Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 6, 2009


                                                                File No. 2-96461
                                                               File No. 811-4257


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-1A


           REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933         |___|

                        Pre-Effective Amendment _____                      |___|
                       Post-Effective Amendment No. 45                     | X |
                                     and/or
                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940                    |___|

                               Amendment No. 49                            | X |

                              DWS Variable Series I
                              ---------------------
               (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

                       345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154
                       -----------------------------------
               (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

       Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (617) 295-1000

                                Caroline Pearson
                  Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.
                                One Beacon Street
                           Boston, Massachusetts 02108
                           ---------------------------
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):


|___|     Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
|___|     60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
|___|     75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
|___|     On __________________ pursuant to paragraph (b)
|___|     On __________________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
|___|     On __________________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
|X|       On May 1, 2009 pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of Rule 485

          If appropriate, check the following box:
|___|     This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
          previously filed post-effective amendment



<PAGE>

                                  MAY 1, 2009





                                   PROSPECTUS



                                    CLASS A

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DWS VARIABLE SERIES I

DWS BOND VIP

DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP

DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP

DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP

DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP

DWS HEALTH CARE VIP

DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS

DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP

DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP



This prospectus should be read in conjunction with the variable life insurance
or variable annuity contract prospectus and plan documents for tax-qualified
plans. These shares are available and are being marketed exclusively as a
pooled funding vehicle for life insurance companies writing all types of
variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts.


The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not approve or disapprove
these shares or determine whether the information in this prospectus is
truthful or complete. It is a criminal offense for anyone to inform you
otherwise.


                                     RESHAPING INVESTING. [DWS INVESTMENTS LOGO]
                                                             Deutsche Bank Group



<PAGE>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW EACH PORTFOLIO WORKS

Each portfolio is designed to serve as an investment option for certain
variable annuity contracts, variable life insurance policies and tax-qualified
plans. Your investment in a portfolio is made in conjunction with one of these
contracts or policies. Each portfolio has its own investment objective and
strategy.

Remember that each portfolio is not a bank deposit. Each portfolio is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. Share prices will go up and down and you could lose money by
investing.

Please read this prospectus in conjunction with the prospectus for your
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract or plan documents
for tax-qualified plans. HOW EACH PORTFOLIO WORKS




<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
  3      DWS Bond VIP
 11      DWS Growth & Income VIP
 18      DWS Capital Growth VIP
 26      DWS Global Opportunities VIP
 34      DWS International VIP
 42      DWS Health Care VIP
 49      DWS Equity 500 Index VIP
 56      DWS Small Cap Index VIP
 63      Other Policies and Risks
 63      The Investment Advisor
 64      Portfolio Subadvisors
</TABLE>



YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS



<TABLE>
<S>     <C>
66      Buying and Selling Shares
69      How each Portfolio Calculates Share Price
69      Distributions
70      Taxes
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

DWS BOND VIP

THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The portfolio seeks to maximize total return consistent with preservation of
capital and prudent investment management, by investing for both current income
and capital appreciation. Under normal circumstances, the portfolio invests at
least 80% of net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment
purposes, in bonds of any maturity.

The portfolio primarily invests in US dollar-denominated fixed income
securities, including corporate bonds, US government and agency bonds and
mortgage- and asset-backed securities. A significant portion of the portfolio's
assets may also be allocated among foreign investment grade fixed income
securities, high yield bonds of US and foreign issuers
(including high yield bonds of issuers in countries with new or emerging
securities markets), or, to maintain liquidity, in cash or money market
instruments.

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign investment
grade bonds (those considered to be in the top four grades of credit quality).

In addition, the portfolio may also invest up to 35% of total assets in
securities of US and foreign issuers that are below investment grade (rated as
low as the sixth credit grade, i.e., grade B, otherwise known as junk bonds).
Compared to investment grade bonds, junk bonds may pay higher yields, have
higher volatility and may have higher risk of default on payments of interest
or principal.

The portfolio may invest up to 20% of total assets in US dollar denominated or
foreign currency denominated bonds of issuers located in countries with new or
emerging securities markets.

The portfolio may have exposure of up to 15% of total assets in foreign
currencies. Currency forward contracts are permitted for both non-hedging and
hedging purposes.

US INVESTMENT GRADE SECURITIES. In selecting these securities for investment,
the portfolio managers typically:

o assign a relative value to each bond, based on creditworthiness, cash flow
  and price;

o determine the value of each issue by examining the issuer's credit quality,
  debt structure, option value and liquidity risks. The portfolio managers
  look to take advantage of any inefficiencies between this value and market
  trading price;

o use credit analysis to determine the issuer's ability to fulfill its
  contracts; and

o use a bottom-up approach which subordinates sector weightings to individual
  bonds that the portfolio managers believe may add above-market value.

The portfolio managers generally sell these securities when they reach their
target price or when there is a negative change in their outlook relative to
the other securities held by the portfolio. Bonds may also be sold to
facilitate the purchase of an issue with more attractive risk/return
characteristics.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT GRADE SECURITIES AND EMERGING MARKETS HIGH YIELD SECURITIES.
In selecting these securities for investment, the portfolio managers follow a
bottom-up, relative value strategy. The portfolio managers look to purchase
foreign securities that they believe offer incremental value over US Treasuries.
The portfolio managers invest in a focused manner in those markets that its
relative value process has identified as being the most attractive. The
portfolio managers sell securities or exchanges currencies when they meet their
target price objectives or when the portfolio managers revise price objectives
downward. In selecting emerging market securities, the portfolio managers also
consider short-term factors such as market sentiment, capital flows and new
issue programs.

HIGH YIELD SECURITIES (EXCLUDING EMERGING MARKET SOVEREIGN DEBT). In selecting
these securities for investment, the portfolio managers:

o analyze economic conditions for improving or undervalued sectors and
  industries;

o use independent credit research and on-site management visits to evaluate
  individual issuer's debt service, growth rate, and downgrade and upgrade
  potential;


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                                DWS BOND VIP   3
<PAGE>

o assess new issues versus secondary market opportunities; and

o seek issues within industry sectors they believe has strong long-term
  fundamentals and improving credits.

Factors that influence the portfolio managers' decision to sell a security
could include the realization of anticipated gains/target yield, deterioration
in a company's fundamentals (i.e., a repeated shortfall in revenues or cash
flow), or an unexpected development that, in the portfolio managers' opinion,
will diminish the company's competitive position or ability to generate
adequate cash flow.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval. However, the Board will provide shareholders with at least 60 days'
notice prior to making any changes to the portfolio's 80% investment policy.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

Although not one of its principal investment strategies, the portfolio is
permitted, but not required, to use various types of derivatives (contracts
whose value is based on, for example, indexes, currencies or securities).
Derivatives may be used for hedging and for risk management or for non-hedging
purposes to seek to enhance potential gains. The portfolio may use derivatives
in circumstances where portfolio management believes they offer an economical
means of gaining exposure to a particular asset class or to keep cash on hand
to meet shareholder redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to
the market. In particular, the portfolio may use interest rate and currency
futures contracts, eurodollar futures contracts, interest rate and currency
swaps, and credit default swaps.

As a temporary defensive measure, the portfolio could shift up to 100% of
assets in cash and cash equivalents, US government securities, money market
instruments and high quality debt securities without equity features. This
measure could prevent losses, but, while engaged in a temporary defensive
position, the portfolio will not be pursuing its investment objective. However,
the portfolio managers may choose not to use these strategies for various
reasons, even in very volatile market conditions.



THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.


INTEREST RATE RISK. Generally, debt securities will decrease in value when
interest rates rise. The longer the duration of the portfolio's debt
securities, the more sensitive the portfolio will be to interest rate changes.
(As a general rule, a 1% rise in interest rates means a 1% fall in value for
every year of duration.) As interest rates decline, the issuers of debt
securities held by the portfolio may prepay principal earlier than scheduled,
forcing the portfolio to reinvest in lower-yielding debt securities. Prepayment
may reduce the portfolio's income. As interest rates increase, slower than
expected principal payments may extend the average life of debt securities.
This will have the effect of locking in a below-market interest rate,
increasing the portfolio's duration and reducing the value of such a security.
Because the portfolio may invest in mortgage-related securities, it is more
vulnerable to both of these risks.


CREDIT RISK. A portfolio purchasing debt securities faces the risk that the
creditworthiness of an issuer may decline, causing the value of the debt
securities to decline. In addition, an issuer may not be able to make timely
payments on the interest and/or principal on the debt security it has issued.
Because the issuers of high-yield debt securities or junk bonds (debt
securities rated below the fourth highest category) may be in uncertain
financial health, the prices of their debt securities can be more vulnerable to
bad economic news or even the expectation of bad news, than investment-grade
debt securities. In some cases, debt securities, particularly high-yield debt
securities, may decline in credit quality or go into default. Because the
portfolio may invest in securities not paying current interest or in securities
already in default, these risks may be more pronounced.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
4   DWS BOND VIP
<PAGE>

MARKET RISK. Deteriorating market conditions might cause a general weakness in
the market that reduces the prices of securities in that market. Developments
in a particular class of debt securities or the stock market could also
adversely affect the portfolio by reducing the relative attractiveness of debt
securities as an investment. Also, to the extent that the portfolio emphasizes
debt securities from any given industry, it could be hurt if that industry does
not do well.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. Foreign investments involve certain special risks,
including:

o POLITICAL RISK. Some foreign governments have limited the outflow of profits
  to investors abroad, imposed restrictions on the exchange or export of
  foreign currency, extended diplomatic disputes to include trade and
  financial relations, seized foreign investments and imposed higher taxes.

o INFORMATION RISK. Companies based in foreign markets are usually not subject
  to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as
  stringent as those in the US. Therefore, their financial reports may present
  an incomplete, untimely or misleading picture of a company, as compared to
  the financial reports required in the US.

o LIQUIDITY RISK. Investments that trade less frequently can be more difficult
  or more costly to buy, or to sell, than more liquid or active investments.
  This liquidity risk is a factor of the trading volume of a particular
  investment, as well as the size and liquidity of the entire local market. On
  the whole, foreign exchanges are smaller and less liquid than US exchanges.
  This can make buying and selling certain investments more difficult and
  costly. Relatively small transactions in some instances can have a
  disproportionately large effect on the price and supply of securities. In
  certain situations, it may become virtually impossible to sell an investment
  in an orderly fashion at a price that approaches portfolio management's
  estimate of its value. For the same reason, it may at times be difficult to
  value the portfolio's foreign investments.

o REGULATORY RISK. There is generally less government regulation of foreign
  markets, companies and securities dealers than in the US.

o CURRENCY RISK. The portfolio invests in securities denominated in foreign
  currencies. Changes in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the US
  dollar may affect the US dollar value of foreign securities or the income or
  gain received on these securities.

o LIMITED LEGAL RECOURSE RISK. Legal remedies for investors may be more limited
  than the legal remedies available in the US.

o TRADING PRACTICE RISK. Brokerage commissions and other fees are generally
  higher for foreign investments than for US investments. The procedures and
  rules governing foreign transactions and custody may also involve delays in
  payment, delivery or recovery of money or investments.

o TAXES. Foreign withholding and certain other taxes may reduce the amount of
  income available to distribute to shareholders of the portfolio. In
  addition, special US tax considerations may apply to the portfolio's foreign
  investments.

EMERGING MARKET RISK. All of the risks of investing in foreign securities are
increased in connection with investments in emerging markets securities. In
addition, profound social changes and business practices that depart from norms
in developed countries' economies have hindered the orderly growth of emerging
economies and their markets in the past and have caused instability. High
levels of debt tend to make emerging economies heavily reliant on foreign
capital and vulnerable to capital flight. Countries with emerging economies are
also more likely to experience high levels of inflation, deflation or currency
devaluation, which could also hurt their economies and securities markets. For
these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered
speculative.

Some governments exercise substantial influence over the private economic
sector and the social and political uncertainties that exist for many
developing countries is significant. In adverse social and political
circumstances, governments have been involved in policies of expropriation,
confiscatory taxation, nationalization, intervention in the securities markets
and trade settlement, and imposition of foreign investment restrictions and
exchange controls.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                                DWS BOND VIP   5
<PAGE>

transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of leverage, which could
increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and magnify potential losses.
There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent employed, will have the
intended effect, and their use could cause lower returns or even losses to the
portfolio. The use of derivatives by the portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the
opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price
movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

Another factor that could affect performance is:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of industries, companies,
  economic trends, the relative attractiveness of different securities or
  other matters.

This portfolio is designed for investors who are looking for a relatively high
level of income and can accept a moderate level of risk to their investment.



PERFORMANCE - CLASS A

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS A

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]


<TABLE>
<S>          <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
  -0.95      10.56       5.75      7.66      5.06      5.38      2.60      4.72      4.18      -16.77
  1999       2000       2001      2002      2003      2004      2005      2006      2007       2008
</TABLE>








<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                       <C>
BEST QUARTER: 3.98%, Q4 2000              WORST QUARTER: -11.29%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: 0.18%
</TABLE>


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
6   DWS BOND VIP
<PAGE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                   <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class A                       -16.77          -0.37           2.55
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate
Index                                      5.24           4.65            5.63
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.

BARCLAYS CAPITAL U.S. AGGREGATE INDEX (name changed from Lehman Brothers U.S.
Aggregate Index effective November 3, 2008) is an unmanaged market
value-weighted measure of Treasury issues, agency issues, corporate bond issues
and mortgage securities.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.





HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                     CLASS A
<S>                                    <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
__________________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                  0.39%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee                None
Other Expenses 1                                0.20

TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                 0.59
</TABLE>



1    "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
     in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.


Based on the costs above, this example helps you compare the expenses of Class A
shares to those of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses above
remain the same. It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual
returns, reinvested all dividends and distributions and sold your shares at the
end of each period. This is only an example; actual expenses will be different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class A shares           $60           $189           $329           $738
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                                DWS BOND VIP   7
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. Each portfolio manager on the
team has authority over all aspects of the portfolio's investment portfolio,
including but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities,
portfolio construction techniques, portfolio risk assessment and the management
of daily cash flows in accordance with portfolio holdings.

The following people handle the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Kenneth R. Bowling, CFA, Managing Director
Head of Institutional Fixed Income Investments, Americas: Louisville.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2007 after 14 years of experience at
     INVESCO where he was most recently director of US fixed Income.
   o BS and MEng from University of Louisville.

Jamie Guenther, CFA, Managing Director
Head of Institutional Credit: Louisville.

   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2007 after 25 years of experience,
     most recently as head of Credit Research and CDO/CSO Credit for INVESCO.
     Prior to that he was head of financial institution investment research at
     Duff & Phelps Investment Research. Prior to that, he was a global security
     analyst for Alexander & Alexander. He began his career in 1982 at Touche
     Ross Financial Consulting.

   o BBA from Western Michigan University.

John Brennan, Director
Portfolio and Sector Manager for Institutional Fixed Income: Louisville.

   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in March 2007 after 14 years of
     experience at INVESCO and Freddie Mac. Prior to that, he served as head of
     Structured Securities sector team for INVESCO; and, prior to that, he was
     senior fixed income portfolio manager at Freddie Mac specializing in MBS,
     CMBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, ARMS, mortgage derivatives, US
     Treasuries and agency debt.

   o BS from University of Maryland; MBA from William & Mary.

Bruce Harley, CFA, CEBS, Director
Portfolio and Sector Manager for Institutional Fixed Income: Louisville.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in March 2007 after 18 years of
     experience at INVESCO where he was head of Governments and Derivatives,
     responsible for positioning for US duration and term structure; Government
     and futures trading.
   o BS in Economics from University of Louisville.


J. Richard Robben, CFA, Director

Portfolio Manager for Institutional Fixed Income: Louisville.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in March 2007 after 11 years of
     experience at INVESCO Institutional, most recently as senior portfolio
     manager for LIBOR-related strategies and head of portfolio construction
     group for North American Fixed Income.
   o BA from Bellarmine University.

David Vignolo, CFA, Vice President
Portfolio and Sector Manager for Institutional Fixed Income: Louisville.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in March 2007 after 20 years of
     experience that included head of corporate bond trading and portfolio
     manager for INVESCO and Conning Asset Management Co., and corporate bond
     trader and portfolio manager for ANB Investment Management Co.
   o BS from Indiana University; MBA from Case Western Reserve University.

J. Kevin Horsley, CFA, CPA, Director
Credit Analyst for Institutional Fixed Income: Louisville.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in March 2007 after 13 years of
     experience, of which 11 were at INVESCO as senior analyst for a variety of
     credit sectors. He also has experience in the structured securities market
     (asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities), and in research
     coverage of foreign exchange markets, corporate finance, market planning
     in the telecom sector, and in public accounting.
   o BA from Transylvania University; MBA from Owen Graduate School of
     Management, Vanderbilt University.

Stephen Willer, CFA, Vice President
Portfolio manager for Institutional Fixed Income: Louisville.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in March 2007 after 13 years of
     experience, 11 of which were at AMVESCAP, INVESCO Institutional, where he
     was CDO portfolio manager responsible for structuring, pricing and
     managing corporate credit CSOs, developing CDS based trading strategies
     and vehicles, and Alpha decisions for CDS index trading. He started his
     career as a financial analyst at Providian Capital Management.
   o BS in Finance/Economics from the University of Richmond.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
8   DWS BOND VIP
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS BOND VIP - CLASS A



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                             2008       2007        2006        2005       2004
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD               $   6.98   $  7.03     $  6.99     $  7.13    $  7.04
-------------------------------------------------  --------   -------     -------     -------    -------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income a                                .37       .35         .33         .29        .29
_________________________________________________  ________   _______     _______     _______    _______
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)             ( 1.48)    ( .06)      ( .01)      ( .10)       .08
-------------------------------------------------  --------   -------     -------     -------    -------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                    ( 1.11)      .29         .32         .19        .37
-------------------------------------------------  --------   -------     -------     -------    -------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                               (  .37)    ( .34)      ( .27)      ( .26)     ( .28)
_________________________________________________  ________   _______     _______     _______    _______
 Net realized gains                                       -         -       ( .01)      ( .07)         -
-------------------------------------------------  --------   -------     -------     -------    -------
 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                                 (  .37)    ( .34)      ( .28)      ( .33)     ( .28)
-------------------------------------------------  --------   -------     -------     -------    -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                     $   5.50   $  6.98     $  7.03     $  6.99    $  7.13
-------------------------------------------------  --------   -------     -------     -------    -------
Total Return (%)                                     (16.77)     4.18      4.72b         2.60       5.38
_________________________________________________  ________   _______     _______     _______    _______
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                  155       229         218         209        177
_________________________________________________  ________   _______     _______     _______    _______
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)         .59       .61         .66         .68        .60
_________________________________________________  ________   _______     _______     _______    _______
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)          .59       .61         .62         .68        .60
_________________________________________________  ________   _______     _______     _______    _______
Ratio of net investment income (%)                     5.76      5.03        4.82        4.11       4.18
_________________________________________________  ________   _______     _______     _______    _______
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                             196       185         186         197        245
-------------------------------------------------  --------   -------     -------     -------    -------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                                DWS BOND VIP   9
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS BOND VIP - CLASS A




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                         ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                               OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                     5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.59%                4.41%            $ 10,441.00           $  60.30
   2             10.25%                 0.59%                9.01%            $ 10,901.45           $  62.96
   3             15.76%                 0.59%               13.82%            $ 11,382.20           $  65.74
   4             21.55%                 0.59%               18.84%            $ 11,884.16           $  68.64
   5             27.63%                 0.59%               24.08%            $ 12,408.25           $  71.66
   6             34.01%                 0.59%               29.55%            $ 12,955.45           $  74.82
   7             40.71%                 0.59%               35.27%            $ 13,526.79           $  78.12
   8             47.75%                 0.59%               41.23%            $ 14,123.32           $  81.57
   9             55.13%                 0.59%               47.46%            $ 14,746.16           $  85.16
  10             62.89%                 0.59%               53.96%            $ 15,396.46           $  88.92
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 737.89
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
10   DWS BOND VIP
<PAGE>

DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital, current income and growth of
income. The portfolio invests at least 65% of total assets in equities, mainly
common stocks. Although the portfolio can invest in companies of any size and
from any country, it invests primarily in large US companies. The portfolio
managers may favor securities from different industries and companies at
different times.

The portfolio managers use quantitative stock techniques and fundamental equity
analysis to evaluate each company's stock price relative to the company's
earnings, operating trends, market outlook and other measures of performance
potential.

The portfolio managers will normally sell a stock when they believe its
fundamental factors have changed, other investments offer better opportunities
or in the course of adjusting the portfolio's emphasis on or within a given
industry.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

The portfolio is permitted, but not required, to use various types of
derivatives (contracts whose value is based on, for example, indexes,
currencies or securities). The portfolio may use derivatives in circumstances
where the portfolio managers believe they offer an economical means of gaining
exposure to a particular asset class or to keep cash on hand to meet
shareholder redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to the
market.

As a temporary defensive measure, the portfolio could shift up to 100% of
assets into investments such as money market securities. This measure could
prevent losses, but, while engaged in a temporary defensive position, the
portfolio will not be pursuing its investment objective. However, the portfolio
managers may choose not to use these strategies for various reasons, even in
very volatile market conditions.



THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. The portfolio is affected by how the stock market performs.
To the extent the portfolio invests in a particular capitalization or market
sector, the portfolio's performance may be proportionately affected by that
segment's general performance. When stock prices fall, you should expect the
value of your investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership
in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product
demand and other business risks. These factors may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, movements in financial markets may
adversely affect a stock's price, regardless of how well the company performs.
The market as a whole may not favor the types of investments the portfolio
makes, which could affect the portfolio's ability to sell them at an attractive
price.

GROWTH INVESTING RISK. Since growth stocks usually reinvest a large portion of
earnings in their own businesses, they may lack the dividends associated with
value stocks that might otherwise cushion their decline in a falling market.
Earnings disappointments in growth stocks often result in sharp price declines
because investors buy these stocks for their potential superior earnings
growth. Growth stocks may also be out of favor for certain periods in relation
to value stocks.

VALUE INVESTING RISK. At times, "value" investing may perform better than or
worse than other investment styles and the overall market. If portfolio
management overestimates the value or return potential of one or more
securities, the portfolio may underperform the general equity market. Value
stocks may also be out of favor for certain periods in relation to growth
stocks.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                    DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP   11
<PAGE>

INDUSTRY RISK. While the portfolio does not concentrate in any industry, to the
extent that the portfolio has exposure to a given industry or sector, any
factors affecting that industry or sector could affect the value of portfolio
securities. For example, manufacturers of consumer goods could be hurt by a
rise in unemployment or technology companies could be hurt by such factors as
market saturation, price competition and rapid obsolescence.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK. A risk that pervades all investing is the risk that
the securities in the portfolio's portfolio may decline in value.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of
leverage, which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and
magnify potential losses. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent
employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower
returns or even losses to the portfolio. The use of derivatives by the
portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

Other factors that could affect performance include:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of industries, companies,
  economic trends, the relative attractiveness of different securities or
  other matters.

o foreign securities may be more volatile than their US counterparts, for
  reasons such as currency fluctuations and political and economic
  uncertainty.

This portfolio may make sense for investors interested in an equity fund with
an objective of providing long-term growth and some current income.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
12   DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS A

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS A

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]


<TABLE>
<S>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
   5.80      -2.10      -11.30      -23.13     26.74      10.16       6.07     13.63      1.36      -38.31
  1999      2000        2001        2002       2003       2004       2005      2006       2007      2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                        <C>
BEST QUARTER: 12.78%, Q2 2003              WORST QUARTER: -21.95%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -7.81%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                      <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class A                          -38.31          -3.65          -2.93
Russell 1000 (Reg. TM) Index                 -37.60          -2.04          -1.09
Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index            -37.00          -2.19          -1.38
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.

RUSSELL 1000 (Reg. TM) INDEX is an unmanaged price-only index of the 1,000
largest capitalized companies that are domiciled in the US and whose common
stocks are traded.

STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX (S&P 500) is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted
index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad
domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks
representing all major industries.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                    DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP   13
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                          CLASS A
<S>                                         <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
_______________________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                       0.39%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee                     None
Other Expenses 1                                     0.21

TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                      0.60
Less Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement                0.06
NET ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3,4                  0.54
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Through April 30, 2010, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all
    or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating
    expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain the
    portfolio's total operating expenses at 0.54% for Class A shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest.


3   Additionally, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of
    its fees in the amount of 0.01% of average daily net assets until April
    27, 2010.


4   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example helps you compare the expenses of Class A shares to those
of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses above remain the same.
It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns, reinvested
all dividends and distributions and sold your shares at the end of each period.
This is only an example; actual expenses will be different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class A shares           $55           $186           $329           $744
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
14   DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. Each portfolio manager on the
team has authority over all aspects of the portfolio's investment portfolio,
including but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities,
portfolio construction techniques, portfolio risk assessment and the management
of daily cash flows in accordance with portfolio holdings.

