based on a Red Notice for up to 40 days under §16 IRG, even before a formal extradition request arrives. The BKA treats Red Notices as valid grounds for provisional detention. During this period, the requesting state must submit a complete extradition request with supporting documentation. If no request arrives within the statutory timeframe, you must be released — but this does not resolve the underlying Red Notice, which remains active and can trigger re-arrest at any subsequent police encounter.