The following people handle the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Robert Wang
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the
portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 1995 as portfolio manager for asset
     allocation after 13 years of experience of trading fixed income, foreign
     exchange and derivative products at J.P. Morgan.
   o Global Head of Quantitative Strategies Portfolio Management: New York.
   o Joined the portfolio in 2007.
   o BS, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

James B. Francis, CFA
Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the portfolio.
   o Head of Active Quantitative Equity Portfolio Management: New York.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2008 after 20 years of experience as
     senior quantitative global equity portfolio manager at State Street Global
     Advisors, and most recently, Northern Trust Global Investments.

   o Joined the portfolio in 2008.

   o BS in Applied Mathematics from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Julie Abbett
Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the portfolio.
   o Senior portfolio manager for Global Quantitative Equity: New York.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2000 after four years of combined
     experience as a consultant with equity trading services for BARRA, Inc.
     and a product developer for FactSet Research.
   o Joined the portfolio in 2007.
   o BA, University of Connecticut.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                    DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP   15
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP - CLASS A



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               2008         2007          2006          2005        2004
<S>                                               <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                $  10.81      $  10.94   $  9.72          $  9.29    $ 8.50
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------       -------    ------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                           .10           .13        .13c            .10      .12
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________       _______    ______
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)              ( 3.45)          .02     1.19               .45      .74
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------       -------    ------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                     ( 3.35)          .15     1.32               .55      .86
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------       -------    ------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                (  .18)       (  .13)  (  .10)            ( .12)   ( .07)
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________       _______    ______
 Net realized gains                                   ( 2.16)       (  .15)       -                 -        -
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------       -------    ------
 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                                  ( 2.34)       (  .28)  (  .10)            ( .12)   ( .07)
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------       -------    ------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                      $   5.12      $  10.81   $ 10.94          $  9.72    $ 9.29
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------       -------    ------
Total Return (%)                                      (38.31)b     1.36b        13.63b,c       6.07b     10.16
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________       _______    ______
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                    94           196      280               294      172
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________       _______    ______
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)          .60           .57      .56               .57      .56
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________       _______    ______
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)           .54           .56      .54               .54      .56
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________       _______    ______
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)               1.34          1.18       1.24c           1.10     1.37
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________       _______    ______
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                              130           310      105               115       33
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------       -------    ------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an
    administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation
    practices in connection with sales of DWS Funds. The non-recurring income
    resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.007 per share and
    an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.07%. Excluding this
    non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.06% lower.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
16   DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP - CLASS A




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                         ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                               OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                     5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.54%                4.46%            $ 10,446.00           $  55.20
   2             10.25%                 0.60%                9.06%            $ 10,905.62           $  64.05
   3             15.76%                 0.60%               13.85%            $ 11,385.47           $  66.87
   4             21.55%                 0.60%               18.86%            $ 11,886.43           $  69.82
   5             27.63%                 0.60%               24.09%            $ 12,409.44           $  72.89
   6             34.01%                 0.60%               29.55%            $ 12,955.45           $  76.09
   7             40.71%                 0.60%               35.25%            $ 13,525.49           $  79.44
   8             47.75%                 0.60%               41.21%            $ 14,120.61           $  82.94
   9             55.13%                 0.60%               47.42%            $ 14,741.92           $  86.59
  10             62.89%                 0.60%               53.91%            $ 15,390.56           $  90.40
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 744.29
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                    DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP   17
<PAGE>

DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The portfolio seeks to provide long-term growth of capital.


The portfolio normally invests at least 65% of total assets in equities, mainly
common stocks of US companies. Although the portfolio can invest in companies
of any size, it intends to invest primarily in companies whose market
capitalizations are similar in size to the companies in the Standard & Poor's
500 (Reg. TM) Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500 Index") or the Russell
1000 (Reg. TM) Growth Index (as of December 31, 2008, the S&P 500 Index and the
Russell 1000 (Reg. TM) Growth Index had median market capitalizations of $6.4
billion and $3.3 billion, respectively). The portfolio may also invest in other
types of equity securities, such as preferred stocks or convertible securities.


In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers begin by utilizing a proprietary
quantitative model to rank stocks based on a number of factors including
valuation and profitability. The portfolio managers also apply fundamental
techniques to identify companies that display above-average earnings growth
compared to other companies and that have strong product lines, effective
management and leadership positions within core markets. The factors considered
and models used by the portfolio managers may change over time.

The portfolio managers will normally sell a stock when they believe its
potential risks have increased, its price is unlikely to go higher, its
fundamental factors have changed, other investments offer better opportunities
or in the course of adjusting the portfolio's emphasis on a given industry.


SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

The portfolio is permitted, but not required, to use various types of
derivatives (contracts whose value is based on, for example, indices,
currencies or securities). Derivatives may be used for hedging and for risk
management or for non-hedging purposes to seek to enhance potential gains. The
portfolio may use derivatives in circumstances where portfolio management
believes they offer an economical means of gaining exposure to a particular
asset class or to keep cash on hand to meet shareholder redemptions or other
needs while maintaining exposure to the market. In particular, the portfolio
may use futures, options and covered call options.

As a temporary defensive measure, the portfolio could shift up to 100% of
assets in cash and cash equivalents, US government securities, money market
instruments and high quality debt securities without equity features. This
measure could prevent losses, but, while engaged in a temporary defensive
position, the portfolio will not be pursuing its investment objective. However,
the portfolio mangers may choose not to use these strategies for various
reasons, even in very volatile market conditions.



THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. The portfolio is affected by how the stock market performs.
To the extent the portfolio invests in a particular capitalization or market
sector, the portfolio's performance may be proportionately affected by that
segment's general performance. When stock prices fall, you should expect the
value of your investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership
in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product
demand and other business risks. These factors may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, movements in financial markets may
adversely affect a stock's price, regardless of how well the company performs.
The market as a whole may not favor the types of investments the portfolio
makes, which could affect the portfolio's ability to sell them at an attractive
price.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
18   DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP
<PAGE>

GROWTH INVESTING RISK. Since growth stocks usually reinvest a large portion of
earnings in their own businesses, they may lack the dividends associated with
value stocks that might otherwise cushion their decline in a falling market.
Earnings disappointments in growth stocks often result in sharp price declines
because investors buy these stocks for their potential superior earnings
growth. Growth stocks may also be out of favor for certain periods in relation
to value stocks.

INDUSTRY RISK. While the portfolio does not concentrate in any industry, to the
extent that the portfolio has exposure to a given industry or sector, any
factors affecting that industry or sector could affect the value of portfolio
securities. For example, manufacturers of consumer goods could be hurt by a
rise in unemployment or technology companies could be hurt by such factors as
market saturation, price competition and rapid obsolescence.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK. A risk that pervades all investing is the risk that
the securities in the portfolio's portfolio may decline in value.

IPO RISK. Securities purchased in initial public offerings (IPOs) may be very
volatile. The price of such securities may rise and fall rapidly, often based,
among other reasons, on investor perceptions rather than economic reasons.
Additionally, investments in IPOs may magnify the portfolio's performance if it
has a small asset base. The portfolio is less likely to experience a similar
impact on its performance as its assets grow because it is unlikely that the
portfolio will obtain proportionately larger IPO allocations.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of
leverage, which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and
magnify potential losses. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent
employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower
returns or even losses to the portfolio. The use of derivatives by the
portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

Other factors that could affect performance include:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of industries, companies,
  economic trends, the relative attractiveness of different securities or
  other matters.

o foreign securities may be more volatile than their US counterparts, for
  reasons such as currency fluctuations and political and economic
  uncertainty.

This portfolio may make sense for investors seeking long-term growth.

DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                     DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP   19
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS A

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS A

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]



<TABLE>
<S>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
  35.23       -9.90      -19.36      -29.18     26.89       7.99      8.96      8.53     12.59       -32.98
  1999       2000        2001        2002       2003       2004      2005      2006       2007      2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                        <C>
BEST QUARTER: 24.86%, Q4 1999              WORST QUARTER: -21.49%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -7.08%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                        <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class A                            -32.98          -0.74          -1.60
Russell 1000 (Reg. TM) Growth Index            -38.44          -3.42          -4.27
Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index              -37.00          -2.19          -1.38
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.




ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION


DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP

The table below illustrates the performance of a composite of certain private
accounts ("Accounts") managed by Owen Fitzpatrick, the Lead Manager to the
portfolio, while employed by Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management. For more
information about Owen Fitzpatrick, please refer to the "Portfolio management"
section of this prospectus. Each of the Accounts included in the composite has
objectives, policies and strategies substantially similar to those of the
portfolio. As of December 31, 2008, the total assets in the composite were $328
million.



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
20   DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP
<PAGE>


Unlike management of the private accounts included in the composite, Owen
Fitzpatrick's management of the portfolio is subject to certain regulatory
restrictions (e.g., limits on percentage of assets invested in a single issuer
and industry and requirements on distributing income to shareholders) that do
not apply to the Accounts. In addition, the portfolio generally experiences
cash flows that are different from those of the Accounts. All of these factors
may adversely affect the performance of the portfolio and cause it to differ
from that of the Accounts in the composite described below.

Composite results below represent the performance of the Accounts, net of the
annual rate of estimated total operating expenses of DWS Capital Growth VIP -
Class A, as of December 31, 2008. THE COMPOSITE RESULTS DO NOT REPRESENT THE
PERFORMANCE OF THE DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AN
INDICATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO. The composite results are
not required to be, and were not calculated in accordance with SEC mandated
mutual fund performance calculation methodology. The use of such methodology
could yield a different result.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%)**
      (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008)              1 YEAR           3 YEARS         SINCE INCEPTION*
<S>                                       <C>               <C>              <C>
FEE ADJUSTED, NO-LOAD
(reflects no deduction for sales
charge)                                       -33.34%           -2.19%              1.09%
RUSSELL 1000 (Reg. TM) GROWTH INDEX
(reflects no deductions for fees,
expenses or taxes)                            -38.44%           -9.11%             -3.76%
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX
(reflects no deductions for fees,
expenses or taxes)                            -37.00%           -8.36%             -2.65%
</TABLE>



*   Date of Inception is April 1, 2004 which corresponds to the date that Mr.
    Fitzpatrick became the sole, lead portfolio manager of the Accounts.

**  Average Annual Total Returns reflect the gross returns of the Accounts
    reduced by the estimated net annual operating expenses of the DWS Capital
    Growth VIP - Class A shares (1.07% annually). Actual fees and expenses of
    the Accounts may have been more or less than those of the portfolio.
    Returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.


RUSSELL 1000 (Reg. TM) GROWTH INDEX is an unmanaged index that consists of
those stocks in the Russell 1000 (Reg. TM) Index that have higher price-to-book
ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Russell 1000 (Reg. TM) Index is an
unmanaged price-only index of the 1,000 largest capitalized companies that are
domiciled in the US and whose common stocks are traded.

STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX (S&P 500) is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted
index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad
domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks
representing all major industries.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION. Owen Fitzpatrick, Lead Manager to the
portfolio, previously managed private accounts with substantially similar
investment objectives, policies and strategies as the portfolio when he was
employed by Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management. See the section entitled
"Additional Performance Information" for more information. This performance
does not represent the performance of the portfolio and should not be
considered an indication of future performance of the portfolio.



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                     DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP   21
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                          CLASS A
<S>                                         <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
_______________________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                       0.37%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee                     None
Other Expenses 1                                     0.13

TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                      0.50
Less Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement                0.01
NET ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3                    0.49
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Through April 30, 2010, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all
    or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating
    expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain the
    portfolio's total operating expenses at 0.49% for Class A shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example helps you compare the expenses of Class A shares to those
of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses above remain the same.
It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns, reinvested
all dividends and distributions and sold your shares at the end of each period.
This is only an example; actual expenses will be different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class A shares           $50           $159           $279           $627
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
22   DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. The team is led by a lead
portfolio manager who is responsible for developing the portfolio's investment
strategy. Each portfolio manager on the team has authority over all aspects of
the portfolio's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases
and sales of individual securities, portfolio construction techniques,
portfolio risk assessment and the management of daily cash flows in accordance
with portfolio holdings.

The following people handle the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Owen Fitzpatrick, CFA
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and
Co-Lead Portfolio Manager of the portfolio effective
February 15, 2009.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management and the portfolio in 2009.
   o Prior to joining Deutsche Asset Management, he was Managing Director of
     Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management and served as head of U.S. Equity
     Strategy and manager of the U.S. large cap core, value and growth
     portfolios and member of the U.S. Investment Committee and head of the
     Equity Strategy Group.

   o Previous experience includes over 21 years of experience in trust and
     investment management. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank in 1995, he managed
     an equity income fund, trust and advisory relationships for Princeton Bank
     & Trust Company, where he was also responsible for research coverage of
     the consumer cyclical sector. Prior to that, he served as a portfolio
     manager at Manufacturer's Hanover Trust Company.

   o BA and MBA, Fordham University.

Richard Shepley
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and
Co-Lead Portfolio Manager of the portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 1998 and the portfolio in 2007.
   o Previous experience includes eight years of investment industry
     experience as research analyst for global beverage and media sectors at
     Newton Investment Management and assistant manager in corporate tax and
     corporate insolvency department at PriceWaterhouse, London.
   o MA, Oxford University.

Brendan O'Neill, CFA
Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2000 and the portfolio in 2009.
   o Equity Research Analyst covering the financial services sector since
     2001.
   o Previously served as a member of the Large Cap Core Equity team.
   o BA, Queens College, CUNY; MS, Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                     DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP   23
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP - CLASS A



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               2008          2007          2006          2005         2004
<S>                                               <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                $  20.41      $  18.24       $  16.90      $  15.67    $  14.59
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------       --------      --------    --------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                           .16        .17d           .13c             .10         .14
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)              ( 6.83)         2.12           1.31          1.29        1.02
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------       --------      --------    --------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                     ( 6.67)         2.29           1.44          1.39        1.16
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------       --------      --------    --------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                (  .19)       (  .12)        (  .10)       (  .16)     (  .08)
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                      $  13.55      $  20.41       $  18.24      $  16.90    $  15.67
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------       --------      --------    --------
Total Return (%)                                      (32.98)b     12.59b        8.53b,c        8.96b          7.99
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                   594         1,058          1,131         1,031         698
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)          .50           .53            .52           .50         .50
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)           .49           .52            .49           .49         .50
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)                .89        .86d           .73c             .61         .98
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                               21            30             16            17          15
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------       --------      --------    --------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an
    administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation
    practices in connection with sales of DWS Funds. The non-recurring income
    resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.007 per share and
    an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.04%. Excluding this
    non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.03% lower.

d   Net investment income per share and ratio of net investment income include
    non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.03 per share and 0.17% of
    average daily net assets, respectively.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
24   DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP - CLASS A




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                         ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                               OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                     5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.49%                4.51%            $ 10,451.00           $  50.10
   2             10.25%                 0.50%                9.21%            $ 10,921.30           $  53.43
   3             15.76%                 0.50%               14.13%            $ 11,412.75           $  55.84
   4             21.55%                 0.50%               19.26%            $ 11,926.33           $  58.35
   5             27.63%                 0.50%               24.63%            $ 12,463.01           $  60.97
   6             34.01%                 0.50%               30.24%            $ 13,023.85           $  63.72
   7             40.71%                 0.50%               36.10%            $ 13,609.92           $  66.58
   8             47.75%                 0.50%               42.22%            $ 14,222.37           $  69.58
   9             55.13%                 0.50%               48.62%            $ 14,862.37           $  72.71
  10             62.89%                 0.50%               55.31%            $ 15,531.18           $  75.98
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 627.26
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                     DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP   25
<PAGE>

DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The portfolio seeks above-average capital appreciation over the long term.


The portfolio invests at least 65% of total assets in common stocks and other
equities of small companies throughout the world (companies with market values
similar to the smallest 20% of the S&P/Citigroup Extended Market Index -
World). While the portfolio may invest in securities in any country, it
generally focuses on countries with developed economies (including the US). As
of March 31, 2009, companies in which the portfolio invests typically have a
market capitalization of between $500 million and $5 billion at the time of
purchase. As part of the investment process (and low turnover strategy) the
portfolio may own stocks even though they exceed the market capitalization
upper range.


The portfolio may invest up to 35% of total assets in common stocks and other
equities of large companies or in debt securities (of which 5% of net assets
may be junk bonds, i.e., grade BB/Ba and below). Compared to investment-grade
bonds, junk bonds may pay higher yields, have higher volatility and a higher
risk of default. The portfolio's equity investments are mainly common stocks,
but may also include other types of equities such as preferred or convertible
stocks. In particular, the portfolio may use futures, options and yield curve
options. To the extent the portfolio invests in foreign securities, the
portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts and buy and sell
currency options to hedge against currency exchange rate fluctuations.

In choosing securities, the portfolio managers use a combination of three
analytical disciplines:

BOTTOM-UP RESEARCH. The portfolio managers look for individual companies with a
history of above-average growth, strong competitive positioning, attractive
prices relative to potential growth, sound financial strength and effective
management, among other factors.

GROWTH ORIENTATION. The portfolio managers generally look for companies that
they believe have above-average potential for sustainable growth of revenue or
earnings and whose market value appears reasonable in light of their business
prospects.

ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL THEMES. The portfolio managers consider global economic
outlooks, seeking to identify industries and companies that are likely to
benefit from social, political and economic changes.

The portfolio managers will normally sell a stock when they believe its price
is unlikely to go much higher, its fundamentals have deteriorated, other
investments offer better opportunities or in the course of adjusting the
portfolio's exposure to a given country.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

The portfolio is permitted, but not required, to use various types of
derivatives (contracts whose value is based on, for example, indicies,
currencies or securities). Derivatives may be used for hedging and for risk
management or for non-hedging purposes to seek to enhance potential gains. The
portfolio may use derivatives in circumstances where portfolio management
believes they offer an economical means of gaining exposure to a particular
asset class or to keep cash on hand to meet shareholder redemptions or other
needs while maintaining exposure to the market.

As a temporary defensive measure, the portfolio could shift up to 100% of
assets into investments such as money market securities. This measure could
prevent losses, but, while engaged in a temporary defensive position, the
portfolio will not be pursuing its investment objective. However, the portfolio
managers may choose not to use these strategies for various reasons, even in
very volatile market conditions.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
26   DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP
<PAGE>

THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. An important factor with the portfolio is how the stock
markets perform - in this case US and foreign stock markets. When US and
foreign stock prices fall, you should expect the value of your investment to
fall as well. Compared to large company stocks, small company stocks tend to be
more volatile, in part because these companies tend to be less established and
the valuation of their stocks often depends on future expectations. Because a
stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor
management, shrinking product demand and other business risks. These risk
factors may affect single companies as well as groups of companies. In
addition, movements in financial markets may adversely affect a stock's price,
regardless of how well the company performs. The market as a whole may not
favor the types of investments the portfolio makes and the portfolio may not be
able to get attractive prices for them.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. Foreign investments involve certain special risks,
including:

o POLITICAL RISK. Some foreign governments have limited the outflow of profits
  to investors abroad, imposed restrictions on the exchange or export of
  foreign currency, extended diplomatic disputes to include trade and
  financial relations, seized foreign investments and imposed higher taxes.

o INFORMATION RISK. Companies based in foreign markets are usually not subject
  to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as
  stringent as those in the US. Therefore, their financial reports may present
  an incomplete, untimely or misleading picture of a company, as compared to
  the financial reports required in the US.

o LIQUIDITY RISK. Investments that trade less frequently can be more difficult
  or more costly to buy, or to sell, than more liquid or active investments.
  This liquidity risk is a factor of the trading volume of a particular
  investment, as well as the size and liquidity of the entire local market. On
  the whole, foreign exchanges are smaller and less liquid than US exchanges.
  This can make buying and selling certain investments more difficult and
  costly. Relatively small transactions in some instances can have a
  disproportionately large effect on the price and supply of securities. In
  certain situations, it may become virtually impossible to sell an investment
  in an orderly fashion at a price that approaches portfolio management's
  estimate of its value. For the same reason, it may at times be difficult to
  value the portfolio's foreign investments.

o REGULATORY RISK. There is generally less government regulation of foreign
  markets, companies and securities dealers than in the US.

o CURRENCY RISK. The portfolio invests in securities denominated in foreign
  currencies. Changes in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the US
  dollar may affect the US dollar value of foreign securities or the income or
  gain received on these securities.

o LIMITED LEGAL RECOURSE RISK. Legal remedies for investors may be more limited
  than the legal remedies available in the US.

o TRADING PRACTICE RISK. Brokerage commissions and other fees are generally
  higher for foreign investments than for US investments. The procedures and
  rules governing foreign transactions and custody may also involve delays in
  payment, delivery or recovery of money or investments.

o TAXES. Foreign withholding and certain other taxes may reduce the amount of
  income available to distribute to shareholders of the portfolio. In
  addition, special US tax considerations may apply to the portfolio's foreign
  investments.

EMERGING MARKET RISK. All of the risks of investing in foreign securities are
increased in connection with investments in emerging markets securities. In
addition, profound social changes and business practices that depart from norms
in developed countries' economies have hindered the orderly growth of emerging
economies and their markets in the past and have caused instability. High
levels of debt tend to make emerging economies heavily reliant on foreign
capital and vulnerable to capital flight. Countries with emerging economies are
also more likely to experience high levels of inflation, deflation or currency
devaluation, which could also hurt their economies and securities markets. For
these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered
speculative.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                               DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP   27
<PAGE>

Some governments exercise substantial influence over the private economic
sector and the social and political uncertainties that exist for many
developing countries is significant. In adverse social and political
circumstances, governments have been involved in policies of expropriation,
confiscatory taxation, nationalization, intervention in the securities markets
and trade settlement, and imposition of foreign investment restrictions and
exchange controls.

SMALL COMPANY CAPITALIZATION RISK. Small company stocks tend to experience
steeper price fluctuations than the stocks of larger companies. A shortage of
reliable information can also pose added risk to small company stocks.
Industry-wide reversals may have a greater impact on small companies, since
they lack the financial resources of larger companies. Small company stocks are
typically less liquid than large company stocks. Accordingly, it may be harder
to find buyers for small company shares.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK. A risk that pervades all investing is the risk that
the securities in the portfolio's portfolio may decline in value.

IPO RISK. Securities purchased in initial public offerings (IPOs) may be very
volatile. The price of such securities may rise and fall rapidly, often based,
among other reasons, on investor perceptions rather than economic reasons.
Additionally, investments in IPOs may magnify the portfolio's performance if it
has a small asset base. The portfolio is less likely to experience a similar
impact on its performance as its assets grow because it is unlikely that the
portfolio will obtain proportionately larger IPO allocations.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of
leverage, which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and
magnify potential losses. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent
employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower
returns or even losses to the portfolio. The use of derivatives by the
portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

Other factors that could affect performance include:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of industries, companies,
  economic trends, the relative attractiveness of different securities or
  other matters.

o growth stocks may be out of favor for certain periods.

o a bond could fall in credit quality, go into default, or decrease in value
  for various reasons, including a change in prevailing interest rates; this
  risk is greater with junk bonds and foreign bonds.

This portfolio may interest long-term investors interested in diversifying a
large-cap or domestic portfolio of investments.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
28   DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS A

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS A

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]



<TABLE>
<S>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
  65.88       -5.29      -24.59      -19.89     49.09      23.35      18.19      22.08      9.33       -49.96
  1999       2000        2001        2002       2003       2004       2005       2006       2007      2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                        <C>
BEST QUARTER: 40.96%, Q4 1999              WORST QUARTER: -28.40%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -8.09%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                 <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class A                     -49.96          -0.54           3.26
S&P Developed SmallCap Index            -43.75          0.81            4.12
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.

THE S&P DEVELOPED SMALLCAP INDEX (formerly the S&P/Citigroup Extended Market
Index - World) is an unmanaged index of small-capitalization stocks within 26
countries around the globe.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                               DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP   29
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                          CLASS A
<S>                                         <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
_______________________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                       0.89%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee                     None
Other Expenses 1                                     0.22

TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                      1.11
Less Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement                0.01
NET ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3                    1.10
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.



2   Through September 30, 2009, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive
    all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain
    operating expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain
    the portfolio's total operating expenses at 0.95% for Class A shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest. Effective October 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010,
    the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its
    management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating expenses of the
    portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain the portfolio's total
    operating expenses at ratios no higher than 1.10% for Class A shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.



Based on the costs above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example helps you compare the expenses of Class A shares to those
of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses above remain the same.
It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns, reinvested
all dividends and distributions and sold your shares at the end of each period.
This is only an example; actual expenses will be different.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class A shares          $112           $352           $611         $1,351
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
30   DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. The team is led by a lead
portfolio manager who is responsible for developing the portfolio's investment
strategy. Each portfolio manager on the team has authority over all aspects of
the portfolio's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases
and sales of individual securities, portfolio construction techniques,
portfolio risk assessment and the management of daily cash flows in accordance
with portfolio holdings.

The following people handle the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Joseph Axtell, CFA
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the
portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2001 and the portfolio in 2002.
   o Senior analyst at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers for the international
     equity portion of a global balanced portfolio (1996-2001).
   o Director, International Research at PCM International
     (1989-1996).
   o Associate manager, structured debt and equity group at Prudential Capital
     Corporation (1988-1989).
   o Analyst at Prudential-Bache Capital Funding in London
     (1987-1988).
   o Equity analyst in the healthcare sector at Prudential Equity Management
     Associates (1985-1987).
   o B.S. Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota.

Jeffrey Saeger, CFA
Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 1996 and the portfolio effective
     January 15, 2009.
   o Over 14 years of investment industry experience.
   o BS, State University of New York at Fredonia.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                               DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP   31
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP - CLASS A



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                              2008         2007          2006         2005        2004
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                $  18.28     $  18.15   $ 15.00       $ 12.77     $ 10.38
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------   ----------    -------     -------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                       .20e          .08d         .03c         .04         .01
_________________________________________________   ________     ________   __________    _______     _______
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)              ( 8.18)        1.61     3.28          2.27        2.41
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------   ----------    -------     -------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                     ( 7.98)        1.69     3.31          2.31        2.42
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------   ----------    -------     -------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                (  .04)      (  .23)  (  .16)       (  .08)     (  .03)
_________________________________________________   ________     ________   __________    _______     _______
 Net realized gains                                   ( 2.47)      ( 1.33)       -             -           -
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------   ----------    -------     -------
 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                                  ( 2.51)      ( 1.56)  (  .16)       (  .08)     (  .03)
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------   ----------    -------     -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                      $   7.79     $  18.28   $ 18.15       $ 15.00     $ 12.77
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------   ----------    -------     -------
Total Return (%)                                      (49.96)b    9.33b        22.08c      18.19       23.35
_________________________________________________   ________     ________   __________    _______     _______
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                   117          310      331           285         232
_________________________________________________   ________     ________   __________    _______     _______
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)         1.11         1.14     1.12          1.17        1.18
_________________________________________________   ________     ________   __________    _______     _______
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)           .99         1.12     1.12          1.17        1.18
_________________________________________________   ________     ________   __________    _______     _______
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)            1.53e         .45d         .16c         .32         .09
_________________________________________________   ________     ________   __________    _______     _______
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                               21           19       28            30          24
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------   ----------    -------     -------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an
    administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation
    practices in connection with sales of DWS Funds. The non-recurring income
    resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.002 per share and
    an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.01%. Excluding this
    non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.01% lower.

d   Net investment income per share and ratio of net investment income include
    non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.02 per share and 0.09% of
    average daily net assets, respectively.

e   Net investment income per share and ratio of net investment income include
    non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.05 per share and 0.37% of
    average daily net assets, respectively.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
32   DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP - CLASS A




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                          ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                                OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                      5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 1.10%                3.90%            $ 10,390.00          $   112.15
   2             10.25%                 1.11%                7.94%            $ 10,794.17          $   117.57
   3             15.76%                 1.11%               12.14%            $ 11,214.06          $   122.15
   4             21.55%                 1.11%               16.50%            $ 11,650.29          $   126.90
   5             27.63%                 1.11%               21.03%            $ 12,103.49          $   131.83
   6             34.01%                 1.11%               25.74%            $ 12,574.31          $   136.96
   7             40.71%                 1.11%               30.63%            $ 13,063.45          $   142.29
   8             47.75%                 1.11%               35.72%            $ 13,571.62          $   147.82
   9             55.13%                 1.11%               41.00%            $ 14,099.56          $   153.58
  10             62.89%                 1.11%               46.48%            $ 14,648.03          $   159.55
TOTAL                                                                                              $ 1,350.80
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                               DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP   33
<PAGE>

DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital primarily through diversified
holdings of marketable foreign equity investments (equities issued by
foreign-based companies and listed on foreign exchanges.) Although the
portfolio can invest in companies of any size and from any country (other than
the United States), it invests mainly in common stocks of established companies
in countries with developed economies.

The portfolio managers use a bottom-up approach, emphasizing individual stock
selection, with any active allocation among countries, regions or industries as
a residual of the strategy. The portfolio managers' process begins with a broad
universe of equity securities of issuers primarily, but not exclusively,
located in the countries that make up the MSCI EAFE (Reg. TM) Index. The MSCI
EAFE (Reg. TM) Index tracks stocks in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The universe includes all securities in the
Index and a large number of securities not included in the Index but whose
issuers are located in the countries that make up the Index.

The portfolio managers screen for companies seeking to identify those with high
or improving, and sustainable, returns on capital and long-term prospects for
growth. The portfolio managers focus on companies with real cash flow on
investment rather than published earnings. The portfolio managers utilize
information gleaned from a variety of sources and perspectives, including broad
trends such as lifestyle, demographic and technological changes, industry
cycles and regulatory changes, quantitative screening and individual company
analysis.

Based on this fundamental research, the portfolio managers set a target price
objective (the portfolio manager's opinion of the intrinsic value of the
security) for each security and ranks the securities based on these target
price objectives. The portfolio managers apply a disciplined approach to risk
management and portfolio construction. Stocks are sold when they meet their
target price objectives, a better investment opportunity has been identified or
there has been a negative change in the outlook for the company, country or
industry. In implementing this strategy, the portfolio may experience a high
portfolio turnover rate.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

While most of the portfolio's foreign equities are common stocks, some may be
other types of equities, such as convertible securities, preferred stocks and
depositary receipts. The portfolio is permitted, but not required, to use
various types of derivatives (contracts whose value is based on, for example,
indexes, currencies or securities). The portfolio may use derivatives in
circumstances where the portfolio managers believe they offer an economical
means of gaining exposure to a particular asset class or to keep cash on hand
to meet shareholder redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to
the market. In particular, the portfolio may use futures, currency options and
forward currency transactions.

For temporary defensive purposes, the portfolio may invest up to 100% of its
assets in Canadian and US Government obligations or currencies, securities of
companies incorporated in and having their principal place of business in
Canada or the US or in relatively stable investments, such as money market
securities. In such a case, the portfolio would not be pursuing its investment
objective. However, the portfolio managers may choose not to use these
strategies for various reasons, even in very volatile market conditions.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
34   DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP
<PAGE>

THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. As with most stock funds, an important factor with this
portfolio is how stock markets perform - in this case, foreign markets. When
foreign stock prices fall, you should expect the value of your investment to
fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices
can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product demand and other business
risks. These may affect single companies as well as groups of companies. In
addition, movements in financial markets may adversely affect a stock's price,
regardless of how well the company performs. The market as a whole may not
favor the types of investments the portfolio makes and the portfolio may not be
able to get attractive prices for them.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. Foreign investments involve certain special risks,
including:

o POLITICAL RISK. Some foreign governments have limited the outflow of profits
  to investors abroad, imposed restrictions on the exchange or export of
  foreign currency, extended diplomatic disputes to include trade and
  financial relations, seized foreign investments and imposed higher taxes.

o INFORMATION RISK. Companies based in foreign markets are usually not subject
  to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as
  stringent as those in the US. Therefore, their financial reports may present
  an incomplete, untimely or misleading picture of a company, as compared to
  the financial reports required in the US.

o LIQUIDITY RISK. Investments that trade less frequently can be more difficult
  or more costly to buy, or to sell, than more liquid or active investments.
  This liquidity risk is a factor of the trading volume of a particular
  investment, as well as the size and liquidity of the entire local market. On
  the whole, foreign exchanges are smaller and less liquid than US exchanges.
  This can make buying and selling certain investments more difficult and
  costly. Relatively small transactions in some instances can have a
  disproportionately large effect on the price and supply of securities. In
  certain situations, it may become virtually impossible to sell an investment
  in an orderly fashion at a price that approaches portfolio management's
  estimate of its value. For the same reason, it may at times be difficult to
  value the portfolio's foreign investments.

o REGULATORY RISK. There is generally less government regulation of foreign
  markets, companies and securities dealers than in the US.

o CURRENCY RISK. The portfolio invests in securities denominated in foreign
  currencies. Changes in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the US
  dollar may affect the US dollar value of foreign securities or the income or
  gain received on these securities.

o LIMITED LEGAL RECOURSE RISK. Legal remedies for investors may be more limited
  than the legal remedies available in the US.

o TRADING PRACTICE RISK. Brokerage commissions and other fees are generally
  higher for foreign investments than for US investments. The procedures and
  rules governing foreign transactions and custody may also involve delays in
  payment, delivery or recovery of money or investments.

o TAXES. Foreign withholding and certain other taxes may reduce the amount of
  income available to distribute to shareholders of the portfolio. In
  addition, special US tax considerations may apply to the portfolio's foreign
  investments.

EMERGING MARKET RISK. All of the risks of investing in foreign securities are
increased in connection with investments in emerging markets securities. In
addition, profound social changes and business practices that depart from norms
in developed countries' economies have hindered the orderly growth of emerging
economies and their markets in the past and have caused instability. High
levels of debt tend to make emerging economies heavily reliant on foreign
capital and vulnerable to capital flight. Countries with emerging economies are
also more likely to experience high levels of inflation, deflation or currency
devaluation, which could also hurt their economies and securities markets. For
these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered
speculative.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                      DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP   35
<PAGE>

Some governments exercise substantial influence over the private economic
sector and the social and political uncertainties that exist for many
developing countries is significant. In adverse social and political
circumstances, governments have been involved in policies of expropriation,
confiscatory taxation, nationalization, intervention in the securities markets
and trade settlement, and imposition of foreign investment restrictions and
exchange controls.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK. A risk that pervades all investing is the risk that
the securities in the portfolio's portfolio may decline in value.

IPO RISK. Securities purchased in initial public offerings (IPOs) may be very
volatile. The price of such securities may rise and fall rapidly, often based,
among other reasons, on investor perceptions rather than economic reasons.
Additionally, investments in IPOs may magnify the portfolio's performance if it
has a small asset base. The portfolio is less likely to experience a similar
impact on its performance as its assets grow because it is unlikely that the
portfolio will obtain proportionately larger IPO allocations.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of
leverage, which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and
magnify potential losses. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent
employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower
returns or even losses to the portfolio. The use of derivatives by the
portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

Other factors that could affect performance include:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of foreign governments,
  industries, companies, economic trends, the relative attractiveness of
  different sizes of stocks, geographical trends or other matters.

This portfolio is designed for investors who are interested in a broadly
diversified international investment with the emphasis on long-term growth of
capital.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
36   DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS A

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS A

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]



<TABLE>
<S>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
  54.51       -21.70      -30.86      -18.37     27.75      16.53      16.17      25.91      14.59       -48.21
  1999        2000        2001        2002       2003       2004       2005       2006       2007       2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                         <C>
BEST QUARTER: 29.06%, Q4 1999               WORST QUARTER: -26.71%, Q3 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -12.58%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                              <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class A                  -48.21           0.23          -1.24
MSCI EAFE (Reg. TM) Index            -43.38           1.66          0.80
</TABLE>


MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL EUROPE, AUSTRALASIA AND THE FAR EAST (MSCI
EAFE (Reg. TM)) INDEX is an unmanaged index that tracks international stock
performance in the 21 developed markets of Europe, Australasia and the Far
East.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                      DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP   37
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                          CLASS A
<S>                                         <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
_______________________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                        0.77
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee                      None
Other Expenses 1                                      0.24

TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                       1.01
Less Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement                 0.05
NET ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3                     0.96
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Through April 30, 2010, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all
    or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating
    expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain the
    portfolio's total operating expenses at 0.96% for Class A shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example helps you compare the expenses of Class A shares to those
of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses above remain the same.
It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns, reinvested
all dividends and distributions and sold your shares at the end of each period.
This is only an example; actual expenses will be different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class A shares           $98           $317           $553         $1,232
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
38   DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. Each portfolio manager on the
team has authority over all aspects of the portfolio's investment portfolio,
including but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities,
portfolio construction techniques, portfolio risk assessment and the management
of daily cash flows in accordance with portfolio holdings.

The following person handles the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Joseph Axtell, CFA
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Lead Portfolio Manager of
the portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2001 and the portfolio in 2008.
   o Senior analyst at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers for the international
     equity portion of a global balanced portfolio (1996-2001).
   o Director, International Research at PCM International
     (1989-1996).
   o Associate manager, structured debt and equity group at Prudential Capital
     Corporation (1988-1989).
   o Analyst at Prudential-Bache Capital Funding in London
     (1987-1988).
   o Equity analyst in the healthcare sector at Prudential Equity Management
     Associates (1985-1987).
   o B.S., Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota.

The following individual has been named consultant to the portfolios' advisor,
Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. (the "Advisor").

Michael Sieghart, CFA
Managing Director of DWS Investment GmbH: Frankfurt and consultant to the
Advisor.
   o Joined DWS Investment GmbH: Frankfurt in 1997.
   o Senior fund manager of global and European equities: Frankfurt.
   o Master's degree in finance and economics from the University of Economics
     and Business Administration, Vienna.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                      DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP   39
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP - CLASS A



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                 2008           2007         2006        2005       2004
<S>                                               <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                 $   15.01        $  13.42     $  10.85    $  9.50    $  8.26
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------     --------    -------    -------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                         .29e             .21d         .28c          .15        .09
_________________________________________________    _________        ________     ________    _______    _______
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)                ( 6.46)           1.73         2.51       1.36       1.26
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------     --------    -------    -------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                       ( 6.17)           1.94         2.79       1.51       1.35
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------     --------    -------    -------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                  (  .17)         (  .35)      (  .22)    (  .16)     ( .11)
_________________________________________________    _________        ________     ________    _______    _______
 Net realized gains                                     ( 2.15)              -            -          -          -
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------     --------    -------    -------
 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                                    ( 2.32)         (  .35)      (  .22)    (  .16)     ( .11)
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------     --------    -------    -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                       $    6.52        $  15.01     $  13.42    $ 10.85    $  9.50
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------     --------    -------    -------
Total Return (%)                                        (48.21)b,f       14.59        25.91      16.17      16.53
_________________________________________________    _________        ________     ________    _______    _______
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                     297             702          702        558        533
_________________________________________________    _________        ________     ________    _______    _______
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)           1.01             .98          .98       1.02       1.04
_________________________________________________    _________        ________     ________    _______    _______
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)             .97             .98          .98       1.02       1.04
_________________________________________________    _________        ________     ________    _______    _______
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)             2.74e            1.48d        2.32c         1.59       1.05
_________________________________________________    _________        ________     ________    _______    _______
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                                123             108          105         59         73
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------     --------    -------    -------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income
    include non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.11 per share and
    0.92% of average daily net assets, respectively.

d   Net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income
    include non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.05 per share and
    0.33% of average daily net assets, respectively.

e   Net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income
    include non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.09 per share and
    0.82% of average daily net assets, respectively.

f   Includes a reimbursement from the Advisor to reimburse the effect of losses
    incurred as the result of certain operation errors during the period.
    Excluding this reimbursement, total return would have been 0.06% lower.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
40   DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP - CLASS A




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                          ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                                OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                      5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE           ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND           FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES              EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.96%                4.04%            $ 10,404.00           $    97.94
   2             10.25%                 1.01%                8.19%            $ 10,819.12           $   107.18
   3             15.76%                 1.01%               12.51%            $ 11,250.80           $   111.45
   4             21.55%                 1.01%               17.00%            $ 11,699.71           $   115.90
   5             27.63%                 1.01%               21.67%            $ 12,166.53           $   120.52
   6             34.01%                 1.01%               26.52%            $ 12,651.97           $   125.33
   7             40.71%                 1.01%               31.57%            $ 13,156.79           $   130.33
   8             47.75%                 1.01%               36.82%            $ 13,681.74           $   135.53
   9             55.13%                 1.01%               42.28%            $ 14,227.64           $   140.94
  10             62.89%                 1.01%               47.95%            $ 14,795.33           $   146.57
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 1,231.69
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                      DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP   41
<PAGE>

DWS HEALTH CARE VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital by investing, under normal
circumstances, at least 80% of total assets, plus the amount of any borrowings
for investment purposes, in common stocks of companies in the health care
sector. For purposes of the portfolio's 80% investment policy, to be considered
part of the health care sector, companies must commit at least half of their
assets to, or derive at least half of their revenues or net income from, that
sector. The industries in the health care sector include pharmaceuticals,
biotechnology, medical products and supplies, and health care services. The
companies may be of any size. The portfolio will invest primarily in securities
of US companies, but may invest in foreign companies as well. While the
portfolio invests mainly in common stocks, it may also invest up to 20% of
total assets in US Treasury and agency debt obligations.

In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers use a combination of three
analytical disciplines:

BOTTOM-UP RESEARCH. The portfolio managers look for individual companies with a
history of above-average growth, strong competitive positioning, new tests or
treatments, the ability to take advantage of demographic trends, attractive
prices relative to potential growth, sound financial strength and effective
management, among other factors.

GROWTH ORIENTATION. The portfolio managers generally look for companies that
they believe have above-average potential for sustainable growth of revenue or
earnings and whose market value appears reasonable in light of their business
prospects.

TOP-DOWN ANALYSIS. The portfolio managers consider the economic outlooks for
various industries within the health care sector while looking for those that
may benefit from changes in the overall business environment.

The portfolio managers may favor securities from different industries and
companies within the health care sector at different times. The portfolio
managers will normally sell a stock when they believe its price is unlikely to
go higher, its fundamental factors have changed, other investments offer better
opportunities, or in the course of adjusting their emphasis on a given health
care industry.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval. However, the Board will provide shareholders with at least 60 days'
notice prior to making any changes to the portfolio's 80% investment policy.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

Although not one of its principal investment strategies, the portfolio is
permitted, but not required, to use various types of derivatives (contracts
whose value is based on, for example, indicies, currencies or securities).
Derivatives may be used for hedging and for risk management or for non-hedging
purposes to seek to enhance potential gains. The portfolio may use derivatives
in circumstances where portfolio management believes they offer an economical
means of gaining exposure to a particular asset class or to keep cash on hand
to meet shareholder redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to
the market.

As a temporary defensive measure, the portfolio could shift up to 100% of
assets into investments such as money market securities. This measure could
prevent losses, but, while engaged in a temporary defensive position, the
portfolio will not be pursuing its investment objective. However, the portfolio
managers may choose not to use these strategies for various reasons, even in
very volatile market conditions.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
42   DWS HEALTH CARE VIP
<PAGE>

THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. The portfolio is affected by how the stock market performs.
To the extent the portfolio invests in a particular capitalization or market
sector, the portfolio's performance may be proportionately affected by that
segment's general performance. When stock prices fall, you should expect the
value of your investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership
in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product
demand and other business risks. These factors may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, movements in financial markets may
adversely affect a stock's price, regardless of how well the company performs.
The market as a whole may not favor the types of investments the portfolio
makes, which could affect the portfolio's ability to sell them at an attractive
price.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. To the extent the portfolio invests in companies based
outside the US, it faces the risks inherent in foreign investing. Adverse
political, economic or social developments could undermine the value of the
portfolio's investments or prevent the portfolio from realizing their full
value. Financial reporting standards for companies based in foreign markets
differ from those in the US. Additionally, foreign securities markets generally
are smaller and less liquid than the US markets. These risks tend to be greater
in emerging markets so, to the extent the portfolio invests in emerging
markets, it takes on greater risks. The currency of a country in which the
portfolio has invested could decline relative to the value of the US dollar,
which decreases the value of the investment to US investors. The investments of
the portfolio may be subject to foreign withholding taxes.

GROWTH INVESTING RISK. Since growth stocks usually reinvest a large portion of
earnings in their own businesses, they may lack the dividends associated with
value stocks that might otherwise cushion their decline in a falling market.
Earnings disappointments in growth stocks often result in sharp price declines
because investors buy these stocks for their potential superior earnings
growth. Growth stocks may also be out of favor for certain periods in relation
to value stocks.

CONCENTRATION RISK. The portfolio concentrates its investments in the
industries of the health care sector. As a result, factors affecting that
sector, such as rapid product obsolescence and the unpredictability of winning
government approvals, will have a significant impact on the portfolio's
performance.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK. A risk that pervades all investing is the risk that
the securities in the portfolio's portfolio may decline in value.

IPO RISK. Securities purchased in initial public offerings (IPOs) may be very
volatile. The price of such securities may rise and fall rapidly, often based,
among other reasons, on investor perceptions rather than economic reasons.
Additionally, investments in IPOs may magnify the portfolio's performance if it
has a small asset base. The portfolio is less likely to experience a similar
impact on its performance as its assets grow because it is unlikely that the
portfolio will obtain proportionately larger IPO allocations.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of
leverage, which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and
magnify potential losses. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent
employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower
returns or even losses to the portfolio. The use of derivatives by the
portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                        DWS HEALTH CARE VIP   43
<PAGE>

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Medium-sized company stocks tend to experience
steeper price fluctuations than stocks of larger companies. A shortage of
reliable information can also pose added risk to stocks of medium-sized
companies. Industry-wide reversals may have a greater impact on medium-sized
companies, since they usually lack the financial resources of larger companies.
Medium-sized company stocks are typically less liquid than large company
stocks. Accordingly, it may be harder to find buyers for medium-sized company
shares.

SMALL COMPANY CAPITALIZATION RISK. Small company stocks tend to experience
steeper price fluctuations than the stocks of larger companies. A shortage of
reliable information can also pose added risk to small company stocks.
Industry-wide reversals may have a greater impact on small companies, since
they lack the financial resources of larger companies. Small company stocks are
typically less liquid than large company stocks. Accordingly, it may be harder
to find buyers for small company shares.

Another factor that could affect performance is:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of industries, companies,
  economic trends, the relative attractiveness of different securities or
  other matters.

The portfolio may make sense for investors who are comfortable with higher
risks of a portfolio that focuses on an often volatile sector and are
interested in gaining exposure to the health care sector.



PERFORMANCE - CLASS A

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS A

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]



<TABLE>
<S>           <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
  -23.10      33.70       9.59      8.50      6.17     13.20     -23.20
   2002       2003       2004      2005      2006      2007     2008
</TABLE>








<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                        <C>
BEST QUARTER: 15.08%, Q2 2003              WORST QUARTER: -16.45%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -6.14%
</TABLE>


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
44   DWS HEALTH CARE VIP
<PAGE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1 YEAR         5 YEARS        SINCE INCEPTION*
<S>                                      <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class A                          -23.20          1.88               2.42
Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index            -37.00         -2.19              -2.36
S&P Goldman Sachs Healthcare
Index                                        -23.59          0.77               0.45
</TABLE>


*   Inception: May 1, 2001. Index comparisons begin April 30, 2001.

STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX (S&P 500) is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted
index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad
domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks
representing all major industries.

S&P GOLDMAN SACHS HEALTHCARE INDEX is an unmanaged,
market-capitalization-weighted index of 114 stocks designed to measure the
performance of companies in the health care sector.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.





HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                     CLASS A
<S>                                    <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
__________________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                  0.67%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee                None
Other Expenses 1                                0.25
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2               0.92
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.



Based on the costs above, this example helps you compare the expenses of Class
A shares to those of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses
above remain the same. It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5%
annual returns, reinvested all dividends and distributions and sold your shares
at the end of each period. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class A shares           $94           $293           $509         $1,131
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                        DWS HEALTH CARE VIP   45
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. The team is led by a lead
portfolio manager who is responsible for developing the portfolio's investment
strategy. Each portfolio manager on the team has authority over all aspects of
the portfolio's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases
and sales of individual securities, portfolio construction techniques,
portfolio risk assessment and the management of daily cash flows in accordance
with portfolio holdings.

The following people handle the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Leefin Lai, CFA
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Lead Portfolio Manager of
the portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2001 and the portfolio in 2001,
     previously serving as an analyst for Salomon Smith Barney and Paine Webber
     and as Vice President/analyst for Citigroup Global Asset Management and
     Scudder Kemper Investments.
   o Over 15 years of investment industry experience.
   o BS, MBA, University of Illinois.

Thomas E. Bucher, CFA
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Consultant to the portfolio.

   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 1995 and the portfolio in 2002,
     previously serving as analyst for European Chemical, Oil, Steel and
     Engineering sectors and analyst/
     portfolio manager for Eastern European equity.
   o Head of global equity research team for health care sector and portfolio
     manager for European Equity: Frankfurt.
   o MA, University of Tuegingen, Germany.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
46   DWS HEALTH CARE VIP
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS HEALTH CARE VIP - CLASS A



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         2008         2007          2006         2005        2004
<S>                                         <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD          $  14.68      $  13.77      $ 13.02     $  12.00    $  10.95
-------------------------------------------   --------      --------      -------     --------    --------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                  .09d          .03c         (  .01)b     (  .02)     (  .03)
___________________________________________   ________      ________      _______     ________    ________
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)        ( 3.08)         1.75          .81         1.04        1.08
-------------------------------------------   --------      --------      -------     --------    --------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS               ( 2.99)         1.78          .80         1.02        1.05
-------------------------------------------   --------      --------      -------     --------    --------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                          (  .04)            -            -            -           -
___________________________________________   ________      ________      _______     ________    ________
 Net realized gains                             ( 2.20)       (  .87)      (  .05)           -           -
___________________________________________   ________      ________      _______     ________    ________
 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                            ( 2.24)       (  .87)      (  .05)           -           -
-------------------------------------------   --------      --------      -------     --------    --------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                $   9.45      $  14.68      $ 13.77     $  13.02    $  12.00
-------------------------------------------   --------      --------      -------     --------    --------
Total Return (%)                                (23.20)        13.20      6.17b           8.50        9.59
___________________________________________   ________      ________      _______     ________    ________
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)              60            98          101          109         109
___________________________________________   ________      ________      _______     ________    ________
Ratio of expenses (%)                              .92           .93          .89          .88         .88
___________________________________________   ________      ________      _______     ________    ________
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)       .79d          .19c         (  .03)b     (  .18)     (  .29)
___________________________________________   ________      ________      _______     ________    ________
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                         24            37           47           43          77
-------------------------------------------   --------      --------      -------     --------    --------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an
    administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation
    practices in connection with sales of DWS Funds. The non-recurring income
    resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.003 per share and
    an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.02%. Excluding this
    non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.02% lower.

c   Net investment income per share and ratio of net investment income include
    non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.02 per share and 0.13% of
    average daily net assets, respectively.

d   Net investment income per share and ratio of net investment income include
    non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.03 per share and 0.28% of
    average daily net assets, respectively.

DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                        DWS HEALTH CARE VIP   47
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS HEALTH CARE VIP - CLASS A




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                          ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                                OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                      5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE           ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND           FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES              EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.92%                4.08%            $ 10,408.00           $    93.88
   2             10.25%                 0.92%                8.33%            $ 10,832.65           $    97.71
   3             15.76%                 0.92%               12.75%            $ 11,274.62           $   101.69
   4             21.55%                 0.92%               17.35%            $ 11,734.62           $   105.84
   5             27.63%                 0.92%               22.13%            $ 12,213.40           $   110.16
   6             34.01%                 0.92%               27.12%            $ 12,711.70           $   114.66
   7             40.71%                 0.92%               32.30%            $ 13,230.34           $   119.33
   8             47.75%                 0.92%               37.70%            $ 13,770.14           $   124.20
   9             55.13%                 0.92%               43.32%            $ 14,331.96           $   129.27
  10             62.89%                 0.92%               49.17%            $ 14,916.70           $   134.54
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 1,131.28
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
48   DWS HEALTH CARE VIP
<PAGE>

DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The portfolio seeks to replicate, as closely as possible, before the deduction
of expenses, the performance of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
Index (the "S&P 500 Index"), which emphasizes stocks of large US companies. The
S&P 500 Index is a well-known stock market index that includes common stocks of
500 companies from several industrial sectors representing a significant
portion of the market value of all stocks publicly traded in the United States.
Stocks in the S&P 500 Index are weighted according to their market
capitalization (the number of shares outstanding multiplied by the stock's
current price).


The portfolio invests for capital appreciation, not income; any dividend and
interest income is incidental to the pursuit of its investment objective. While
portfolio management gives priority to replicating the S&P 500 Index's
performance, there is no assurance of achieving this objective.




INDEX INVESTING VERSUS ACTIVE MANAGEMENT


Active management involves portfolio management buying and selling securities
based on research and analysis. Unlike a portfolio that is actively managed, an
index portfolio tries to replicate, as closely as possible, the performance of
a target index by holding either all, or a representative sample, of the
securities in the index. Indexing appeals to many investors for the following
reasons:


o indexing provides simplicity because it is a straightforward
  market-replicating strategy;

o index portfolios generally provide diversification by investing in a wide
  variety of companies and industries;

o an index portfolio's performance is generally predictable in that the
  portfolio's value is expected to move in the same direction, up or down, as
  the target index;

o index portfolios tend to have lower costs because they do not have many of
  the expenses of actively managed funds, such as research. Also, index
  portfolios usually have relatively low trading activity and therefore
  brokerage commissions tend to be lower; and

o index portfolios generally realize low capital gains as compared to actively
  managed portfolios.


STRATEGY


The portfolio will pursue its investment objective by investing primarily in
the securities of the companies included in the S&P 500 Index, such as futures
contracts and options, relating to the S&P 500 Index. Futures contracts and
options are used as a low-cost method of gaining exposure to a particular
securities market without investing directly in those securities. Portfolio
management uses quantitative analysis techniques to structure the portfolio to
obtain a high correlation to the S&P 500 Index, while keeping the portfolio as
fully invested as possible in all market environments. To attempt to replicate
the risk and return characteristics of the S&P 500 Index as closely as
possible, the portfolio invests in a statistically selected sample of the
securities found in the S&P 500 Index, using a process known as "optimization."
This process selects stocks for the portfolio so that industry weightings,
market capitalizations and fundamental characteristics (price-to-book ratios,
price-to-earnings ratios, debt-to-asset ratios and dividend yields), closely
replicate those of the securities in the S&P 500 Index. Over the long term, the
portfolio seeks a correlation between the performance of the portfolio, before
expenses, and the S&P 500 Index of 98% or better. A figure of 100% would
indicate perfect correlation.




PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS


Under normal circumstances, the portfolio intends to invest at least 80% of its
assets, determined at the time of purchase, in stocks of companies included in
the S&P 500 Index and in derivative instruments, such as futures contracts and
options, that provide exposure to the stocks of companies in the S&P 500 Index.
The portfolio's securities are weighted to attempt to make the portfolio's
total investment characteristics similar to those of the S&P 500 Index as a
whole. Portfolio management may exclude or remove any S&P 500 Index stock from
the portfolio if portfolio management believes that the stock is illiquid or
that the merit of the investment has been impaired by financial conditions or
other extraordinary events. At times, portfolio management may



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP   49
<PAGE>

purchase a stock not included in the S&P 500 Index when it is believed to be a
cost-efficient way of approximating the S&P 500 Index's performance, for
example, in anticipation of a stock being added to the S&P 500 Index. The
portfolio may hold assets in short-term debt securities or money market
instruments for liquidity purposes.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities up to 30%
of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers who need to borrow
securities in order to complete certain transactions.


Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board could change the
portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder approval. In
addition, the portfolio's Board will provide shareholders with at least 60
days' notice prior to making any changes to the portfolio's 80% investment
policy, as described herein.




INVESTMENT PROCESS


In an effort to run an efficient and effective strategy, the portfolio uses the
process of "optimization," a statistical sampling technique. First, the
portfolio buys the stocks that make up the larger portions of the S&P 500
Index's value in roughly the same proportion as the S&P 500 Index. Second,
smaller stocks are analyzed and selected based on liquidity. In selecting
smaller stocks, portfolio management tries to replicate the industry and risk
characteristics of all of the smaller companies in the S&P 500 Index without
buying all of those stocks. This approach attempts to maximize the portfolio's
liquidity and returns while minimizing its costs. Historically, this portfolio
has had a low portfolio turnover rate. Portfolio turnover measures the
frequency that the portfolio sells and replaces the value of its securities
within a given period. High turnover can increase the portfolio's transaction
costs, thereby lowering its returns.




INFORMATION REGARDING THE INDEX

The portfolio is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Standard &
Poor's Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P"). S&P makes no
representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the portfolio
or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in
securities generally or in the portfolio particularly or the ability of the S&P
500 Index to track general stock market performance. S&P's only relationship to
the portfolio is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of S&P and
of the S&P 500 Index, which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P
without regard to the portfolio.

S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the portfolio or the owners of the
portfolio into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P
500 Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in the
determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the portfolio to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which shares
of the portfolio are redeemable for cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the portfolio.

S&P does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the S&P 500
Index or any data included therein and S&P shall have no liability for any
errors, omissions or interruptions therein. S&P makes no warranty, express or
implied, as to results to be obtained by the portfolio, owners of the
portfolio, or any other person or entity from the use of the S&P 500 Index or
any data included therein. S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and
expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose or use with respect to the S&P 500 Index or any data
included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall S&P
have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages
(including lost profits), even if notified of the possibility of such damages.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
50   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. The portfolio is affected by how the stock market performs.
To the extent the portfolio invests in a particular capitalization or market
sector, the portfolio's performance may be proportionately affected by that
segment's general performance. When stock prices fall, you should expect the
value of your investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership
in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product
demand and other business risks. These factors may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, movements in financial markets may
adversely affect a stock's price, regardless of how well the company performs.
The market as a whole may not favor the types of investments the portfolio
makes, which could affect the portfolio's ability to sell them at an attractive
price.


TRACKING ERROR RISK. There are several reasons that the portfolio's performance
may not replicate the S&P 500 Index exactly:


o Unlike the S&P 500 Index, the portfolio incurs fees and administrative
  expenses and transaction costs in trading stocks.


o The composition of the S&P 500 Index and the stocks held by the portfolio may
  occasionally diverge.


o The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying shares could
  create balances of uninvested cash. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of
  cash outflows to investors selling shares could require ready reserves of
  uninvested cash. Either situation would likely cause the portfolio's
  performance to deviate from that of the "fully invested" S&P 500 Index which
  does not include a cash component.

INDEX FUND RISK. Because the portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in
the stocks of companies included in the S&P 500 Index and in derivative
instruments that provide exposure to the stocks of companies in the S&P 500
Index, it cannot alter its investment strategy in response to fluctuations in
the market segment represented by the Index.

FUTURES AND OPTIONS RISK. The portfolio may invest, to a limited extent, in
securities index futures or options, which are types of derivatives. The
portfolio will not use these derivatives for speculative purposes. Rather, the
portfolio invests in derivatives to keep cash on hand to meet shareholder
redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to the stock market.
Risks associated with derivatives include: the risk that the derivative is not
well correlated with the security, index or currency to which it relates; the
risk that derivatives used for risk management may not have the intended
effects and may result in losses or missed opportunities; the risk that the
portfolio will be unable to sell the derivative because of an illiquid
secondary market; the risk that a counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet
its obligation; the risk of interest rate movements; and the risk that the
derivatives transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of leverage,
which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and magnify
potential losses.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

This portfolio is designed for investors interested in capital appreciation
over the long term; exposure to the US equity markets as represented by larger
companies; and investment returns that track the performance of the S&P 500
Index.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP   51
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS A

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS A

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]


<TABLE>
<S>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
  20.39       -9.24      -12.18      -22.31     28.16      10.59       4.68     15.52      5.30      -37.15
  1999       2000        2001        2002       2003       2004       2005      2006       2007      2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                         <C>
BEST QUARTER: 15.16%, Q2 2003               WORST QUARTER: -21.98%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -10.99%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                      <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class A Shares                   -37.15          -2.41          -1.66
Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index            -37.00          -2.19          -1.38
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.

STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX (S&P 500) is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted
index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad
domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks
representing all major industries.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
52   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY


This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfoliio or any
variable life insurance policy, variable annuity contract or tax-qualified plan
for which the portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will
increase expenses.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                       CLASS A
<S>                                      <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
____________________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                    0.20%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee                  None
Other Expenses 1                                  0.13
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3               0.33
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Through September 30, 2009, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive
    all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay operating
    expenses of the fund to the extent necessary to maintain the fund's
    operating expenses at 0.33% for Class A shares, excluding certain expenses
    such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage and interest.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above, this example helps you compare the expenses of Class
A shares to those of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses
above remain the same. It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5%
annual returns, reinvested all dividends and distributions and sold your shares
at the end of each period. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class A shares           $34           $106           $185           $418
</TABLE>


THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER


Brent Reeder is a Senior Vice President at Northern Trust Investments, NA
("NTI"). Mr. Reeder has had responsibility for the portfolio since May 2007.
Mr. Reeder joined NTI in 1993. For the past seven years, he has managed
quantitative equity portfolios.


The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP   53
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.

Information for the periods ended prior to December 31, 2005 was audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.



DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP - CLASS A



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                 2008         2007         2006         2005        2004
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                  $  15.53      $  14.97     $  13.11    $  12.73    $  11.64
---------------------------------------------------   --------      --------     --------    --------    --------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                             .27           .27          .24         .21         .21
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)                ( 5.93)          .52         1.78         .37        1.01
---------------------------------------------------   --------      --------     --------    --------    --------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                       ( 5.66)          .79         2.02         .58        1.22
---------------------------------------------------   --------      --------     --------    --------    --------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                  (  .32)       (  .23)      (  .16)     (  .20)     (  .13)
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                        $   9.55      $  15.53     $  14.97    $  13.11    $  12.73
---------------------------------------------------   --------      --------     --------    --------    --------
Total Return (%)                                        (37.15)b     5.30b        15.52b         4.68     10.59b
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                     584         1,046        1,412       1,102         790
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions and/or
recoupments (%)                                            .33           .33          .28         .27         .28
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions and/or
recoupments (%)                                            .28           .30          .27         .27         .29
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)                 2.07          1.71         1.73        1.62        1.76
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                                  6         7c               9          15           1
---------------------------------------------------   --------      --------     --------    --------    --------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Excludes portfolio securities delivered as a result of processing
    redemption in-kind transactions.

                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
54   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP - CLASS A




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                         ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                               OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                     5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.33%                4.67%            $ 10,467.00           $  33.77
   2             10.25%                 0.33%                9.56%            $ 10,955.81           $  35.35
   3             15.76%                 0.33%               14.67%            $ 11,467.45           $  37.00
   4             21.55%                 0.33%               20.03%            $ 12,002.97           $  38.73
   5             27.63%                 0.33%               25.64%            $ 12,563.51           $  40.53
   6             34.01%                 0.33%               31.50%            $ 13,150.23           $  42.43
   7             40.71%                 0.33%               37.64%            $ 13,764.35           $  44.41
   8             47.75%                 0.33%               44.07%            $ 14,407.14           $  46.48
   9             55.13%                 0.33%               50.80%            $ 15,079.95           $  48.65
  10             62.89%                 0.33%               57.84%            $ 15,784.19           $  50.93
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 418.28
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP   55
<PAGE>

DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The portfolio seeks to replicate, as closely as possible, before the deduction
of expenses, the performance of the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index, which
emphasizes stocks of small US companies. The Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index is a
widely accepted benchmark of small company stock performance. The Russell 2000
(Reg. TM) Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the
Russell 3000 (Reg. TM) Index which represents approximately 8% of the market
capitalization of the Russell 3000 (Reg. TM) Index. Stocks in the Russell 2000
(Reg. TM) Index are weighted according to their market capitalization (the
number of shares outstanding multiplied by the stock's current price).


The portfolio invests for capital appreciation, not income; any dividend and
interest income is incidental to the pursuit of its investment objective. While
portfolio management gives priority to replicating the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM)
Index's performance, there is no assurance of achieving this investment
objective.




INDEX INVESTING VERSUS ACTIVE MANAGEMENT


Active management involves portfolio management buying and selling securities
based on research and analysis. Unlike a portfolio that is actively managed, an
index fund tries to replicate, as closely as possible, the performance of a
target index by holding either all, or a representative sample, of the
securities in the index. Indexing appeals to many investors for the following
reasons:


o indexing provides simplicity because it is a straightforward
  market-replicating strategy;

o index portfolios generally provide diversification by investing in a wide
  variety of companies and industries;

o an index portfolio's performance is generally predictable in that the
  portfolio's value is expected to move in the same direction, up or down, as
  the target index;

o index portfolios tend to have lower costs because they do not have many of
  the expenses of actively managed funds, such as research. Also, index
  portfolios usually have relatively low trading activity and therefore
  brokerage commissions tend to be lower; and

o index portfolios generally realize low capital gains as compared to actively
  managed portfolios.


STRATEGY


The portfolio will pursue its investment objective by investing primarily in
the securities of the companies included in the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index
and derivative instruments, such as futures contracts and options, relating to
the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index. Futures contracts and options are used as a
low-cost method of gaining exposure to a particular securities market without
investing directly in those securities. Portfolio management uses quantitative
analysis techniques to structure the portfolio to obtain a high correlation to
the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index while keeping the portfolio as fully invested
as possible in all market environments. To attempt to replicate the risk and
return characteristics of the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index as closely as
possible, the portfolio invests in a statistically selected sample of the
securities found in the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index, using a process known as
"optimization." This process selects stocks for the portfolio so that industry
weightings, market capitalizations and fundamental characteristics
(price-to-book ratios, price-to-earnings ratios, debt-to-asset ratios and
dividend yields) closely replicate those of the securities in the Russell 2000
(Reg. TM) Index. Over the long term, the portfolio seeks a correlation between
the performance of the portfolio, before expenses, and the Russell 2000 (Reg.
TM) Index of 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect
correlation.




PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS


Under normal circumstances, the portfolio intends to invest at least 80% of its
assets, determined at the time of purchase, in stocks of companies included in
the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index and in derivative instruments, such as stock
index futures contracts and options, that provide exposure to the stocks of
companies in the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index. The portfolio's securities are
weighted to attempt to make the portfolio's total investment characteristics
similar to those of the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index as a whole. Portfolio
management may exclude or remove any Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index stock from
the portfolio if portfolio management believe that the stock is illiquid or has
impaired financial conditions brought on by extraordinary events. At times,
portfolio management



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
56   DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

may purchase a stock not included in the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index when it
is believed to be a cost-efficient way of approximating the Russell 2000 (Reg.
TM) Index's performance, for example, in anticipation of a stock being added to
the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index. The portfolio may hold assets in short-term
debt securities or money market instruments for liquidity purposes.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities up to 30%
of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers who need to borrow
securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board could change the
portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder approval. In
addition, the portfolio's Board will provide shareholders with at least 60
days' notice prior to making any changes to the portfolio's 80% investment
policy, as described herein.



INVESTMENT PROCESS


In an effort to run an efficient and effective strategy, the portfolio uses the
process of "optimization," a statistical sampling technique. First, the
portfolio buys the stocks that make up the larger portions of the Russell 2000
(Reg. TM) Index's value in roughly the same proportion as the Russell 2000
(Reg. TM) Index. Second, smaller stocks are analyzed and selected based on
liquidity. In selecting smaller stocks, portfolio management tries to replicate
the industry and risk characteristics of all of the smaller companies in the
Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index without buying all of those stocks. This approach
attempts to maximize the portfolio's liquidity and returns while minimizing its
costs. Historically, this portfolio has had a low portfolio turnover rate.
Portfolio turnover measures the frequency that the fund sells and replaces the
value of its securities within a given period. High turnover can increase a
portfolio's transaction costs, thereby lowering its returns.




THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. The portfolio is affected by how the stock market performs.
To the extent the portfolio invests in a particular capitalization or market
sector, the portfolio's performance may be proportionately affected by that
segment's general performance. When stock prices fall, you should expect the
value of your investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership
in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product
demand and other business risks. These factors may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, movements in financial markets may
adversely affect a stock's price, regardless of how well the company performs.
The market as a whole may not favor the types of investments the portfolio
makes, which could affect the portfolio's ability to sell them at an attractive
price.

TRACKING ERROR RISK. There are several reasons that the portfolio's performance
may not replicate the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index exactly:

o Unlike the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index, the portfolio incurs fees and
  administrative expenses and transaction costs in trading stocks.

o The composition of the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index and the stocks held by
  the portfolio may occasionally diverge.


o The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying shares could
  create balances of uninvested cash. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of
  cash outflows to investors selling shares could require ready reserves of
  uninvested cash. Either situation would likely cause the portfolio's
  performance to deviate from that of the "fully invested" Russell 2000 (Reg.
  TM) Index, which does not include a cash component.


INDEX FUND RISK. Because the portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in
the stocks of companies included in the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index and in
derivative instruments that provide exposure to the stocks of companies in the
Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index, it cannot alter its investment strategy in
response to fluctuations in the market segment represented by the Index.

SMALL COMPANY CAPITALIZATION RISK. Small company stocks tend to experience
steeper price fluctuations than the stocks of larger companies. A shortage of
reliable information can also pose added risk to small company stocks.
Industry-wide reversals may have a greater impact on small companies, since
they lack the financial resources of larger companies. Small company stocks are
typically less liquid than large company stocks. Accordingly, it may be harder
to find buyers for small company shares.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                    DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP   57
<PAGE>

FUTURES AND OPTIONS RISK. The portfolio may invest, to a limited extent, in
securities index futures or options, which are types of derivatives. The
portfolio will not use these derivatives for speculative purposes. Rather, the
portfolio invests in derivatives to keep cash on hand to meet shareholder
redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to the stock market.
Risks associated with derivatives include: the risk that the derivative is not
well correlated with the security, index or currency to which it relates; the
risk that derivatives used for risk management may not have the intended
effects and may result in losses or missed opportunities; the risk that the
portfolio will be unable to sell the derivative because of an illiquid
secondary market; the risk that a counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet
its obligation; the risk of interest rate movements; and the risk that the
derivatives transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of leverage,
which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and magnify
potential losses.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

This portfolio is designed for investors interested in capital appreciation
over the long term; exposure to the US equity markets as represented by smaller
companies; and investment returns that track the performance of the Russell
2000 (Reg. TM) Index.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
58   DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS A

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS A

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]


<TABLE>
<S>          <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
  20.16       -3.87      2.07      -20.58     46.42      17.76       4.26     17.49       -1.90     -34.12
  1999       2000       2001       2002       2003       2004       2005      2006       2007       2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                         <C>
BEST QUARTER: 23.16%, Q2 2003               WORST QUARTER: -26.18%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -15.06%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                 <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class A shares              -34.12          -1.39           2.48
Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index            -33.79          -0.93           3.02
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.

RUSSELL 2000 (Reg. TM) INDEX is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted measure of
approximately 2,000 small US stocks.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                    DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP   59
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy, variable annuity contract or tax-qualified plan
for which the portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will
increase expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                       CLASS A
<S>                                      <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
____________________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                    0.35%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee                  None
Other Expenses 1                                  0.19

TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3               0.54
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Through September 30, 2009, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive
    all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay operating
    expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain the
    portfolio's total annual operating expenses at 0.54% for Class A shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest.Although there can be no assurance that the current
    waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement will be maintained beyond
    September 30, 2009, the Advisor has committed to review the continuance of
    waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement by September 30, 2009.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above,this example helps you compare the expenses of Class A
shares to those of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses above
remain the same. It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual
returns, reinvested all dividends and distributions, and sold your shares at
the end of each period. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class A shares           $55           $173           $302           $677
</TABLE>


THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER


Brent Reeder is a Senior Vice President at Northern Trust Investments, NA
("NTI"). Mr. Reeder has had responsibility for the portfolio since May 2007.
Mr. Reeder joined NTI in 1993. For the past seven years, he has managed
quantitative equity portfolios.


The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
60   DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.

Information for the periods ended prior to December 31, 2005 was audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.



DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP - CLASS A



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                              2008        2007        2006        2005        2004
<S>                                               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD               $  14.71    $  16.12    $  14.40    $  14.35   $ 12.24
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                          .18         .17         .14         .11      .11
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)             ( 4.77)     (  .40)       2.34         .42     2.06
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                    ( 4.59)     (  .23)       2.48         .53     2.17
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                               (  .20)     (  .14)     (  .10)     (  .09)  (  .06)
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
 Net realized gains                                  ( 1.29)     ( 1.04)     (  .66)     (  .39)       -
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                                 ( 1.49)     ( 1.18)     (  .76)     (  .48)  (  .06)
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                     $   8.63    $  14.71    $  16.12    $  14.40   $ 14.35
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
Total Return (%)b                                    (34.12)     ( 1.90)      17.49        4.26    17.76
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                  198         305         536         449      450
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)         .54         .53         .47         .46      .48
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)          .47         .51         .45         .45      .45
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)              1.51        1.09         .93         .78      .87
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                              25       24c            42          26       22
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Excludes portfolio securities delivered as a result of processing
    redemption in-kind transactions.

DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                    DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP   61
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP - CLASS A




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                         ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                               OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                     5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.54%                4.46%            $ 10,446.00           $  55.20
   2             10.25%                 0.54%                9.12%            $ 10,911.89           $  57.67
   3             15.76%                 0.54%               13.99%            $ 11,398.56           $  60.24
   4             21.55%                 0.54%               19.07%            $ 11,906.94           $  62.92
   5             27.63%                 0.54%               24.38%            $ 12,437.99           $  65.73
   6             34.01%                 0.54%               29.93%            $ 12,992.72           $  68.66
   7             40.71%                 0.54%               35.72%            $ 13,572.20           $  71.73
   8             47.75%                 0.54%               41.78%            $ 14,177.52           $  74.92
   9             55.13%                 0.54%               48.10%            $ 14,809.83           $  78.27
  10             62.89%                 0.54%               54.70%            $ 15,470.35           $  81.76
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 677.10
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
62   DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

OTHER POLICIES AND RISKS

While the previous pages describe the main points of each portfolio's strategy
and risks, there are a few other issues to know about:

o Each portfolio may trade securities actively. This could raise transaction
  costs and, accordingly, lower performance.


o The Advisor, or a subadvisor, will establish a debt security's credit quality
  when it buys a security, using independent ratings, or for unrated
  securities, its own credit determination. When ratings don't agree, a
  portfolio will use the higher rating. If a debt security's credit quality
  falls, the Advisor or subadvisor will determine whether selling it would be
  in a portfolio's best interests.



FOR MORE INFORMATION

This prospectus doesn't tell you about every policy or risk of investing in
each portfolio.

If you want more information on each portfolio's allowable securities and
investment practices and the characteristics and risks of each one, you may
want to request a copy of the Statement of Additional Information (the back
cover tells you how to do this).

Keep in mind that there is no assurance that a portfolio will achieve its
investment objective.

A complete list of each portfolio's portfolio holdings as of the month-end is
posted on www.dws-investments.com on or about the 15th day of the following

month. More frequent posting of portfolio holdings information may be made from
time to time on www.dws-investments.com. The posted portfolio holdings
information is available by portfolio and generally remains accessible at least
until the date on which a portfolio files its Form N-CSR or N-Q with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for the period that includes the date as of
which the posted information is current. Each portfolio's Statement of
Additional Information includes a description of a portfolio's policies and
procedures with respect to the disclosure of a portfolio's portfolio holdings.




THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA" or the "Advisor"), is the
investment advisor for each portfolio. Under the supervision of the Board
Members, the Advisor, with headquarters at 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154,
or a subadvisor, makes portfolio investment decisions, buys and sells
securities for each portfolio and conducts research that leads to these
purchase and sale decisions. The Advisor provides a full range of global
investment advisory services to institutional and retail clients.


DWS Investments is part of Deutsche Asset Management, which is the marketing
name in the US for the asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, DIMA,
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and DWS Trust Company.


Deutsche Asset Management is a global asset management organization that offers
a wide range of investing expertise and resources, including hundreds of
portfolio managers and analysts and an office network that reaches the world's
major investment centers. This well-resourced global investment platform brings
together a wide variety of experience and investment insight across industries,
regions, asset classes and investing styles.

The Advisor is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG.
Deutsche Bank AG is a major global banking institution that is engaged in a
wide range of financial services, including investment management, mutual
funds, retail, private and commercial banking, investment banking and
insurance.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                                   OTHER POLICIES AND RISKS   63
<PAGE>

The Advisor receives a management fee from each portfolio. Below is the
management rate paid by each portfolio for the most recent fiscal year, as a
percentage of each portfolio's average daily net assets:




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO NAME                       FEE PAID
<S>                                <C>
DWS Bond VIP                          0.39  %
DWS Growth & Income VIP                0.33%*
DWS Capital Growth VIP                 0.36%*
DWS Global Opportunities VIP           0.77%*
DWS International VIP                  0.73%*
DWS Health Care VIP                   0.67  %
DWS Equity 500 Index VIP               0.15%*
DWS Small Cap Index VIP                0.29%*
</TABLE>


*   Reflecting the effect of expense limitations and/or fee waivers then in
    effect.



A discussion regarding the basis for the Board renewal of each portfolio's
investment management agreement  and, as applicable, subadvisory agreement, and
sub-subadvisory agreement is contained in the shareholder reports for the
annual period ended December 31, 2008 (see "Shareholder reports" on the back
cover).


In addition, under a separate administrative services agreement between each
portfolio and Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc., each portfolio pays
the Advisor for providing most of each portfolio's administrative services.



PORTFOLIO SUBADVISORS


SUBADVISOR FOR DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP AND DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP

Northern Trust Investments, N.A. ("NTI"), the subadvisor for DWS Equity 500
Index VIP and DWS Small Cap Index VIP, is located at 50 South LaSalle Street,
Chicago, IL 60603. NTI is an investment adviser registered under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. It primarily manages assets for defined
contribution and benefit plans, investment companies and other institutional
investors. NTI is a subsidiary of The Northern Trust Company ("TNTC"). TNTC is
an Illinois state chartered banking organization and a member of the Federal
Reserve System. Formed in 1889, TNTC administers and manages assets for
individuals, personal trusts, defined contribution and benefit plans and other
institutional and corporate clients. TNTC is the principal subsidiary of
Northern Trust Corporation, a company that is regulated by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System as a financial holding company under
the U.S. Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Northern Trust
Corporation, through its subsidiaries, has for more than 100 years managed the
assets of individuals, charitable organizations, foundations and large
corporate investors. As of December 31, 2008, NTI and its affiliates had assets
under custody of $3.0 trillion, and assets under investment management of
$558.8 billion.



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
64   THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR
<PAGE>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS

The information in this section may affect anyone who selects one or more
portfolios as an investment option in a variable annuity contract or variable
life insurance policy that offers one or more portfolios. These contracts and
policies are described in separate prospectuses issued by participating
insurance companies. Each portfolio assumes no responsibility for such
prospectuses.


POLICIES ABOUT TRANSACTIONS

The information in this prospectus applies to Class A shares of each portfolio.
Each portfolio may offer two classes of shares (except DWS Equity 500 Index
VIP, which offers three classes of shares). Class A shares are offered at net
asset value and are not subject to 12b-1 fees.

Technically, the shareholders of DWS Variable Series I and DWS Investments VIT
Funds (which include each portfolio just described) are the participating
insurance companies (the "insurance companies") that offer each portfolio as
choices for holders of certain variable annuity contracts or variable life
insurance policies (the "contract(s)") issued or sponsored by the insurance
companies. The insurance companies may pass through voting rights to the
contract owners. Each portfolio does not sell shares directly to the public.
Each portfolio sells shares only to separate accounts of insurance companies.
As a contract owner, your premium payments are allocated to a portfolio by the
insurance companies in accordance with your contract. Please see the contract
prospectus that accompanies this prospectus for a detailed explanation of your
contract.


Please bear in mind that there are important differences between funds
available to any investor (a "Retail Fund") and those that are only available
through certain financial institutions, such as insurance companies. For
example, Retail Funds, unlike a portfolio, are not sold to insurance company
separate accounts to fund investments in variable insurance contracts. In
addition, the investment objective, policies and strategies of a portfolio,
while similar to those of a Retail Fund, are not identical. Retail Funds may be
smaller or larger than a portfolio and have different expense ratios than a
portfolio. As a result, the performance of a portfolio and a Retail Fund will
differ.


Should any conflict between contract owners arise that would require that a
substantial amount of net assets be withdrawn from a portfolio, orderly
portfolio management could be disrupted to the potential detriment of
shareholders of that portfolio.


Each portfolio has a verification process for new insurance company accounts to
help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering
activities. Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify
and record information that identifies each insurance company that opens an
account. This means that when an insurance company opens an account, a
portfolio will ask for its name, address and other information that will allow
a portfolio to identify the company. This information will be verified to
ensure the identity of all insurance companies opening an account.

For certain insurance companies, a portfolio might request additional
information (for instance, a portfolio would ask for documents such as the
insurance company's articles of incorporation) to help a portfolio verify the
insurance company's identity.

Each portfolio will not complete the purchase of any shares for an account
until all information has been provided and the application has been submitted
in "good order." Once the application is determined to be in good order, the
purchase(s) will be effected at the net asset value per share next calculated.

Each portfolio may reject a new account application if the insurance company
doesn't provide any required or requested identifying information, or for other
reasons.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                          YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS   65
<PAGE>

BUYING AND SELLING SHARES

Each PORTFOLIO IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS each day the New York Stock Exchange is
open. Each portfolio calculates its share price every business day, as of the
close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (typically 4 p.m.
Eastern time, but sometimes earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day
trading or unscheduled suspensions of trading).

Each portfolio continuously sells shares to each insurance company separate
account, without a sales charge, at the net asset value per share next
determined after a proper purchase order is placed by the insurance company.
The insurance company offers contract owners units in its separate accounts
which correspond to shares in a portfolio. Each insurance company submits
purchase and redemption orders to a portfolio based on allocation instructions
for premium payments, transfer instructions and surrender or partial withdrawal
requests for contract owners, as set forth in the accompanying prospectus for
the contracts. These orders reflect the amount of premium payments to be
invested, surrender and transfer requests, and other matters. Redemption orders
are effected at the next net asset value per share determined after a proper
redemption order is placed by the insurance company. Contract owners should
look at their contract prospectuses for redemption procedures and fees.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BUYING AND SELLING SHARES

o After receiving a contract owner's order, the insurance company buys or sells
  shares at the net asset value next calculated on any day each portfolio is
  open for business.

o Unless otherwise instructed, each portfolio normally makes payment of the
  proceeds from the sale of shares the next business day but always within
  seven calendar days.

o Each portfolio does not issue share certificates.

o Each portfolio reserves the right to reject purchases of shares for any
  reason.

o Each portfolio reserves the right to withdraw or suspend the offering of
  shares at any time.

o Each portfolio reserves the right to reject purchases of shares or to suspend
  or postpone redemptions at times when the New York Stock Exchange is closed
  (other than customary closings), trading is restricted or when an emergency
  exists that prevents a portfolio from disposing of its portfolio securities
  or pricing its shares.

o Each portfolio may refuse, cancel or rescind any purchase order; freeze any
  account (meaning the insurance company will not be able to purchase shares
  in its account); suspend account services; and/or involuntarily redeem the
  account if we think that the account is being used for fraudulent or illegal
  purposes by the insurance company; one or more of these actions will be
  taken when, at the sole discretion of each portfolio, they are deemed to be
  in each portfolio's best interest or when each portfolio is requested or
  compelled to do so by governmental authority or by applicable law.

o Each portfolio may close and liquidate an account if a portfolio is unable to
  verify provided information, or for other reasons; if a portfolio decides to
  close the account, the shares will be redeemed at the net asset value per
  share next calculated after we determine to close the account; the insurance
  company may be subject to gain or loss on the redemption of the portfolio
  shares and may incur tax liability.


o Each portfolio may pay for shares sold by "redeeming in kind," that is, by
  distributing to you marketable securities (which typically will involve
  brokerage costs for you to liquidate) rather than cash, but which will be
  taxable to the same extent as a redemption for cash; each portfolio
  generally won't make a redemption in kind unless your requests over a 90-day
  period total more than $250,000 or 1% of the value of each portfolio's net
  assets, whichever is less.

o A purchase order from an insurance company separate account may not be
  accepted if the sale of portfolio shares has been suspended or if it is
  determined that the purchase would be detrimental to the interests of a
  portfolio.


MARKET TIMING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. Short-term and excessive trading of
portfolio shares may present risks to each portfolio's long-term shareholders
(as used herein, the term "shareholders" may refer to the contract owners),
including potential dilution in the value of portfolio shares, interference
with the efficient management of a portfolio (including losses on the sale of
investments), taxable gains to remaining


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
66   YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS
<PAGE>

shareholders and increased brokerage and administrative costs. These risks may
be more pronounced if a portfolio invests in certain securities such as those
that trade in foreign markets, are illiquid or do not otherwise have "readily
available market quotations." Certain investors may seek to employ short-term
trading strategies aimed at exploiting variations in portfolio valuation that
arise from the nature of the securities held by a portfolio (e.g., "time zone
arbitrage"). Each portfolio has adopted policies and procedures that are
intended to detect and deter short-term and excessive trading.

Pursuant to these policies, each portfolio reserves the right to reject or
cancel a purchase or exchange order for any reason without prior notice. For
example, a portfolio may in its discretion reject or cancel a purchase or an
exchange order even if the transaction is not subject to the specific roundtrip
transaction limitation described below if the Advisor believes that there
appears to be a pattern of short-term or excessive trading activity by a
shareholder or deems any other trading activity harmful or disruptive to a
portfolio. Each portfolio, through its Advisor and transfer agent, will measure
short-term and excessive trading by the number of roundtrip transactions within
a shareholder's account during a rolling 12-month period. A "roundtrip"
transaction is defined as any combination of purchase and redemption activity
(including exchanges) of the same portfolio's shares. Each portfolio may take
other trading activity into account if a portfolio believes such activity is of
an amount or frequency that may be harmful to long-term shareholders or
disruptive to portfolio management.

Shareholders are limited to four roundtrip transactions in the same portfolio
over a rolling 12-month period. Shareholders with four or more roundtrip
transactions in the same portfolio within a rolling 12-month period generally
will be blocked from making additional purchases of, or exchanges into, that
portfolio. Each portfolio has sole discretion whether to remove a block from a
shareholder's account. The rights of a shareholder to redeem shares of each
portfolio are not affected by the four roundtrip transaction limitation.

The Advisor may make exceptions to the roundtrip transaction policy for certain
types of transactions if in its opinion the transactions do not represent
short-term or excessive trading or are not abusive or harmful to each
portfolio, such as, but not limited to, systematic transactions, required
minimum retirement distributions, transactions initiated by each portfolio or
administrator and transactions by certain qualified fund-of-fund(s).

In certain circumstances, each portfolio may rely upon the policy of the
insurance company or other financial intermediary to deter short-term or
excessive trading if the Advisor believes that the policy of such insurance
company or other financial intermediary is reasonably designed to detect and
deter transactions that are not in the best interest of each portfolio. An
insurance company's or other financial intermediary's policy relating to
short-term or excessive trading may be more or less restrictive than each
portfolio's policies, may permit certain transactions not permitted by each
portfolio's policies, or prohibit transactions not subject to each portfolio's
policies.

The Advisor may also accept undertakings from an insurance company or other
financial intermediary to enforce short-term or excessive trading policies on
behalf of each portfolio that provide a substantially similar level of
protection for each portfolio against such transactions. For example, certain
insurance companies may have contractual or legal restrictions, or operational
constraints, that prevent them from blocking an account. In such instances, the
Advisor may permit the insurance company to use alternate techniques that the
Advisor considers to be a reasonable substitute for such a block.

In addition, to the extent that each portfolio invests some portion of its
assets in foreign securities, each portfolio has adopted certain fair valuation
practices intended to protect each portfolio from "time zone arbitrage" with
respect to its foreign securities holdings and other trading practices that
seek to exploit variations in portfolio valuation that arise from the nature of
the securities held by each portfolio. (See "How each Portfolio Calculates
Share Price.")

There is no assurance that these policies and procedures will be effective in
limiting short-term and excessive trading in all cases. For example, the
Advisor may not be able to effectively monitor, detect or limit short-term or
excessive trading by underlying contract holders that occurs through separate
accounts maintained by insurance companies or other financial intermediaries.
The Advisor reviews trading activity at the separate account level to detect
short-term or excessive trading. If the Advisor has reason to suspect that
short-term or excessive trading is occurring at the separate account level, the
Advisor will contact the insurance company or other financial intermediary to
request underlying shareholder level activity. Depending on the amount of
portfolio shares held in such separate account (which may represent most of
each portfolio's shares), short-term and/or excessive trading of portfolio
shares could adversely affect long-term shareholders in each portfolio. If
short-term or excessive trading is identified, the Advisor will take
appropriate action.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                          YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS   67
<PAGE>

Each portfolio's market timing policies and procedures may be modified or
terminated at any time.


HOW TO RECEIVE ACCOUNT INFORMATION

If you are a contract owner, you should contact your insurance company or the
organization that provides record keeping services for information about your
account.

Please see the contract prospectus that accompanies this prospectus for the
customer service phone number.


HOW TO SELECT SHARES

Shares in a portfolio are available in connection with certain variable annuity
and life insurance arrangements. Each insurance company has different
provisions about how and when their contract owners may select portfolio
shares. Each insurance company is responsible for communicating its contract
owners' instructions to a portfolio. Contract owners should contact their
insurance company to effect transactions in connection with a portfolio.



FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY SUPPORT PAYMENTS

The Advisor, DWS Investments Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor") and/or
their affiliates may pay additional compensation, out of their own assets and
not as an additional charge to each portfolio, to selected affiliated and
unaffiliated brokers, dealers, participating insurance companies or other
financial intermediaries ("financial advisors") in connection with the sale
and/or distribution of portfolio shares or the retention and/or servicing of
fund investors and fund shares ("revenue sharing"). Such revenue sharing
payments are in addition to any distribution or service fees payable under any
Rule 12b-1 or service plan of each portfolio, any record keeping/
sub-transfer agency/networking fees payable by each portfolio (generally
through the Distributor or an affiliate) and/or the Distributor to certain
financial advisors for performing such services and any sales charge,
commissions, non-cash compensation arrangements expressly permitted under
applicable rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or other
concessions described in the fee table or elsewhere in this prospectus or the
Statement of Additional Information as payable to all financial advisors. For
example, the Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates may compensate
financial advisors for providing a portfolio with "shelf space" or access to a
third party platform or portfolio offering list or other marketing programs,
including, without limitation, inclusion of the portfolio on preferred or
recommended sales lists, mutual fund "supermarket" platforms and other formal
sales programs; granting the Distributor access to the financial advisor's
sales force; granting the Distributor access to the financial advisor's
conferences and meetings; assistance in training and educating the financial
advisor's personnel; and obtaining other forms of marketing support.

The level of revenue sharing payments made to financial advisors may be a fixed
fee or based upon one or more of the following factors: gross sales, current
assets and/or number of accounts of each portfolio attributable to the
financial advisor, the particular portfolio or portfolio type or other measures
as agreed to by the Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates and the
financial advisors or any combination thereof. The amount of these revenue
sharing payments is determined at the discretion of the Advisor, the
Distributor and/or their affiliates from time to time, may be substantial, and
may be different for different financial advisors based on, for example, the
nature of the services provided by the financial advisor.

The Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates currently make revenue
sharing payments from their own assets in connection with the sale and/or
distribution of DWS fund shares or the retention and/or servicing of investors
and DWS fund shares to financial advisors in amounts that generally range from
..01% up to .50% of assets of each portfolio serviced and maintained by the
financial advisor, .05% to .25% of sales of each portfolio attributable to the
financial advisor, a flat fee of $13,350 up to $500,000, or any combination
thereof. These amounts are subject to change at the discretion of the Advisor,
the Distributor and/or their affiliates. Receipt of, or the prospect of
receiving, this additional compensation may influence your financial advisor's
recommendation of each portfolio or of any particular share class of each
portfolio. You should review your financial advisor's compensation disclosure
and/or talk to your financial advisor to obtain more information on how this
compensation may have influenced your financial advisor's recommendation of
each portfolio. Additional information regarding these revenue sharing payments
is included in each portfolio's Statement of Additional Information, which is
available to you on request at no charge (see the back cover of this prospectus
for more information on how to request a copy of the Statement of Additional
Information).


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
68   YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS
<PAGE>

The Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates may also make such revenue
sharing payments to financial advisors under the terms discussed above in
connection with the distribution of both DWS funds and non-DWS funds by
financial advisors to retirement plans that obtain record keeping services from
ADP, Inc. on the DWS Investments branded retirement plan platform (the
"Platform") with the level of revenue sharing payments being based upon sales
of both the DWS funds and the non-DWS funds by the financial advisor on the
Platform or current assets of both the DWS funds and the non-DWS funds serviced
and maintained by the financial advisor on the Platform.

It is likely that broker-dealers that execute portfolio transactions for each
portfolio will include firms that also sell shares of the DWS funds to their
customers. However, the Advisor will not consider sales of DWS fund shares as a
factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for
the DWS funds. Accordingly, the Advisor has implemented policies and procedures
reasonably designed to prevent its traders from considering sales of DWS fund
shares as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio
transactions for each portfolio. In addition, the Advisor, the Distributor
and/or their affiliates will not use fund brokerage to pay for their obligation
to provide additional compensation to financial advisors as described above.



HOW EACH PORTFOLIO CALCULATES SHARE PRICE

To calculate net asset value per share, or NAV, each portfolio uses the
following equation:



<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
   TOTAL ASSETS - TOTAL LIABILITIES
  ---------------------------             = NAV
  TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
</TABLE>

The price at which you buy and sell shares for each portfolio is the NAV.

We typically value securities using information furnished by an independent
pricing service or market quotations, where appropriate. However, we may use
methods approved by the Board, such as a fair valuation model, which are
intended to reflect fair value when pricing service information or market
quotations are not readily available or when a security's value or a meaningful
portion of the value of a portfolio is believed to have been materially
affected by a significant event, such as a natural disaster, an economic event
like a bankruptcy filing, or a substantial fluctuation in domestic or foreign
markets, that has occurred between the close of the exchange or market on which
the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market)
and the close of the New York Stock Exchange. In such a case, a portfolio's
value for a security is likely to be different from the last quoted market
price or pricing service information. In addition, due to the subjective and
variable nature of fair value pricing, it is possible that the value determined
for a particular asset may be materially different from the value realized upon
such asset's sale. It is expected that the greater the percentage of portfolio
assets that is invested in non-US securities, the more extensive will be a
portfolio's use of fair value pricing. This is intended to reduce a portfolio's
exposure to "time zone arbitrage" and other harmful trading practices. (See
"Market Timing Policies and Procedures.")

To the extent that a portfolio invests in securities that are traded primarily
in foreign markets, the value of its holdings could change at a time when you
aren't able to buy or sell portfolio shares through the contract. This is
because some foreign markets are open on days and at times when each portfolio
doesn't price the shares.



DISTRIBUTIONS

Each portfolio intends to declare and distribute dividends from their net
investment income and capital gains, if any, annually. Each portfolio may make
additional distributions if necessary.

All distributions will be reinvested in shares of a portfolio unless we are
informed by an insurance company that they should be paid out in cash. The
insurance companies will be informed about the amount and character of
distributions from the relevant portfolio for federal income tax purposes.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS A SHARES
                                          YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS   69
<PAGE>

TAXES

Each portfolio intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and intends to meet all requirements necessary to avoid paying any
federal income or excise taxes.

Generally, owners of variable annuity and variable life contracts are not
subject to current federal income taxation on income or gains realized with
respect to such contracts. However, some distributions from such contracts,
whether made prior to or during the annuity payment period, may be taxable at
ordinary income tax rates. In addition, distributions made to an owner who is
younger than 59 1-2 may be subject to a 10% penalty tax. For further
information concerning federal income tax consequences for the holders of
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, such holders
should consult the prospectus used in connection with the issuance of their
particular contracts or policies.

In order for investors to receive the favorable federal income tax treatment
available to holders of variable annuity and variable life contracts, the
separate accounts underlying such contracts, as well as the funds in which such
accounts invest, must meet certain diversification requirements. Each portfolio
intends to comply with these requirements. If a portfolio or separate account
does not meet such requirements or fails to qualify as a regulated investment
company for any taxable year, income allocable to the contracts associated with
the separate account may be taxable currently for federal income tax purposes
to the holders of such contracts and income from prior periods with respect to
such contracts also could be taxable, most likely in the year of the failure.

Under Treasury regulations, insurance companies holding the separate accounts
may have to report to the IRS losses above a certain amount resulting from a
sale or disposition of a portfolio's shares.

The discussion above is generally based on the assumption that shares of a
portfolio will be respected as owned by insurance company separate accounts. If
this is not the case (for example, because the IRS finds an impermissible level
of "investor control" over the investment options underlying variable
contracts), the advantageous federal income tax treatment provided in respect
of insurance company separate accounts under the Code will no longer be
available, and the person or persons determined to own the portfolio shares
will be currently taxed on portfolio distributions, and on the proceeds of any
redemption of portfolio shares, under the Code.

Portfolio investments in securities of foreign issuers may be subject to
withholding and other taxes at the source, including on dividend or interest
payments. Participating insurance companies should consult their own tax
advisors as to whether such distributions are subject to federal income tax if
they are retained as part of policy reserves.

Each portfolio's investments in certain debt obligations may cause each
portfolio to recognize taxable income in excess of the cash generated by such
obligation. Thus, each portfolio could be required at times to liquidate other
investments in order to satisfy its distribution requirements.

The preceding is a brief summary of certain of the relevant federal income tax
considerations. Because each shareholder and contract holder's tax situation is
unique, ask your tax professional about the tax consequences of your
investments, including possible federal, foreign, state or local taxes.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS A SHARES
70   DISTRIBUTIONS
<PAGE>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO GET MORE INFORMATION


SHAREHOLDER REPORTS - These include commentary from each portfolio's management
team about recent market conditions and the effects of each portfolio's
strategies on its performance. They also have detailed performance figures, a
list of everything each portfolio owns, and its financial statements.
Shareholders get these reports automatically.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) - This tells you more about each
portfolio's features and policies, including additional risk information. The
SAI is incorporated by reference into this document (meaning that it's legally
part of this prospectus).

For a free copy of any of these documents or to request other information about
a portfolio, call (800) 778-1482, or contact DWS Investments at the address
listed below. Each portfolio's SAI and shareholder reports are also available
through the DWS Investments Web site at www.dws-investments.com. These
documents and other information about the portfolio are available from the
EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. If you like, you may
obtain copies of this information, after paying a copying fee, by e-mailing a
request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the SEC at the address listed
below. You can also review and copy these documents and other information about
the portfolio, including the portfolio's SAI, at the SEC's Public Reference
Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the SEC's Public
Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DWS INVESTMENTS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.      SEC
<S>                                     <C>
222 South Riverside Plaza               100 F Street, N.E.
Chicago, IL 60606-5808                  Washington, D.C. 20549-0102
(800) 621-1148                          WWW.SEC.GOV
                                        (800) SEC-0330
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEC FILE NUMBER:
-------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>
DWS Variable Series I 811-04257
DWS Investments VIT Funds 811-07507
</TABLE>



(05/01/09) 1a-A


<PAGE>

                                  MAY 1, 2009





                                   PROSPECTUS



                                    CLASS B

DWS VARIABLE SERIES I

DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP

DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP

DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP

DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP

DWS HEALTH CARE VIP

DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS

DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP

DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP - CLASS B2

DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP



This prospectus should be read in conjunction with the variable life insurance
or variable annuity contract prospectus and plan documents for tax-qualified
plans. These shares are available and are being marketed exclusively as a
pooled funding vehicle for life insurance companies writing all types of
variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts.


The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not approve or disapprove
these shares or determine whether the information in this prospectus is
truthful or complete. It is a criminal offense for anyone to inform you
otherwise.


                                     RESHAPING INVESTING. [DWS INVESTMENTS LOGO]
                                                             Deutsche Bank Group


<PAGE>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW EACH PORTFOLIO WORKS

Each portfolio is designed to serve as an investment option for certain
variable annuity contracts, variable life insurance policies and tax-qualified
plans. Your investment in a portfolio is made in conjunction with one of these
contracts or policies. Each portfolio has its own investment objective and
strategy.

Remember that each portfolio is not a bank deposit. Each portfolio is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. Share prices will go up and down and you could lose money by
investing.

Please read this prospectus in conjunction with the prospectus for your
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract or plan documents
for tax-qualified plans. HOW EACH PORTFOLIO WORKS




<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
  3      DWS Growth & Income VIP
 10      DWS Capital Growth VIP
 18      DWS Global Opportunities VIP
 26      DWS International VIP
 34      DWS Health Care VIP
 42      DWS Equity 500 Index VIP
 53      DWS Small Cap Index VIP
 60      Other Policies and Risks
 60      The Investment Advisor
 61      Portfolio Subadvisors
</TABLE>



YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS




<TABLE>
<S>     <C>
63      Buying and Selling Shares
66      How each Portfolio Calculates Share Price
66      Distributions
67      Taxes
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP

THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital, current income and growth of
income. The portfolio invests at least 65% of total assets in equities, mainly
common stocks. Although the portfolio can invest in companies of any size and
from any country, it invests primarily in large US companies. The portfolio
managers may favor securities from different industries and companies at
different times.

The portfolio managers use quantitative stock techniques and fundamental equity
analysis to evaluate each company's stock price relative to the company's
earnings, operating trends, market outlook and other measures of performance
potential.

The portfolio managers will normally sell a stock when they believe its
fundamental factors have changed, other investments offer better opportunities
or in the course of adjusting the portfolio's emphasis on or within a given
industry.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

The portfolio is permitted, but not required, to use various types of
derivatives (contracts whose value is based on, for example, indexes,
currencies or securities). The portfolio may use derivatives in circumstances
where the portfolio managers believe they offer an economical means of gaining
exposure to a particular asset class or to keep cash on hand to meet
shareholder redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to the
market.

As a temporary defensive measure, the portfolio could shift up to 100% of
assets into investments such as money market securities. This measure could
prevent losses, but, while engaged in a temporary defensive position, the
portfolio will not be pursuing its investment objective. However, the portfolio
managers may choose not to use these strategies for various reasons, even in
very volatile market conditions.



THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. The portfolio is affected by how the stock market performs.
To the extent the portfolio invests in a particular capitalization or market
sector, the portfolio's performance may be proportionately affected by that
segment's general performance. When stock prices fall, you should expect the
value of your investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership
in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product
demand and other business risks. These factors may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, movements in financial markets may
adversely affect a stock's price, regardless of how well the company performs.
The market as a whole may not favor the types of investments the portfolio
makes, which could affect the portfolio's ability to sell them at an attractive
price.

GROWTH INVESTING RISK. Since growth stocks usually reinvest a large portion of
earnings in their own businesses, they may lack the dividends associated with
value stocks that might otherwise cushion their decline in a falling market.
Earnings disappointments in growth stocks often result in sharp price declines
because investors buy these stocks for their potential superior earnings
growth. Growth stocks may also be out of favor for certain periods in relation
to value stocks.

VALUE INVESTING RISK. At times, "value" investing may perform better than or
worse than other investment styles and the overall market. If portfolio
management overestimates the value or return potential of one or more
securities, the portfolio may underperform the general equity market. Value
stocks may also be out of favor for certain periods in relation to growth
stocks.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                     DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP   3
<PAGE>

INDUSTRY RISK. While the portfolio does not concentrate in any industry, to the
extent that the portfolio has exposure to a given industry or sector, any
factors affecting that industry or sector could affect the value of portfolio
securities. For example, manufacturers of consumer goods could be hurt by a
rise in unemployment or technology companies could be hurt by such factors as
market saturation, price competition and rapid obsolescence.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK. A risk that pervades all investing is the risk that
the securities in the portfolio's portfolio may decline in value.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of
leverage, which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and
magnify potential losses. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent
employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower
returns or even losses to the portfolio. The use of derivatives by the
portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

Other factors that could affect performance include:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of industries, companies,
  economic trends, the relative attractiveness of different securities or
  other matters.

o foreign securities may be more volatile than their US counterparts, for
  reasons such as currency fluctuations and political and economic
  uncertainty.

This portfolio may make sense for investors interested in an equity fund with
an objective of providing long-term growth and some current income.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
4   DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS B

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class B shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS B
[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]



<TABLE>
<S>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
   5.48      -2.33      -11.56      -23.40     26.55       9.78      5.73     13.28      1.00       -38.29
  1999      2000        2001        2002       2003       2004      2005      2006       2007      2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                        <C>
BEST QUARTER: 12.70%, Q2 2003              WORST QUARTER: -21.71%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -8.01%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                      <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class B                          -38.29          -3.90          -3.18
Russell 1000 (Reg. TM) Index                 -37.60          -2.04          -1.09
Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index            -37.00          -2.19          -1.38
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.

RUSSELL 1000 (Reg. TM) INDEX is an unmanaged price-only index of the 1,000
largest capitalized companies that are domiciled in the US and whose common
stocks are traded.

STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX (S&P 500) is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted
index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad
domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks
representing all major industries.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                     DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP   5
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                    CLASS B
<S>                                        <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
___________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                 0.39%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee               0.25
Other Expenses 1                               0.18
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3,4          0.82
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Through April 30, 2010, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all
    or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating
    expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain the
    portfolio's total operating expenses at 0.87% for Class B shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest.


3   Additionally, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of
    its fees in the amount of 0.01% of average daily net assets until April
    27, 2010.


4   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above, this example helps you compare the expenses of Class
B shares to those of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses
above remain the same. It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5%
annual returns, reinvested all dividends and distributions and sold your shares
at the end of each period. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class B shares           $84           $262           $455         $1,014
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
6   DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. Each portfolio manager on the
team has authority over all aspects of the portfolio's investment portfolio,
including but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities,
portfolio construction techniques, portfolio risk assessment and the management
of daily cash flows in accordance with portfolio holdings.

The following people handle the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Robert Wang
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the
portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 1995 as portfolio manager for asset
     allocation after 13 years of experience of trading fixed income, foreign
     exchange and derivative products at J.P. Morgan.
   o Global Head of Quantitative Strategies Portfolio Management: New York.
   o Joined the portfolio in 2007.
   o BS, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

James B. Francis, CFA
Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the portfolio.
   o Head of Active Quantitative Equity Portfolio Management: New York.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2008 after 20 years of experience as
     senior quantitative global equity portfolio manager at State Street Global
     Advisors, and most recently, Northern Trust Global Investments.

   o Joined the portfolio in 2008.

   o BS in Applied Mathematics from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Julie Abbett
Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the portfolio.
   o Senior portfolio manager for Global Quantitative Equity: New York.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2000 after four years of combined
     experience as a consultant with equity trading services for BARRA, Inc.
     and a product developer for FactSet Research.
   o Joined the portfolio in 2007.
   o BA, University of Connecticut.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                     DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP   7
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP - CLASS B




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               2008         2007           2006          2005        2004
<S>                                               <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                $  10.77      $  10.90   $  9.68           $  9.25     $  8.47
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------        -------     -------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                           .08           .09        .09c             .07         .09
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________        _______     _______
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)              ( 3.42)          .02     1.19                .45         .73
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------        -------     -------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                     ( 3.34)          .11     1.28                .52         .82
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------        -------     -------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                (  .15)       (  .09)  (  .06)             ( .09)      ( .04)
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________        _______     _______
 Net realized gains                                   ( 2.16)       (  .15)       -                  -           -
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________        _______     _______
 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                                  ( 2.31)       (  .24)  (  .06)             ( .09)      ( .04)
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------        -------     -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                      $   5.12      $  10.77   $ 10.90           $  9.68     $  9.25
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------        -------     -------
Total Return (%)                                      (38.29)b     1.00b        13.28b,c        5.73b         9.78
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________        _______     _______
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                     2            15       52                 47          33
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________        _______     _______
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)          .82           .95      .94                .95         .89
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________        _______     _______
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)           .77           .92      .89                .89         .89
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________        _______     _______
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)               1.12           .82        .89c             .75        1.04
_________________________________________________   ________      ________   __________        _______     _______
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                              130           310      105                115          33
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------   ----------        -------     -------
</TABLE>


a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an
    administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation
    practices in connection with sales of DWS Funds. The non-recurring income
    resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.007 per share and
    an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.07%. Excluding this
    non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.06% lower.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
8   DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP - CLASS B




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                          ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                                OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                      5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE           ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND           FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES              EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.82%                4.18%            $ 10,418.00           $    83.71
   2             10.25%                 0.82%                8.53%            $ 10,853.47           $    87.21
   3             15.76%                 0.82%               13.07%            $ 11,307.15           $    90.86
   4             21.55%                 0.82%               17.80%            $ 11,779.79           $    94.66
   5             27.63%                 0.82%               22.72%            $ 12,272.18           $    98.61
   6             34.01%                 0.82%               27.85%            $ 12,785.16           $   102.74
   7             40.71%                 0.82%               33.20%            $ 13,319.58           $   107.03
   8             47.75%                 0.82%               38.76%            $ 13,876.34           $   111.50
   9             55.13%                 0.82%               44.56%            $ 14,456.37           $   116.16
  10             62.89%                 0.82%               50.61%            $ 15,060.64           $   121.02
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 1,013.50
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                     DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP   9
<PAGE>

DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The portfolio seeks to provide long-term growth of capital.


The portfolio normally invests at least 65% of total assets in equities, mainly
common stocks of US companies. Although the portfolio can invest in companies
of any size, it intends to invest primarily in companies whose market
capitalizations are similar in size to the companies in the Standard & Poor's
500 (Reg. TM) Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500 Index") or the Russell
1000 (Reg. TM) Growth Index (as of December 31, 2008, the S&P 500 Index and the
Russell 1000 (Reg. TM) Growth Index had median market capitalizations of $6.4
billion and $3.3 billion, respectively). The portfolio may also invest in other
types of equity securities, such as preferred stocks or convertible securities.


In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers begin by utilizing a proprietary
quantitative model to rank stocks based on a number of factors including
valuation and profitability. The portfolio managers also apply fundamental
techniques to identify companies that display above-average earnings growth
compared to other companies and that have strong product lines, effective
management and leadership positions within core markets. The factors considered
and models used by the portfolio managers may change over time.

The portfolio managers will normally sell a stock when they believe its
potential risks have increased, its price is unlikely to go higher, its
fundamental factors have changed, other investments offer better opportunities
or in the course of adjusting the portfolio's emphasis on a given industry.


SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

The portfolio is permitted, but not required, to use various types of
derivatives (contracts whose value is based on, for example, indices,
currencies or securities). Derivatives may be used for hedging and for risk
management or for non-hedging purposes to seek to enhance potential gains. The
portfolio may use derivatives in circumstances where portfolio management
believes they offer an economical means of gaining exposure to a particular
asset class or to keep cash on hand to meet shareholder redemptions or other
needs while maintaining exposure to the market. In particular, the portfolio
may use futures, options and covered call options.

As a temporary defensive measure, the portfolio could shift up to 100% of
assets in cash and cash equivalents, US government securities, money market
instruments and high quality debt securities without equity features. This
measure could prevent losses, but, while engaged in a temporary defensive
position, the portfolio will not be pursuing its investment objective. However,
the portfolio mangers may choose not to use these strategies for various
reasons, even in very volatile market conditions.



THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. The portfolio is affected by how the stock market performs.
To the extent the portfolio invests in a particular capitalization or market
sector, the portfolio's performance may be proportionately affected by that
segment's general performance. When stock prices fall, you should expect the
value of your investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership
in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product
demand and other business risks. These factors may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, movements in financial markets may
adversely affect a stock's price, regardless of how well the company performs.
The market as a whole may not favor the types of investments the portfolio
makes, which could affect the portfolio's ability to sell them at an attractive
price.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
10   DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP
<PAGE>

GROWTH INVESTING RISK. Since growth stocks usually reinvest a large portion of
earnings in their own businesses, they may lack the dividends associated with
value stocks that might otherwise cushion their decline in a falling market.
Earnings disappointments in growth stocks often result in sharp price declines
because investors buy these stocks for their potential superior earnings
growth. Growth stocks may also be out of favor for certain periods in relation
to value stocks.

INDUSTRY RISK. While the portfolio does not concentrate in any industry, to the
extent that the portfolio has exposure to a given industry or sector, any
factors affecting that industry or sector could affect the value of portfolio
securities. For example, manufacturers of consumer goods could be hurt by a
rise in unemployment or technology companies could be hurt by such factors as
market saturation, price competition and rapid obsolescence.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK. A risk that pervades all investing is the risk that
the securities in the portfolio's portfolio may decline in value.

IPO RISK. Securities purchased in initial public offerings (IPOs) may be very
volatile. The price of such securities may rise and fall rapidly, often based,
among other reasons, on investor perceptions rather than economic reasons.
Additionally, investments in IPOs may magnify the portfolio's performance if it
has a small asset base. The portfolio is less likely to experience a similar
impact on its performance as its assets grow because it is unlikely that the
portfolio will obtain proportionately larger IPO allocations.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of
leverage, which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and
magnify potential losses. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent
employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower
returns or even losses to the portfolio. The use of derivatives by the
portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

Other factors that could affect performance include:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of industries, companies,
  economic trends, the relative attractiveness of different securities or
  other matters.

o foreign securities may be more volatile than their US counterparts, for
  reasons such as currency fluctuations and political and economic
  uncertainty.

This portfolio may make sense for investors seeking long-term growth.

DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                     DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP   11
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS B

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class B shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS B

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]



<TABLE>
<S>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
  34.88       -10.13      -19.64      -29.37     26.51       7.56      8.51      8.17     12.18       -33.20
  1999        2000        2001        2002       2003       2004      2005      2006       2007      2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                        <C>
BEST QUARTER: 24.79%, Q4 1999              WORST QUARTER: -21.62%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -7.12%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                        <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class B                            -33.20          -1.11          -1.92
Russell 1000 (Reg. TM) Growth Index            -38.44          -3.42          -4.27
Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index              -37.00          -2.19          -1.38
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.




ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION


DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP

The table below illustrates the performance of a composite of certain private
accounts ("Accounts") managed by Owen Fitzpatrick, the Lead Manager to the
portfolio, while employed by Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management. For more
information about Owen Fitzpatrick, please refer to the "Portfolio management"
section of this prospectus. Each of the Accounts included in the composite has
objectives, policies and strategies substantially similar to those of the
portfolio. As of December 31, 2008, the total assets in the composite were $328
million.

Unlike management of the private accounts included in the composite, Owen
Fitzpatrick's management of the portfolio is subject to certain regulatory
restrictions (e.g., limits on percentage of assets invested in a single issuer
and industry and requirements on distributing income to shareholders) that do
not apply to the Accounts.



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
12   DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP
<PAGE>


In addition, the portfolio generally experiences cash flows that are different
from those of the Accounts. All of these factors may adversely affect the
performance of the portfolio and cause it to differ from that of the Accounts
in the composite described below.

Composite results below represent the performance of the Accounts, net of the
annual rate of estimated total operating expenses of DWS Capital Growth VIP -
Class A, as of December 31, 2008. THE COMPOSITE RESULTS DO NOT REPRESENT THE
PERFORMANCE OF THE DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AN
INDICATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO. The composite results are
not required to be, and were not calculated in accordance with SEC mandated
mutual fund performance calculation methodology. The use of such methodology
could yield a different result.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%)**
      (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008)              1 YEAR           3 YEARS         SINCE INCEPTION*
<S>                                       <C>               <C>              <C>
FEE ADJUSTED, NO-LOAD
(reflects no deduction for sales
charge)                                       -33.34%           -2.19%              1.09%
RUSSELL 1000 (Reg. TM) GROWTH INDEX
(reflects no deductions for fees,
expenses or taxes)                            -38.44%           -9.11%             -3.76%
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX
(reflects no deductions for fees,
expenses or taxes)                            -37.00%           -8.36%             -2.65%
</TABLE>



*   Date of Inception is April 1, 2004 which corresponds to the date that Mr.
    Fitzpatrick became the sole, lead portfolio manager of the Accounts.

**   Average Annual Total Returns reflect the gross returns of the Accounts
    reduced by the estimated net annual operating expenses of the DWS Capital
    Growth VIP - Class A shares (1.07% annually). Actual fees and expenses of
    the Accounts may have been more or less than those of the portfolio.
    Returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.


RUSSELL 1000 (Reg. TM) GROWTH INDEX is an unmanaged index that consists of
those stocks in the Russell 1000 (Reg. TM) Index that have higher price-to-book
ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Russell 1000 (Reg. TM) Index is an
unmanaged price-only index of the 1,000 largest capitalized companies that are
domiciled in the US and whose common stocks are traded.

STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX (S&P 500) is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted
index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad
domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks
representing all major industries.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION. Owen Fitzpatrick, Lead Manager to the
portfolio, previously managed private accounts with substantially similar
investment objectives, policies and strategies as the portfolio when he was
employed by Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management. See the section entitled
"Additional Performance Information" for more information. This performance
does not represent the performance of the portfolio and should not be
considered an indication of future performance of the portfolio.



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                     DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP   13
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                CLASS B
<S>                                    <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
__________________________________
Management Fee                             0.37%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee           0.25
Other Expenses 1                           0.23

TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES            0.85
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement           0.03
NET ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3          0.82
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Through April 30, 2010, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all
    or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating
    expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain the
    portfolio's total operating expenses at 0.82% for Class B shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example helps you compare the expenses of Class B shares to those
of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses above remain the same.
It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns, reinvested
all dividends and distributions and sold your shares at the end of each period.
This is only an example; actual expenses will be different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class B shares           $84           $268           $468         $1,046
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
14   DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. The team is led by a lead
portfolio manager who is responsible for developing the portfolio's investment
strategy. Each portfolio manager on the team has authority over all aspects of
the portfolio's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases
and sales of individual securities, portfolio construction techniques,
portfolio risk assessment and the management of daily cash flows in accordance
with portfolio holdings.

The following people handle the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Owen Fitzpatrick, CFA
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and
Co-Lead Portfolio Manager of the portfolio effective
February 15, 2009.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management and the portfolio in 2009.
   o Prior to joining Deutsche Asset Management, he was Managing Director of
     Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management and served as head of U.S. Equity
     Strategy and manager of the U.S. large cap core, value and growth
     portfolios and member of the U.S. Investment Committee and head of the
     Equity Strategy Group.

   o Previous experience includes over 21 years of experience in trust and
     investment management. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank in 1995, he managed
     an equity income fund, trust and advisory relationships for Princeton Bank
     & Trust Company, where he was also responsible for research coverage of
     the consumer cyclical sector. Prior to that, he served as a portfolio
     manager at Manufacturer's Hanover Trust Company.

   o BA and MBA, Fordham University.

Richard Shepley
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and
Co-Lead Portfolio Manager of the portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 1998 and the portfolio in 2007.
   o Previous experience includes eight years of investment industry
     experience as research analyst for global beverage and media sectors at
     Newton Investment Management and assistant manager in corporate tax and
     corporate insolvency department at PriceWaterhouse, London.
   o MA, Oxford University.

Brendan O'Neill, CFA
Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2000 and the portfolio in 2009.
   o Equity Research Analyst covering the financial services sector since
     2001.
   o Previously served as a member of the Large Cap Core Equity team.
   o BA, Queens College, CUNY; MS, Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                     DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP   15
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP - CLASS B



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               2008          2007          2006          2005         2004
<S>                                               <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                $  20.31      $  18.15       $  16.81      $  15.59    $  14.52
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------       --------      --------    --------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                           .10        .09d           .06c             .04         .09
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)              ( 6.81)         2.12           1.31          1.28        1.01
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------       --------      --------    --------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                     ( 6.71)         2.21           1.37          1.32        1.10
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------       --------      --------    --------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                (  .11)       (  .05)        (  .03)       (  .10)     (  .03)
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                      $  13.49      $  20.31       $  18.15      $  16.81    $  15.59
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------       --------      --------    --------
Total Return (%)                                      (33.20)b     12.18b        8.17b,c        8.51b          7.56
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                    10            19            107            73          23
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)          .85           .94            .91           .89         .88
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)           .82           .90            .86           .86         .88
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)                .56        .48d           .36c             .24         .60
_________________________________________________   ________      ________       ________      ________    ________
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                               21            30             16            17          15
-------------------------------------------------   --------      --------       --------      --------    --------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an
    administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation
    practices in connection with sales of DWS Funds. The non-recurring income
    resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.007 per share and
    an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.04%. Excluding this
    non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.03% lower.

d   Net investment income per share and ratio of net investment income include
    non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.03 per share and 0.17% of
    average daily net assets, respectively.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
16   DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP - CLASS B




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                          ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                                OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                      5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE           ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND           FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES              EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.82%                4.18%            $ 10,418.00           $    83.71
   2             10.25%                 0.85%                8.50%            $ 10,850.38           $    90.39
   3             15.76%                 0.85%               13.01%            $ 11,300.64           $    94.14
   4             21.55%                 0.85%               17.70%            $ 11,769.61           $    98.05
   5             27.63%                 0.85%               22.58%            $ 12,258.05           $   102.12
   6             34.01%                 0.85%               27.67%            $ 12,766.76           $   106.36
   7             40.71%                 0.85%               32.97%            $ 13,296.58           $   110.77
   8             47.75%                 0.85%               38.48%            $ 13,848.39           $   115.37
   9             55.13%                 0.85%               44.23%            $ 14,423.10           $   120.15
  10             62.89%                 0.85%               50.22%            $ 15,021.66           $   125.14
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 1,046.20
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                     DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP   17
<PAGE>

DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The portfolio seeks above-average capital appreciation over the long term.


The portfolio invests at least 65% of total assets in common stocks and other
equities of small companies throughout the world (companies with market values
similar to the smallest 20% of the S&P/Citigroup Extended Market Index -
World). While the portfolio may invest in securities in any country, it
generally focuses on countries with developed economies (including the US). As
of March 31, 2009, companies in which the portfolio invests typically have a
market capitalization of between $500 million and $5 billion at the time of
purchase. As part of the investment process (and low turnover strategy) the
portfolio may own stocks even though they exceed the market capitalization
upper range.


The portfolio may invest up to 35% of total assets in common stocks and other
equities of large companies or in debt securities (of which 5% of net assets
may be junk bonds, i.e., grade BB/Ba and below). Compared to investment-grade
bonds, junk bonds may pay higher yields, have higher volatility and a higher
risk of default. The portfolio's equity investments are mainly common stocks,
but may also include other types of equities such as preferred or convertible
stocks. In particular, the portfolio may use futures, options and yield curve
options. To the extent the portfolio invests in foreign securities, the
portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts and buy and sell
currency options to hedge against currency exchange rate fluctuations.

In choosing securities, the portfolio managers use a combination of three
analytical disciplines:

BOTTOM-UP RESEARCH. The portfolio managers look for individual companies with a
history of above-average growth, strong competitive positioning, attractive
prices relative to potential growth, sound financial strength and effective
management, among other factors.

GROWTH ORIENTATION. The portfolio managers generally look for companies that
they believe have above-average potential for sustainable growth of revenue or
earnings and whose market value appears reasonable in light of their business
prospects.

ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL THEMES. The portfolio managers consider global economic
outlooks, seeking to identify industries and companies that are likely to
benefit from social, political and economic changes.

The portfolio managers will normally sell a stock when they believe its price
is unlikely to go much higher, its fundamentals have deteriorated, other
investments offer better opportunities or in the course of adjusting the
portfolio's exposure to a given country.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

The portfolio is permitted, but not required, to use various types of
derivatives (contracts whose value is based on, for example, indicies,
currencies or securities). Derivatives may be used for hedging and for risk
management or for non-hedging purposes to seek to enhance potential gains. The
portfolio may use derivatives in circumstances where portfolio management
believes they offer an economical means of gaining exposure to a particular
asset class or to keep cash on hand to meet shareholder redemptions or other
needs while maintaining exposure to the market.

As a temporary defensive measure, the portfolio could shift up to 100% of
assets into investments such as money market securities. This measure could
prevent losses, but, while engaged in a temporary defensive position, the
portfolio will not be pursuing its investment objective. However, the portfolio
managers may choose not to use these strategies for various reasons, even in
very volatile market conditions.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
18   DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP
<PAGE>

THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. An important factor with the portfolio is how the stock
markets perform - in this case US and foreign stock markets. When US and
foreign stock prices fall, you should expect the value of your investment to
fall as well. Compared to large company stocks, small company stocks tend to be
more volatile, in part because these companies tend to be less established and
the valuation of their stocks often depends on future expectations. Because a
stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor
management, shrinking product demand and other business risks. These risk
factors may affect single companies as well as groups of companies. In
addition, movements in financial markets may adversely affect a stock's price,
regardless of how well the company performs. The market as a whole may not
favor the types of investments the portfolio makes and the portfolio may not be
able to get attractive prices for them.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. Foreign investments involve certain special risks,
including:

o POLITICAL RISK. Some foreign governments have limited the outflow of profits
  to investors abroad, imposed restrictions on the exchange or export of
  foreign currency, extended diplomatic disputes to include trade and
  financial relations, seized foreign investments and imposed higher taxes.

o INFORMATION RISK. Companies based in foreign markets are usually not subject
  to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as
  stringent as those in the US. Therefore, their financial reports may present
  an incomplete, untimely or misleading picture of a company, as compared to
  the financial reports required in the US.

o LIQUIDITY RISK. Investments that trade less frequently can be more difficult
  or more costly to buy, or to sell, than more liquid or active investments.
  This liquidity risk is a factor of the trading volume of a particular
  investment, as well as the size and liquidity of the entire local market. On
  the whole, foreign exchanges are smaller and less liquid than US exchanges.
  This can make buying and selling certain investments more difficult and
  costly. Relatively small transactions in some instances can have a
  disproportionately large effect on the price and supply of securities. In
  certain situations, it may become virtually impossible to sell an investment
  in an orderly fashion at a price that approaches portfolio management's
  estimate of its value. For the same reason, it may at times be difficult to
  value the portfolio's foreign investments.

o REGULATORY RISK. There is generally less government regulation of foreign
  markets, companies and securities dealers than in the US.

o CURRENCY RISK. The portfolio invests in securities denominated in foreign
  currencies. Changes in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the US
  dollar may affect the US dollar value of foreign securities or the income or
  gain received on these securities.

o LIMITED LEGAL RECOURSE RISK. Legal remedies for investors may be more limited
  than the legal remedies available in the US.

o TRADING PRACTICE RISK. Brokerage commissions and other fees are generally
  higher for foreign investments than for US investments. The procedures and
  rules governing foreign transactions and custody may also involve delays in
  payment, delivery or recovery of money or investments.

o TAXES. Foreign withholding and certain other taxes may reduce the amount of
  income available to distribute to shareholders of the portfolio. In
  addition, special US tax considerations may apply to the portfolio's foreign
  investments.

EMERGING MARKET RISK. All of the risks of investing in foreign securities are
increased in connection with investments in emerging markets securities. In
addition, profound social changes and business practices that depart from norms
in developed countries' economies have hindered the orderly growth of emerging
economies and their markets in the past and have caused instability. High
levels of debt tend to make emerging economies heavily reliant on foreign
capital and vulnerable to capital flight. Countries with emerging economies are
also more likely to experience high levels of inflation, deflation or currency
devaluation, which could also hurt their economies and securities markets. For
these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered
speculative.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                               DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP   19
<PAGE>

Some governments exercise substantial influence over the private economic
sector and the social and political uncertainties that exist for many
developing countries is significant. In adverse social and political
circumstances, governments have been involved in policies of expropriation,
confiscatory taxation, nationalization, intervention in the securities markets
and trade settlement, and imposition of foreign investment restrictions and
exchange controls.

SMALL COMPANY CAPITALIZATION RISK. Small company stocks tend to experience
steeper price fluctuations than the stocks of larger companies. A shortage of
reliable information can also pose added risk to small company stocks.
Industry-wide reversals may have a greater impact on small companies, since
they lack the financial resources of larger companies. Small company stocks are
typically less liquid than large company stocks. Accordingly, it may be harder
to find buyers for small company shares.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK. A risk that pervades all investing is the risk that
the securities in the portfolio's portfolio may decline in value.

IPO RISK. Securities purchased in initial public offerings (IPOs) may be very
volatile. The price of such securities may rise and fall rapidly, often based,
among other reasons, on investor perceptions rather than economic reasons.
Additionally, investments in IPOs may magnify the portfolio's performance if it
has a small asset base. The portfolio is less likely to experience a similar
impact on its performance as its assets grow because it is unlikely that the
portfolio will obtain proportionately larger IPO allocations.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of
leverage, which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and
magnify potential losses. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent
employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower
returns or even losses to the portfolio. The use of derivatives by the
portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

Other factors that could affect performance include:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of industries, companies,
  economic trends, the relative attractiveness of different securities or
  other matters.

o growth stocks may be out of favor for certain periods.

o a bond could fall in credit quality, go into default, or decrease in value
  for various reasons, including a change in prevailing interest rates; this
  risk is greater with junk bonds and foreign bonds.

This portfolio may interest long-term investors interested in diversifying a
large-cap or domestic portfolio of investments.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
20   DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS B

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class B shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS B

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]



<TABLE>
<S>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
  65.63       -5.42      -24.96      -20.07     48.77      23.12      18.06      21.88      8.92       -50.16
  1999       2000        2001        2002       2003       2004       2005       2006       2007      2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                        <C>
BEST QUARTER: 40.82%, Q4 1999              WORST QUARTER: -28.57%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -8.24%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                 <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class B                     -50.16          -0.78           3.00
S&P Developed SmallCap Index            -43.75          0.81            4.12
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.

THE S&P DEVELOPED SMALLCAP INDEX (formerly the S&P/Citigroup Extended Market
Index - World) is an unmanaged index of small-capitalization stocks within 26
countries around the globe.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                               DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP   21
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                  CLASS B
<S>                                      <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
_________________________________________________________
Management Fee                               0.89%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee             0.25
Other Expenses 1                             0.28
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3          1.42
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.



2   Through September 30, 2009, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive
    all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain
    operating expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain
    the portfolio's total operating expenses at 1.35% for Class B shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest. Effective October 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010,
    the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its
    management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating expenses of the
    portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain the portfolio's total
    operating expenses at ratios no higher than 1.50% for Class B shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above, this example helps you compare the expenses of Class
B shares to those of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses
above remain the same. It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5%
annual returns, reinvested all dividends and distributions and sold your shares
at the end of each period. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class B shares          $145           $449           $776         $1,702
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
22   DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. The team is led by a lead
portfolio manager who is responsible for developing the portfolio's investment
strategy. Each portfolio manager on the team has authority over all aspects of
the portfolio's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases
and sales of individual securities, portfolio construction techniques,
portfolio risk assessment and the management of daily cash flows in accordance
with portfolio holdings.

The following people handle the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Joseph Axtell, CFA
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the
portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2001 and the portfolio in 2002.
   o Senior analyst at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers for the international
     equity portion of a global balanced portfolio (1996-2001).
   o Director, International Research at PCM International
     (1989-1996).
   o Associate manager, structured debt and equity group at Prudential Capital
     Corporation (1988-1989).
   o Analyst at Prudential-Bache Capital Funding in London
     (1987-1988).
   o Equity analyst in the healthcare sector at Prudential Equity Management
     Associates (1985-1987).
   o B.S. Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota.

Jeffrey Saeger, CFA
Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Portfolio Manager of the portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 1996 and the portfolio effective
     January 15, 2009.
   o Over 14 years of investment industry experience.
   o BS, State University of New York at Fredonia.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                               DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP   23
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP - CLASS B



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                              2008         2007           2006            2005         2004
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>           <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                $  18.03     $  17.93    $ 14.84           $  12.62     $  10.25
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------    -------           --------     --------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                       .16f          .01e      (  .00)b,d             .03       (  .01)
_________________________________________________   ________     ________    _______           ________     ________
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)              ( 8.07)        1.61      3.24                2.24         2.38
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------    -------           --------     --------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                     ( 7.91)        1.62      3.24                2.27         2.37
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------    -------           --------     --------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                     -       (  .19)   (  .15)             (  .05)           -
_________________________________________________   ________     ________    _______           ________     ________
 Net realized gains                                   ( 2.47)      ( 1.33)       -                    -            -
_________________________________________________   ________     ________    _______           ________     ________
 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                                  ( 2.47)      ( 1.52)   (  .15)             (  .05)           -
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------    -------           --------     --------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                      $   7.65     $  18.03    $ 17.93           $  14.84     $  12.62
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------    -------           --------     --------
Total Return (%)                                      (50.16)c    8.92c       21.88c,d          18.06c       23.12c
_________________________________________________   ________     ________    _______           ________     ________
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                     5           12       37                   33           24
_________________________________________________   ________     ________    _______           ________     ________
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)         1.42         1.53      1.51                1.54         1.52
_________________________________________________   ________     ________    _______           ________     ________
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)          1.30         1.50      1.31                1.24         1.39
_________________________________________________   ________     ________    _______           ________     ________
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)            1.21f         .07e      (  .03)d               .25       (  .12)
_________________________________________________   ________     ________    _______           ________     ________
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                               21           19       28                   30           24
-------------------------------------------------   --------     --------    -------           --------     --------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Amount is less than $.005.

c   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

d   Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an
    administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation
    practices in connection with sales of DWS Funds. The non-recurring income
    resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.002 per share and
    an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.01%. Excluding this
    non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.01% lower.

e   Net investment income per share and ratio of net investment income include
    non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.02 per share and 0.09% of
    average daily net assets, respectively.

f   Net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income
    include non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.05 per share and
    0.37% of average daily net assets, respectively.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
24   DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP - CLASS B




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                          ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                                OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                      5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 1.42%                3.58%            $ 10,358.00          $   144.54
   2             10.25%                 1.42%                7.29%            $ 10,728.82          $   149.72
   3             15.76%                 1.42%               11.13%            $ 11,112.91          $   155.08
   4             21.55%                 1.42%               15.11%            $ 11,510.75          $   160.63
   5             27.63%                 1.42%               19.23%            $ 11,922.83          $   166.38
   6             34.01%                 1.42%               23.50%            $ 12,349.67          $   172.33
   7             40.71%                 1.42%               27.92%            $ 12,791.79          $   178.50
   8             47.75%                 1.42%               32.50%            $ 13,249.74          $   184.89
   9             55.13%                 1.42%               37.24%            $ 13,724.08          $   191.51
  10             62.89%                 1.42%               42.15%            $ 14,215.40          $   198.37
TOTAL                                                                                              $ 1,701.95
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                               DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP   25
<PAGE>

DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital primarily through diversified
holdings of marketable foreign equity investments (equities issued by
foreign-based companies and listed on foreign exchanges.) Although the
portfolio can invest in companies of any size and from any country (other than
the United States), it invests mainly in common stocks of established companies
in countries with developed economies.

The portfolio managers use a bottom-up approach, emphasizing individual stock
selection, with any active allocation among countries, regions or industries as
a residual of the strategy. The portfolio managers' process begins with a broad
universe of equity securities of issuers primarily, but not exclusively,
located in the countries that make up the MSCI EAFE (Reg. TM) Index. The MSCI
EAFE (Reg. TM) Index tracks stocks in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The universe includes all securities in the
Index and a large number of securities not included in the Index but whose
issuers are located in the countries that make up the Index.

The portfolio managers screen for companies seeking to identify those with high
or improving, and sustainable, returns on capital and long-term prospects for
growth. The portfolio managers focus on companies with real cash flow on
investment rather than published earnings. The portfolio managers utilize
information gleaned from a variety of sources and perspectives, including broad
trends such as lifestyle, demographic and technological changes, industry
cycles and regulatory changes, quantitative screening and individual company
analysis.

Based on this fundamental research, the portfolio managers set a target price
objective (the portfolio manager's opinion of the intrinsic value of the
security) for each security and ranks the securities based on these target
price objectives. The portfolio managers apply a disciplined approach to risk
management and portfolio construction. Stocks are sold when they meet their
target price objectives, a better investment opportunity has been identified or
there has been a negative change in the outlook for the company, country or
industry. In implementing this strategy, the portfolio may experience a high
portfolio turnover rate.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

While most of the portfolio's foreign equities are common stocks, some may be
other types of equities, such as convertible securities, preferred stocks and
depositary receipts. The portfolio is permitted, but not required, to use
various types of derivatives (contracts whose value is based on, for example,
indexes, currencies or securities). The portfolio may use derivatives in
circumstances where the portfolio managers believe they offer an economical
means of gaining exposure to a particular asset class or to keep cash on hand
to meet shareholder redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to
the market. In particular, the portfolio may use futures, currency options and
forward currency transactions.

For temporary defensive purposes, the portfolio may invest up to 100% of its
assets in Canadian and US Government obligations or currencies, securities of
companies incorporated in and having their principal place of business in
Canada or the US or in relatively stable investments, such as money market
securities. In such a case, the portfolio would not be pursuing its investment
objective. However, the portfolio managers may choose not to use these
strategies for various reasons, even in very volatile market conditions.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
26   DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP
<PAGE>

THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. As with most stock funds, an important factor with this
portfolio is how stock markets perform - in this case, foreign markets. When
foreign stock prices fall, you should expect the value of your investment to
fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices
can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product demand and other business
risks. These may affect single companies as well as groups of companies. In
addition, movements in financial markets may adversely affect a stock's price,
regardless of how well the company performs. The market as a whole may not
favor the types of investments the portfolio makes and the portfolio may not be
able to get attractive prices for them.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. Foreign investments involve certain special risks,
including:

o POLITICAL RISK. Some foreign governments have limited the outflow of profits
  to investors abroad, imposed restrictions on the exchange or export of
  foreign currency, extended diplomatic disputes to include trade and
  financial relations, seized foreign investments and imposed higher taxes.

o INFORMATION RISK. Companies based in foreign markets are usually not subject
  to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as
  stringent as those in the US. Therefore, their financial reports may present
  an incomplete, untimely or misleading picture of a company, as compared to
  the financial reports required in the US.

o LIQUIDITY RISK. Investments that trade less frequently can be more difficult
  or more costly to buy, or to sell, than more liquid or active investments.
  This liquidity risk is a factor of the trading volume of a particular
  investment, as well as the size and liquidity of the entire local market. On
  the whole, foreign exchanges are smaller and less liquid than US exchanges.
  This can make buying and selling certain investments more difficult and
  costly. Relatively small transactions in some instances can have a
  disproportionately large effect on the price and supply of securities. In
  certain situations, it may become virtually impossible to sell an investment
  in an orderly fashion at a price that approaches portfolio management's
  estimate of its value. For the same reason, it may at times be difficult to
  value the portfolio's foreign investments.

o REGULATORY RISK. There is generally less government regulation of foreign
  markets, companies and securities dealers than in the US.

o CURRENCY RISK. The portfolio invests in securities denominated in foreign
  currencies. Changes in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the US
  dollar may affect the US dollar value of foreign securities or the income or
  gain received on these securities.

o LIMITED LEGAL RECOURSE RISK. Legal remedies for investors may be more limited
  than the legal remedies available in the US.

o TRADING PRACTICE RISK. Brokerage commissions and other fees are generally
  higher for foreign investments than for US investments. The procedures and
  rules governing foreign transactions and custody may also involve delays in
  payment, delivery or recovery of money or investments.

o TAXES. Foreign withholding and certain other taxes may reduce the amount of
  income available to distribute to shareholders of the portfolio. In
  addition, special US tax considerations may apply to the portfolio's foreign
  investments.

EMERGING MARKET RISK. All of the risks of investing in foreign securities are
increased in connection with investments in emerging markets securities. In
addition, profound social changes and business practices that depart from norms
in developed countries' economies have hindered the orderly growth of emerging
economies and their markets in the past and have caused instability. High
levels of debt tend to make emerging economies heavily reliant on foreign
capital and vulnerable to capital flight. Countries with emerging economies are
also more likely to experience high levels of inflation, deflation or currency
devaluation, which could also hurt their economies and securities markets. For
these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered
speculative.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                      DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP   27
<PAGE>

Some governments exercise substantial influence over the private economic
sector and the social and political uncertainties that exist for many
developing countries is significant. In adverse social and political
circumstances, governments have been involved in policies of expropriation,
confiscatory taxation, nationalization, intervention in the securities markets
and trade settlement, and imposition of foreign investment restrictions and
exchange controls.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK. A risk that pervades all investing is the risk that
the securities in the portfolio's portfolio may decline in value.

IPO RISK. Securities purchased in initial public offerings (IPOs) may be very
volatile. The price of such securities may rise and fall rapidly, often based,
among other reasons, on investor perceptions rather than economic reasons.
Additionally, investments in IPOs may magnify the portfolio's performance if it
has a small asset base. The portfolio is less likely to experience a similar
impact on its performance as its assets grow because it is unlikely that the
portfolio will obtain proportionately larger IPO allocations.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of
leverage, which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and
magnify potential losses. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent
employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower
returns or even losses to the portfolio. The use of derivatives by the
portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

Other factors that could affect performance include:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of foreign governments,
  industries, companies, economic trends, the relative attractiveness of
  different sizes of stocks, geographical trends or other matters.

This portfolio is designed for investors who are interested in a broadly
diversified international investment with the emphasis on long-term growth of
capital.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
28   DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS B

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class B shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS B

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]





<TABLE>
<S>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
  54.13       -21.89      -30.81      -18.62     27.52      16.24      15.71      25.44      14.25      -48.25
  1999        2000        2001        2002       2003       2004       2005       2006       2007       2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                         <C>
BEST QUARTER: 29.00%, Q4 1999               WORST QUARTER: -26.71%, Q3 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -12.71%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                              <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class B                  -48.25         -0.05          -1.47
MSCI EAFE (Reg. TM) Index            -43.38          1.66           0.80
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.

MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL EUROPE, AUSTRALASIA AND THE FAR EAST (MSCI
EAFE (Reg. TM)) INDEX is an unmanaged index that tracks international stock
performance in the 21 developed markets of Europe, Australasia and the Far
East.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                      DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP   29
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                     CLASS B
<S>                                         <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
____________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                  0.77%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee                0.25
Other Expenses 1                                0.31
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                 1.33
Less Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement           0.04
NET ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3               1.29
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Through April 30, 2010, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all
    or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating
    expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain the
    portfolio's total operating expenses at 1.29% for Class B shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example helps you compare the expenses of Class B shares to those
of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses above remain the same.
It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns, reinvested
all dividends and distributions and sold your shares at the end of each period.
This is only an example; actual expenses will be different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class B shares          $131           $417           $725         $1,598
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
30   DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. Each portfolio manager on the
team has authority over all aspects of the portfolio's investment portfolio,
including but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities,
portfolio construction techniques, portfolio risk assessment and the management
of daily cash flows in accordance with portfolio holdings.

The following person handles the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Joseph Axtell, CFA
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Lead Portfolio Manager of
the portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2001 and the portfolio in 2008.
   o Senior analyst at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers for the international
     equity portion of a global balanced portfolio (1996-2001).
   o Director, International Research at PCM International
     (1989-1996).
   o Associate manager, structured debt and equity group at Prudential Capital
     Corporation (1988-1989).
   o Analyst at Prudential-Bache Capital Funding in London
     (1987-1988).
   o Equity analyst in the healthcare sector at Prudential Equity Management
     Associates (1985-1987).
   o B.S., Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota.

The following individual has been named consultant to the portfolios' advisor,
Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. (the "Advisor").

Michael Sieghart, CFA
Managing Director of DWS Investment GmbH: Frankfurt and consultant to the
Advisor.
   o Joined DWS Investment GmbH: Frankfurt in 1997.
   o Senior fund manager of global and European equities: Frankfurt.
   o Master's degree in finance and economics from the University of Economics
     and Business Administration, Vienna.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                      DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP   31
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP - CLASS B




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                 2008            2007          2006          2005         2004
<S>                                               <C>               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                 $   14.98        $  13.38      $  10.82       $  9.48      $  8.24
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------      --------       -------      -------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                         .23e             .16d          .24c             .12          .06
_________________________________________________    _________        ________      ________       _______      _______
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)                ( 6.43)           1.73          2.50          1.35         1.27
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------      --------       -------      -------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                       ( 6.20)           1.89          2.74          1.47         1.33
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------      --------       -------      -------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                  (  .11)         (  .29)       (  .18)       (  .13)       ( .09)
_________________________________________________    _________        ________      ________       _______      _______
 Net realized gains                                     ( 2.15)              -             -             -            -
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------      --------       -------      -------
 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                                    ( 2.26)         (  .29)       (  .18)       (  .13)       ( .09)
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------      --------       -------      -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                       $    6.52        $  14.98      $  13.38       $ 10.82      $  9.48
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------      --------       -------      -------
Total Return (%)                                        (48.25)b,f     14.25b        25.44b        15.71b       16.24b
_________________________________________________    _________        ________      ________       _______      _______
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                      40              12            51            40           35
_________________________________________________    _________        ________      ________       _______      _______
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)           1.33            1.41          1.37          1.41         1.38
_________________________________________________    _________        ________      ________       _______      _______
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)            1.28            1.39          1.36          1.37         1.35
_________________________________________________    _________        ________      ________       _______      _______
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)             2.42e             1.07d         1.94c           1.24          .74
_________________________________________________    _________        ________      ________       _______      _______
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                                123             108           105            59           73
-------------------------------------------------    ---------        --------      --------       -------      -------
</TABLE>


a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income
    include non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.11 per share and
    0.92% of average daily net assets, respectively.

d   Net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income
    include non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.05 per share and
    0.33% of average daily net assets, respectively.

e   Net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income
    include non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.09 per share and
    0.82% of average daily net assets, respectively.

f   Includes a reimbursement from the Advisor to reimburse the effect of losses
    incurred as the result of certain operation errors during the period.
    Excluding this reimbursement, total return would have been 0.06% lower.

                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
32   DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP - CLASS B




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                          ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                                OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                      5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 1.29%                3.71%            $ 10,371.00          $   131.39
   2             10.25%                 1.33%                7.52%            $ 10,751.62          $   140.47
   3             15.76%                 1.33%               11.46%            $ 11,146.20          $   145.62
   4             21.55%                 1.33%               15.55%            $ 11,555.27          $   150.96
   5             27.63%                 1.33%               19.79%            $ 11,979.34          $   156.51
   6             34.01%                 1.33%               24.19%            $ 12,418.99          $   162.25
   7             40.71%                 1.33%               28.75%            $ 12,874.76          $   168.20
   8             47.75%                 1.33%               33.47%            $ 13,347.27          $   174.38
   9             55.13%                 1.33%               38.37%            $ 13,837.11          $   180.78
  10             62.89%                 1.33%               43.45%            $ 14,344.93          $   187.41
TOTAL                                                                                              $ 1,597.97
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                      DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP   33
<PAGE>

DWS HEALTH CARE VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital by investing, under normal
circumstances, at least 80% of total assets, plus the amount of any borrowings
for investment purposes, in common stocks of companies in the health care
sector. For purposes of the portfolio's 80% investment policy, to be considered
part of the health care sector, companies must commit at least half of their
assets to, or derive at least half of their revenues or net income from, that
sector. The industries in the health care sector include pharmaceuticals,
biotechnology, medical products and supplies, and health care services. The
companies may be of any size. The portfolio will invest primarily in securities
of US companies, but may invest in foreign companies as well. While the
portfolio invests mainly in common stocks, it may also invest up to 20% of
total assets in US Treasury and agency debt obligations.

In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers use a combination of three
analytical disciplines:

BOTTOM-UP RESEARCH. The portfolio managers look for individual companies with a
history of above-average growth, strong competitive positioning, new tests or
treatments, the ability to take advantage of demographic trends, attractive
prices relative to potential growth, sound financial strength and effective
management, among other factors.

GROWTH ORIENTATION. The portfolio managers generally look for companies that
they believe have above-average potential for sustainable growth of revenue or
earnings and whose market value appears reasonable in light of their business
prospects.

TOP-DOWN ANALYSIS. The portfolio managers consider the economic outlooks for
various industries within the health care sector while looking for those that
may benefit from changes in the overall business environment.

The portfolio managers may favor securities from different industries and
companies within the health care sector at different times. The portfolio
managers will normally sell a stock when they believe its price is unlikely to
go higher, its fundamental factors have changed, other investments offer better
opportunities, or in the course of adjusting their emphasis on a given health
care industry.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities in an
amount up to 33 1-3% of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers
who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Trustees could
change the portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder
approval. However, the Board will provide shareholders with at least 60 days'
notice prior to making any changes to the portfolio's 80% investment policy.



OTHER INVESTMENTS

Although not one of its principal investment strategies, the portfolio is
permitted, but not required, to use various types of derivatives (contracts
whose value is based on, for example, indicies, currencies or securities).
Derivatives may be used for hedging and for risk management or for non-hedging
purposes to seek to enhance potential gains. The portfolio may use derivatives
in circumstances where portfolio management believes they offer an economical
means of gaining exposure to a particular asset class or to keep cash on hand
to meet shareholder redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to
the market.

As a temporary defensive measure, the portfolio could shift up to 100% of
assets into investments such as money market securities. This measure could
prevent losses, but, while engaged in a temporary defensive position, the
portfolio will not be pursuing its investment objective. However, the portfolio
managers may choose not to use these strategies for various reasons, even in
very volatile market conditions.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
34   DWS HEALTH CARE VIP
<PAGE>

THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. The portfolio is affected by how the stock market performs.
To the extent the portfolio invests in a particular capitalization or market
sector, the portfolio's performance may be proportionately affected by that
segment's general performance. When stock prices fall, you should expect the
value of your investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership
in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product
demand and other business risks. These factors may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, movements in financial markets may
adversely affect a stock's price, regardless of how well the company performs.
The market as a whole may not favor the types of investments the portfolio
makes, which could affect the portfolio's ability to sell them at an attractive
price.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. To the extent the portfolio invests in companies based
outside the US, it faces the risks inherent in foreign investing. Adverse
political, economic or social developments could undermine the value of the
portfolio's investments or prevent the portfolio from realizing their full
value. Financial reporting standards for companies based in foreign markets
differ from those in the US. Additionally, foreign securities markets generally
are smaller and less liquid than the US markets. These risks tend to be greater
in emerging markets so, to the extent the portfolio invests in emerging
markets, it takes on greater risks. The currency of a country in which the
portfolio has invested could decline relative to the value of the US dollar,
which decreases the value of the investment to US investors. The investments of
the portfolio may be subject to foreign withholding taxes.

GROWTH INVESTING RISK. Since growth stocks usually reinvest a large portion of
earnings in their own businesses, they may lack the dividends associated with
value stocks that might otherwise cushion their decline in a falling market.
Earnings disappointments in growth stocks often result in sharp price declines
because investors buy these stocks for their potential superior earnings
growth. Growth stocks may also be out of favor for certain periods in relation
to value stocks.

CONCENTRATION RISK. The portfolio concentrates its investments in the
industries of the health care sector. As a result, factors affecting that
sector, such as rapid product obsolescence and the unpredictability of winning
government approvals, will have a significant impact on the portfolio's
performance.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK. A risk that pervades all investing is the risk that
the securities in the portfolio's portfolio may decline in value.

IPO RISK. Securities purchased in initial public offerings (IPOs) may be very
volatile. The price of such securities may rise and fall rapidly, often based,
among other reasons, on investor perceptions rather than economic reasons.
Additionally, investments in IPOs may magnify the portfolio's performance if it
has a small asset base. The portfolio is less likely to experience a similar
impact on its performance as its assets grow because it is unlikely that the
portfolio will obtain proportionately larger IPO allocations.

DERIVATIVES RISK. Risks associated with derivatives include the risk that the
derivative is not well correlated with the security, index or currency to which
it relates; the risk that derivatives may result in losses or missed
opportunities; the risk that the portfolio will be unable to sell the
derivative because of an illiquid secondary market; the risk that a
counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet its obligation and the risk that
the derivative transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of
leverage, which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and
magnify potential losses. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent
employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower
returns or even losses to the portfolio. The use of derivatives by the
portfolio to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                        DWS HEALTH CARE VIP   35
<PAGE>

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Medium-sized company stocks tend to experience
steeper price fluctuations than stocks of larger companies. A shortage of
reliable information can also pose added risk to stocks of medium-sized
companies. Industry-wide reversals may have a greater impact on medium-sized
companies, since they usually lack the financial resources of larger companies.
Medium-sized company stocks are typically less liquid than large company
stocks. Accordingly, it may be harder to find buyers for medium-sized company
shares.

SMALL COMPANY CAPITALIZATION RISK. Small company stocks tend to experience
steeper price fluctuations than the stocks of larger companies. A shortage of
reliable information can also pose added risk to small company stocks.
Industry-wide reversals may have a greater impact on small companies, since
they lack the financial resources of larger companies. Small company stocks are
typically less liquid than large company stocks. Accordingly, it may be harder
to find buyers for small company shares.

Another factor that could affect performance is:

o portfolio management could be wrong in the analysis of industries, companies,
  economic trends, the relative attractiveness of different securities or
  other matters.

The portfolio may make sense for investors who are comfortable with higher
risks of a portfolio that focuses on an often volatile sector and are
interested in gaining exposure to the health care sector.



PERFORMANCE - CLASS B

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class B shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.

The inception date for Class B was July 1, 2002. In the bar chart and table,
the performance figures for Class B before that date are based on the
historical performance of the portfolio's original share class (Class A),
adjusted to reflect the higher gross total annual operating expenses of Class
B. Class A is offered in a different prospectus.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
36   DWS HEALTH CARE VIP
<PAGE>

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS B

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]



<TABLE>
<S>           <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
  -23.21      33.21       9.17      8.06      5.77     12.88    -23.50
   2002       2003       2004      2005      2006      2007     2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                        <C>
BEST QUARTER: 14.98%, Q2 2003              WORST QUARTER: -16.55%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -6.18%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1 YEAR         5 YEARS        SINCE INCEPTION*
<S>                                      <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class B                          -23.50          1.50               2.08
Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index            -37.00         -2.19              -2.36
S&P Goldman Sachs Healthcare
Index                                        -23.59          0.77               0.45
</TABLE>


*   Portfolio inception: May 1, 2001. Index comparisons begin April 30, 2001.

STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX (S&P 500) is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted
index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad
domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks
representing all major industries.

S&P GOLDMAN SACHS HEALTHCARE INDEX is an unmanaged,
market-capitalization-weighted index of 114 stocks designed to measure the
performance of companies in the health care sector.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                        DWS HEALTH CARE VIP   37
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for which the
portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will increase
expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                  CLASS B
<S>                                      <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
_________________________________________________________
Management Fee                               0.67%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee             0.25
Other Expenses 1                             0.35
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3          1.27
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Through September 30, 2009, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive
    all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay operating
    expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain the
    portfolio's total annual operating expenses at 1.49% for Class B shares,
    excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
    brokerage and interest. Although there can be no assurance that the
    current waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement will be maintained beyond
    September 30, 2009, the Advisor has committed to review the continuance of
    waiver/expense reimbursement arrangements by September 30, 2009.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.



Based on the costs above, this example helps you compare the expenses of Class
B shares to those of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses
above remain the same. It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5%
annual returns, reinvested all dividends and distributions and sold your shares
at the end of each period. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class B shares          $129           $403           $697         $1,534
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
38   DWS HEALTH CARE VIP
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who collaborate
to implement the portfolio's investment strategy. The team is led by a lead
portfolio manager who is responsible for developing the portfolio's investment
strategy. Each portfolio manager on the team has authority over all aspects of
the portfolio's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases
and sales of individual securities, portfolio construction techniques,
portfolio risk assessment and the management of daily cash flows in accordance
with portfolio holdings.

The following people handle the day-to-day management of the portfolio:

Leefin Lai, CFA
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Lead Portfolio Manager of
the portfolio.
   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2001 and the portfolio in 2001,
     previously serving as an analyst for Salomon Smith Barney and Paine Webber
     and as Vice President/analyst for Citigroup Global Asset Management and
     Scudder Kemper Investments.
   o Over 15 years of investment industry experience.
   o BS, MBA, University of Illinois.

Thomas E. Bucher, CFA
Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management and Consultant to the portfolio.

   o Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 1995 and the portfolio in 2002,
     previously serving as analyst for European Chemical, Oil, Steel and
     Engineering sectors and analyst/
     portfolio manager for Eastern European equity.
   o Head of global equity research team for health care sector and portfolio
     manager for European Equity: Frankfurt.
   o MA, University of Tuegingen, Germany.

The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                        DWS HEALTH CARE VIP   39
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS HEALTH CARE VIP - CLASS B



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         2008         2007         2006         2005        2004
<S>                                         <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD          $  14.40      $ 13.55      $ 12.87     $  11.91    $  10.91
-------------------------------------------   --------      -------      -------     --------    --------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                  .05d         (  .03)c     (  .06)b     (  .07)     (  .08)
___________________________________________   ________      _______      _______     ________    ________
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)        ( 3.02)        1.75          .79         1.03        1.08
-------------------------------------------   --------      -------      -------     --------    --------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS               ( 2.97)        1.72          .73          .96        1.00
-------------------------------------------   --------      -------      -------     --------    --------
Less distributions from:
 Net realized gains                             ( 2.20)      (  .87)      (  .05)           -           -
___________________________________________   ________      _______      _______     ________    ________
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                $   9.23      $ 14.40      $ 13.55     $  12.87    $  11.91
-------------------------------------------   --------      -------      -------     --------    --------
Total Return (%)                                (23.50)       12.88      5.77b           8.06        9.17
___________________________________________   ________      _______      _______     ________    ________
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)               3            5           21           23          20
___________________________________________   ________      _______      _______     ________    ________
Ratio of expenses (%)                             1.27         1.34         1.28         1.27        1.27
___________________________________________   ________      _______      _______     ________    ________
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)       .43d         (  .22)c     (  .42)b     (  .57)     (  .68)
___________________________________________   ________      _______      _______     ________    ________
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                         24           37           47           43          77
-------------------------------------------   --------      -------      -------     --------    --------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an
    administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation
    practices in connection with sales of DWS Funds. The non-recurring income
    resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.003 per share and
    an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.02%. Excluding this
    non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.02% lower.

c   Net investment income per share and ratio of net investment income include
    non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.02 per share and 0.13% of
    average daily net assets, respectively.

d   Net investment income per share and ratio of net investment income include
    non-recurring dividend income amounting to $0.03 per share and 0.28% of
    average daily net assets, respectively.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
40   DWS HEALTH CARE VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS HEALTH CARE VIP - CLASS B




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                          ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                                OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                      5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 1.27%                3.73%            $ 10,373.00          $   129.37
   2             10.25%                 1.27%                7.60%            $ 10,759.91          $   134.19
   3             15.76%                 1.27%               11.61%            $ 11,161.26          $   139.20
   4             21.55%                 1.27%               15.78%            $ 11,577.57          $   144.39
   5             27.63%                 1.27%               20.09%            $ 12,009.42          $   149.78
   6             34.01%                 1.27%               24.57%            $ 12,457.37          $   155.36
   7             40.71%                 1.27%               29.22%            $ 12,922.03          $   161.16
   8             47.75%                 1.27%               34.04%            $ 13,404.02          $   167.17
   9             55.13%                 1.27%               39.04%            $ 13,903.99          $   173.41
  10             62.89%                 1.27%               44.23%            $ 14,422.61          $   179.87
TOTAL                                                                                              $ 1,533.90
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                        DWS HEALTH CARE VIP   41
<PAGE>

DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The portfolio seeks to replicate, as closely as possible, before the deduction
of expenses, the performance of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
Index (the "S&P 500 Index"), which emphasizes stocks of large US companies. The
S&P 500 Index is a well-known stock market index that includes common stocks of
500 companies from several industrial sectors representing a significant
portion of the market value of all stocks publicly traded in the United States.
Stocks in the S&P 500 Index are weighted according to their market
capitalization (the number of shares outstanding multiplied by the stock's
current price).


The portfolio invests for capital appreciation, not income; any dividend and
interest income is incidental to the pursuit of its investment objective. While
portfolio management gives priority to replicating the S&P 500 Index's
performance, there is no assurance of achieving this objective.




INDEX INVESTING VERSUS ACTIVE MANAGEMENT


Active management involves portfolio management buying and selling securities
based on research and analysis. Unlike a portfolio that is actively managed, an
index portfolio tries to replicate, as closely as possible, the performance of
a target index by holding either all, or a representative sample, of the
securities in the index. Indexing appeals to many investors for the following
reasons:


o indexing provides simplicity because it is a straightforward
  market-replicating strategy;

o index portfolios generally provide diversification by investing in a wide
  variety of companies and industries;

o an index portfolio's performance is generally predictable in that the
  portfolio's value is expected to move in the same direction, up or down, as
  the target index;

o index portfolios tend to have lower costs because they do not have many of
  the expenses of actively managed funds, such as research. Also, index
  portfolios usually have relatively low trading activity and therefore
  brokerage commissions tend to be lower; and

o index portfolios generally realize low capital gains as compared to actively
  managed portfolios.


STRATEGY


The portfolio will pursue its investment objective by investing primarily in
the securities of the companies included in the S&P 500 Index, such as futures
contracts and options, relating to the S&P 500 Index. Futures contracts and
options are used as a low-cost method of gaining exposure to a particular
securities market without investing directly in those securities. Portfolio
management uses quantitative analysis techniques to structure the portfolio to
obtain a high correlation to the S&P 500 Index, while keeping the portfolio as
fully invested as possible in all market environments. To attempt to replicate
the risk and return characteristics of the S&P 500 Index as closely as
possible, the portfolio invests in a statistically selected sample of the
securities found in the S&P 500 Index, using a process known as "optimization."
This process selects stocks for the portfolio so that industry weightings,
market capitalizations and fundamental characteristics (price-to-book ratios,
price-to-earnings ratios, debt-to-asset ratios and dividend yields), closely
replicate those of the securities in the S&P 500 Index. Over the long term, the
portfolio seeks a correlation between the performance of the portfolio, before
expenses, and the S&P 500 Index of 98% or better. A figure of 100% would
indicate perfect correlation.




PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS


Under normal circumstances, the portfolio intends to invest at least 80% of its
assets, determined at the time of purchase, in stocks of companies included in
the S&P 500 Index and in derivative instruments, such as futures contracts and
options, that provide exposure to the stocks of companies in the S&P 500 Index.
The portfolio's securities are weighted to attempt to make the portfolio's
total investment characteristics similar to those of the S&P 500 Index as a
whole. Portfolio management may exclude or remove any S&P 500 Index stock from
the portfolio if portfolio management believes that the stock is illiquid or
that the merit of the investment has been impaired by financial conditions or
other extraordinary events. At times, portfolio management may



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
42   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

purchase a stock not included in the S&P 500 Index when it is believed to be a
cost-efficient way of approximating the S&P 500 Index's performance, for
example, in anticipation of a stock being added to the S&P 500 Index. The
portfolio may hold assets in short-term debt securities or money market
instruments for liquidity purposes.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities up to 30%
of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers who need to borrow
securities in order to complete certain transactions.


Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board could change the
portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder approval. In
addition, the portfolio's Board will provide shareholders with at least 60
days' notice prior to making any changes to the portfolio's 80% investment
policy, as described herein.




INVESTMENT PROCESS


In an effort to run an efficient and effective strategy, the portfolio uses the
process of "optimization," a statistical sampling technique. First, the
portfolio buys the stocks that make up the larger portions of the S&P 500
Index's value in roughly the same proportion as the S&P 500 Index. Second,
smaller stocks are analyzed and selected based on liquidity. In selecting
smaller stocks, portfolio management tries to replicate the industry and risk
characteristics of all of the smaller companies in the S&P 500 Index without
buying all of those stocks. This approach attempts to maximize the portfolio's
liquidity and returns while minimizing its costs. Historically, this portfolio
has had a low portfolio turnover rate. Portfolio turnover measures the
frequency that the portfolio sells and replaces the value of its securities
within a given period. High turnover can increase the portfolio's transaction
costs, thereby lowering its returns.




INFORMATION REGARDING THE INDEX

The portfolio is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Standard &
Poor's Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P"). S&P makes no
representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the portfolio
or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in
securities generally or in the portfolio particularly or the ability of the S&P
500 Index to track general stock market performance. S&P's only relationship to
the portfolio is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of S&P and
of the S&P 500 Index, which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P
without regard to the portfolio.

S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the portfolio or the owners of the
portfolio into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P
500 Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in the
determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the portfolio to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which shares
of the portfolio are redeemable for cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the portfolio.

S&P does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the S&P 500
Index or any data included therein and S&P shall have no liability for any
errors, omissions or interruptions therein. S&P makes no warranty, express or
implied, as to results to be obtained by the portfolio, owners of the
portfolio, or any other person or entity from the use of the S&P 500 Index or
any data included therein. S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and
expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose or use with respect to the S&P 500 Index or any data
included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall S&P
have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages
(including lost profits), even if notified of the possibility of such damages.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP   43
<PAGE>

THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. The portfolio is affected by how the stock market performs.
To the extent the portfolio invests in a particular capitalization or market
sector, the portfolio's performance may be proportionately affected by that
segment's general performance. When stock prices fall, you should expect the
value of your investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership
in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product
demand and other business risks. These factors may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, movements in financial markets may
adversely affect a stock's price, regardless of how well the company performs.
The market as a whole may not favor the types of investments the portfolio
makes, which could affect the portfolio's ability to sell them at an attractive
price.


TRACKING ERROR RISK. There are several reasons that the portfolio's performance
may not replicate the S&P 500 Index exactly:


o Unlike the S&P 500 Index, the portfolio incurs fees and administrative
  expenses and transaction costs in trading stocks.

o {TRACKING ERROR DIVERGE}

o The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying shares could
  create balances of uninvested cash. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of
  cash outflows to investors selling shares could require ready reserves of
  uninvested cash. Either situation would likely cause the portfolio's
  performance to deviate from that of the "fully invested" S&P 500 Index which
  does not include a cash component.

INDEX FUND RISK. Because the portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in
the stocks of companies included in the S&P 500 Index and in derivative
instruments that provide exposure to the stocks of companies in the S&P 500
Index, it cannot alter its investment strategy in response to fluctuations in
the market segment represented by the Index.

FUTURES AND OPTIONS RISK. The portfolio may invest, to a limited extent, in
securities index futures or options, which are types of derivatives. The
portfolio will not use these derivatives for speculative purposes. Rather, the
portfolio invests in derivatives to keep cash on hand to meet shareholder
redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to the stock market.
Risks associated with derivatives include: the risk that the derivative is not
well correlated with the security, index or currency to which it relates; the
risk that derivatives used for risk management may not have the intended
effects and may result in losses or missed opportunities; the risk that the
portfolio will be unable to sell the derivative because of an illiquid
secondary market; the risk that a counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet
its obligation; the risk of interest rate movements; and the risk that the
derivatives transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of leverage,
which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and magnify
potential losses.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

This portfolio is designed for investors interested in capital appreciation
over the long term; exposure to the US equity markets as represented by larger
companies; and investment returns that track the performance of the S&P 500
Index.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
44   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS B

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class B shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.

The inception date for Class B was April 30, 2002. In the bar chart and table,
the performance figures for Class B before that date are based on the
historical performance of the portfolio's original share class (Class A),
adjusted to reflect the higher gross total annual operating expenses of Class
B. Class A is offered in a different prospectus.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS B

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]



<TABLE>
<S>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
  20.08       -9.46      -12.40      -22.51     27.83      10.32       4.42     15.24      5.03      -37.34
  1999       2000        2001        2002       2003       2004       2005      2006       2007      2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                         <C>
BEST QUARTER: 15.10%, Q2 2003               WORST QUARTER: -22.06%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -11.01%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                      <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class B Shares                   -37.34          -2.66          -1.91
Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index            -37.00          -2.19          -1.38
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.

STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX (S&P 500) is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted
index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad
domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks
representing all major industries.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP   45
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS B2

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class B2 shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures on this page assume reinvestment of dividends and
distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.

The inception date for Class B2 was September 16, 2005. In the bar chart and
table, the performance figures for Class B2 before that date are based on the
historical performance of the portfolio's original share class (Class A),
adjusted to reflect the higher gross total annual operating expenses of Class
B2. Class A is offered in a different prospectus.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS B2

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]


<TABLE>
<S>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
  19.94       -9.57      -12.51      -22.60     27.68      10.18       4.23     15.20      4.85       -37.36
  1999       2000        2001        2002       2003       2004       2005      2006       2007      2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                         <C>
BEST QUARTER: 15.05%, Q2 2003               WORST QUARTER: -22.06%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -11.11%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                      <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class B2 Shares                  -37.36          -2.77          -2.03
Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index            -37.00          -2.19          -1.38
</TABLE>


STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX (S&P 500) is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted
index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad
domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks
representing all major industries.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
46   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY - CLASS B


This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy, variable annuity contract or tax-qualified plan
for which the portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will
increase expenses.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                        CLASS B
<S>                                            <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
_______________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                     0.20%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees           0.25
Other Expenses 1                                   0.13
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3                0.58
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.



2   Through September 30, 2009, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive
    all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay operating
    expenses of the fund to the extent necessary to maintain the fund's
    operating expenses at 0.58% for Class B shares, excluding certain expenses
    such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage and interest.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above, this example helps you compare the expenses of Class
    B shares to those of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses
    above remain the same. It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned
    5% annual returns, reinvested all dividends and distributions, and sold
    your shares at the end of each period. This is only an example; actual
    expenses will be different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class B shares           $59           $186           $324           $726
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP   47
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY - CLASS B2


This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy, variable annuity contract or tax-qualified plan
for which the portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will
increase expenses.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                       CLASS B2
<S>                                            <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio assets
______________________________________________________________
Management Fee                                    0.20%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees          0.25
Other Expenses 1                                  0.27
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,3               0.72
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.



2   Through September 30, 2009, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive
    all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay operating
    expenses of the fund to the extent necessary to maintain the fund's
    operating expenses at 0.72% for Class B2 shares, excluding certain
    expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage and interest.

3   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above, this example helps you compare the expenses of Class
    B2 shares to those of other mutual funds. This example assumes the
    expenses above remain the same. It also assumes that you invested $10,000,
    earned 5% annual returns, reinvested all dividends and distributions and
    sold your shares at the end of each period. This is only an example;
    actual expenses will be different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                 1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                    <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class B2 shares           $74           $230           $401           $894
</TABLE>


THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER


Brent Reeder is a Senior Vice President at Northern Trust Investments, NA
("NTI"). Mr. Reeder has had responsibility for the portfolio since May 2007.
Mr. Reeder joined NTI in 1993. For the past seven years, he has managed
quantitative equity portfolios.


The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
48   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.

Information for the periods ended prior to December 31, 2005 was audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.



DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP - CLASS B



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                 2008         2007         2006         2005        2004
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                  $  15.52      $  14.96     $  13.10    $  12.72    $  11.63
---------------------------------------------------   --------      --------     --------    --------    --------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                             .24           .23          .21         .17         .20
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)                ( 5.94)          .52         1.78         .38         .99
---------------------------------------------------   --------      --------     --------    --------    --------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                       ( 5.70)          .75         1.99         .55        1.19
---------------------------------------------------   --------      --------     --------    --------    --------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                  (  .28)       (  .19)      (  .13)     (  .17)     (  .10)
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                        $   9.54      $  15.52     $  14.96    $  13.10    $  12.72
---------------------------------------------------   --------      --------     --------    --------    --------
Total Return (%)                                        (37.34)b     5.03b        15.24b         4.42     10.32b
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                      40            65           84          68          53
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions and/or
recoupments (%)                                            .58           .58          .53         .52         .53
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions and/or
recoupments (%)                                            .53           .55          .52         .52         .54
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)                 1.82          1.46         1.48        1.37        1.71
___________________________________________________   ________      ________     ________    ________    ________
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                                  6         7c               9          15           1
---------------------------------------------------   --------      --------     --------    --------    --------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Excludes portfolio securities delivered as a result of processing
    redemption in-kind transactions.

DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP   49
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.



DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP - CLASS B2



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                   2008              2007              2006            2005a
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                    $  15.51          $  14.96          $  13.09          $ 12.94
-------------------------------------------------       --------          --------          --------          -------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)b                               .22               .21               .19              .05
_________________________________________________       ________          ________          ________          _______
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)                  ( 5.93)              .52              1.79              .10
-------------------------------------------------       --------          --------          --------          -------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                         ( 5.71)              .73              1.98              .15
-------------------------------------------------       --------          --------          --------          -------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                                    (  .26)           (  .18)           (  .11)               -
_________________________________________________       ________          ________          ________          _______
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                          $   9.54          $  15.51          $  14.96          $ 13.09
-------------------------------------------------       --------          --------          --------          -------
Total Return (%)c                                         (37.36)             4.85             15.20             1.16**
_________________________________________________       ________          ________          ________          _______
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       --------          -------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                        19                48                57               59
_________________________________________________       ________          ________          ________          _______
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)              .72               .72               .67              .66*
_________________________________________________       ________          ________          ________          _______
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)               .63               .65               .63              .63*
_________________________________________________       ________          ________          ________          _______
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)                   1.72              1.36              1.37             1.34*
_________________________________________________       ________          ________          ________          _______
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                                    6             7d                    9               15
-------------------------------------------------       --------          --------          --------          -------
</TABLE>

a   For the period September 16, 2005 (commencement of operations) to December
    31, 2005.

b   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

c   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

d   Excludes portfolio securities delivered as a result of processing
    redemption in-kind transactions.

*   Annualized

**   Not annualized

                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
50   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP - CLASS B




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                         ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                               OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                     5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.58%                4.42%            $ 10,442.00           $  59.28
   2             10.25%                 0.58%                9.04%            $ 10,903.54           $  61.90
   3             15.76%                 0.58%               13.85%            $ 11,385.47           $  64.64
   4             21.55%                 0.58%               18.89%            $ 11,888.71           $  67.50
   5             27.63%                 0.58%               24.14%            $ 12,414.19           $  70.48
   6             34.01%                 0.58%               29.63%            $ 12,962.90           $  73.59
   7             40.71%                 0.58%               35.36%            $ 13,535.86           $  76.85
   8             47.75%                 0.58%               41.34%            $ 14,134.14           $  80.24
   9             55.13%                 0.58%               47.59%            $ 14,758.87           $  83.79
  10             62.89%                 0.58%               54.11%            $ 15,411.22           $  87.49
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 725.76
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP   51
<PAGE>

                      DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP - CLASS B2




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                         ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                               OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                     5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.72%                4.28%            $ 10,428.00           $  73.54
   2             10.25%                 0.72%                8.74%            $ 10,874.32           $  76.69
   3             15.76%                 0.72%               13.40%            $ 11,339.74           $  79.97
   4             21.55%                 0.72%               18.25%            $ 11,825.08           $  83.39
   5             27.63%                 0.72%               23.31%            $ 12,331.19           $  86.96
   6             34.01%                 0.72%               28.59%            $ 12,858.97           $  90.68
   7             40.71%                 0.72%               34.09%            $ 13,409.33           $  94.57
   8             47.75%                 0.72%               39.83%            $ 13,983.25           $  98.61
   9             55.13%                 0.72%               45.82%            $ 14,581.74           $ 102.83
  10             62.89%                 0.72%               52.06%            $ 15,205.83           $ 107.24
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 894.48
</TABLE>



                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
52   DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP


THE PORTFOLIO'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The portfolio seeks to replicate, as closely as possible, before the deduction
of expenses, the performance of the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index, which
emphasizes stocks of small US companies. The Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index is a
widely accepted benchmark of small company stock performance. The Russell 2000
(Reg. TM) Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the
Russell 3000 (Reg. TM) Index which represents approximately 8% of the market
capitalization of the Russell 3000 (Reg. TM) Index. Stocks in the Russell 2000
(Reg. TM) Index are weighted according to their market capitalization (the
number of shares outstanding multiplied by the stock's current price).


The portfolio invests for capital appreciation, not income; any dividend and
interest income is incidental to the pursuit of its investment objective. While
portfolio management gives priority to replicating the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM)
Index's performance, there is no assurance of achieving this investment
objective.




INDEX INVESTING VERSUS ACTIVE MANAGEMENT


Active management involves portfolio management buying and selling securities
based on research and analysis. Unlike a portfolio that is actively managed, an
index fund tries to replicate, as closely as possible, the performance of a
target index by holding either all, or a representative sample, of the
securities in the index. Indexing appeals to many investors for the following
reasons:


o indexing provides simplicity because it is a straightforward
  market-replicating strategy;

o index portfolios generally provide diversification by investing in a wide
  variety of companies and industries;

o an index portfolio's performance is generally predictable in that the
  portfolio's value is expected to move in the same direction, up or down, as
  the target index;

o index portfolios tend to have lower costs because they do not have many of
  the expenses of actively managed funds, such as research. Also, index
  portfolios usually have relatively low trading activity and therefore
  brokerage commissions tend to be lower; and

o index portfolios generally realize low capital gains as compared to actively
  managed portfolios.


STRATEGY


The portfolio will pursue its investment objective by investing primarily in
the securities of the companies included in the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index
and derivative instruments, such as futures contracts and options, relating to
the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index. Futures contracts and options are used as a
low-cost method of gaining exposure to a particular securities market without
investing directly in those securities. Portfolio management uses quantitative
analysis techniques to structure the portfolio to obtain a high correlation to
the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index while keeping the portfolio as fully invested
as possible in all market environments. To attempt to replicate the risk and
return characteristics of the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index as closely as
possible, the portfolio invests in a statistically selected sample of the
securities found in the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index, using a process known as
"optimization." This process selects stocks for the portfolio so that industry
weightings, market capitalizations and fundamental characteristics
(price-to-book ratios, price-to-earnings ratios, debt-to-asset ratios and
dividend yields) closely replicate those of the securities in the Russell 2000
(Reg. TM) Index. Over the long term, the portfolio seeks a correlation between
the performance of the portfolio, before expenses, and the Russell 2000 (Reg.
TM) Index of 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect
correlation.




PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS


Under normal circumstances, the portfolio intends to invest at least 80% of its
assets, determined at the time of purchase, in stocks of companies included in
the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index and in derivative instruments, such as stock
index futures contracts and options, that provide exposure to the stocks of
companies in the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index. The portfolio's securities are
weighted to attempt to make the portfolio's total investment characteristics
similar to those of the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index as a whole. Portfolio
management may exclude or remove any Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index stock from
the portfolio if portfolio management believe that the stock is illiquid or has
impaired financial conditions brought on by extraordinary events. At times,
portfolio management



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                    DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP   53
<PAGE>

may purchase a stock not included in the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index when it
is believed to be a cost-efficient way of approximating the Russell 2000 (Reg.
TM) Index's performance, for example, in anticipation of a stock being added to
the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index. The portfolio may hold assets in short-term
debt securities or money market instruments for liquidity purposes.

SECURITIES LENDING. The portfolio may lend its investment securities up to 30%
of its total assets to approved institutional borrowers who need to borrow
securities in order to complete certain transactions.

Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board could change the
portfolio's investment objective without seeking shareholder approval. In
addition, the portfolio's Board will provide shareholders with at least 60
days' notice prior to making any changes to the portfolio's 80% investment
policy, as described herein.



INVESTMENT PROCESS


In an effort to run an efficient and effective strategy, the portfolio uses the
process of "optimization," a statistical sampling technique. First, the
portfolio buys the stocks that make up the larger portions of the Russell 2000
(Reg. TM) Index's value in roughly the same proportion as the Russell 2000
(Reg. TM) Index. Second, smaller stocks are analyzed and selected based on
liquidity. In selecting smaller stocks, portfolio management tries to replicate
the industry and risk characteristics of all of the smaller companies in the
Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index without buying all of those stocks. This approach
attempts to maximize the portfolio's liquidity and returns while minimizing its
costs. Historically, this portfolio has had a low portfolio turnover rate.
Portfolio turnover measures the frequency that the fund sells and replaces the
value of its securities within a given period. High turnover can increase a
portfolio's transaction costs, thereby lowering its returns.




THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

There are several risk factors that could hurt the portfolio's performance,
cause you to lose money or cause the portfolio's performance to trail that of
other investments.

STOCK MARKET RISK. The portfolio is affected by how the stock market performs.
To the extent the portfolio invests in a particular capitalization or market
sector, the portfolio's performance may be proportionately affected by that
segment's general performance. When stock prices fall, you should expect the
value of your investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership
in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product
demand and other business risks. These factors may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, movements in financial markets may
adversely affect a stock's price, regardless of how well the company performs.
The market as a whole may not favor the types of investments the portfolio
makes, which could affect the portfolio's ability to sell them at an attractive
price.

TRACKING ERROR RISK. There are several reasons that the portfolio's performance
may not replicate the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index exactly:

o Unlike the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index, the portfolio incurs fees and
  administrative expenses and transaction costs in trading stocks.

o The composition of the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index and the stocks held by
  the portfolio may occasionally diverge.


o The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying shares could
  create balances of uninvested cash. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of
  cash outflows to investors selling shares could require ready reserves of
  uninvested cash. Either situation would likely cause the portfolio's
  performance to deviate from that of the "fully invested" Russell 2000 (Reg.
  TM) Index, which does not include a cash component.


INDEX FUND RISK. Because the portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in
the stocks of companies included in the Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index and in
derivative instruments that provide exposure to the stocks of companies in the
Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index, it cannot alter its investment strategy in
response to fluctuations in the market segment represented by the Index.

SMALL COMPANY CAPITALIZATION RISK. Small company stocks tend to experience
steeper price fluctuations than the stocks of larger companies. A shortage of
reliable information can also pose added risk to small company stocks.
Industry-wide reversals may have a greater impact on small companies, since
they lack the financial resources of larger companies. Small company stocks are
typically less liquid than large company stocks. Accordingly, it may be harder
to find buyers for small company shares.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
54   DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

FUTURES AND OPTIONS RISK. The portfolio may invest, to a limited extent, in
securities index futures or options, which are types of derivatives. The
portfolio will not use these derivatives for speculative purposes. Rather, the
portfolio invests in derivatives to keep cash on hand to meet shareholder
redemptions or other needs while maintaining exposure to the stock market.
Risks associated with derivatives include: the risk that the derivative is not
well correlated with the security, index or currency to which it relates; the
risk that derivatives used for risk management may not have the intended
effects and may result in losses or missed opportunities; the risk that the
portfolio will be unable to sell the derivative because of an illiquid
secondary market; the risk that a counterparty is unwilling or unable to meet
its obligation; the risk of interest rate movements; and the risk that the
derivatives transaction could expose the portfolio to the effects of leverage,
which could increase the portfolio's exposure to the market and magnify
potential losses.

PRICING RISK. At times, market conditions may make it difficult to value some
investments, and the portfolio may use certain valuation methodologies for some
of its investments, such as fair value pricing. Given the subjective nature of
such valuation methodologies, it is possible that the value determined for an
investment may be different than the value realized upon such investment's
sale. If the portfolio has valued its securities too highly, you may pay too
much for portfolio shares when you buy into the portfolio. If the portfolio has
underestimated the price of its securities, you may not receive the full market
value when you sell your portfolio shares.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by
the portfolio that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the
portfolio and would adversely affect the portfolio's performance. Also, there
may be delays in recovery of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the
loan is outstanding. However, loans will be made only to borrowers selected by
the portfolio's delegate after a review of relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

This portfolio is designed for investors interested in capital appreciation
over the long term; exposure to the US equity markets as represented by smaller
companies; and investment returns that track the performance of the Russell
2000 (Reg. TM) Index.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                    DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP   55
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE - CLASS B

While a portfolio's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of how it will do
in the future, it can be valuable for an investor to know.

The bar chart shows how the returns for the portfolio's Class B shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The table shows
average annual returns for the portfolio and comparable index information
(which, unlike the portfolio, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the portfolio and the comparable index information varies
over time. All figures assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.

The inception date for Class B was April 30, 2002. In the bar chart and table,
the performance figures for Class B before that date are based on the
historical performance of the portfolio's original share class (Class A),
adjusted to reflect the higher gross total annual operating expenses of Class
B. Class A is offered in a different prospectus.


ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) as of 12/31 each year - CLASS B

[BAR GRAPHIC OMITTED HERE]

[BAR GRAPHIC DATA]



<TABLE>
<S>          <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
  19.86       -4.11      1.82      -20.78     46.05      17.48       3.99     17.19       -2.16     -34.33
  1999       2000       2001       2002       2003       2004       2005      2006       2007       2008
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIODS INCLUDED IN THE BAR CHART:
<S>                                         <C>
BEST QUARTER: 22.95%, Q2 2003               WORST QUARTER: -26.26%, Q4 2008
2009 TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31: -15.08%
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) as of 12/31/2008





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1 YEAR         5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                                 <C>              <C>            <C>
Portfolio - Class B Shares              -34.33          -1.65           2.22
Russell 2000 (Reg. TM) Index            -33.79          -0.93           3.02
</TABLE>


Total returns would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't been reduced.

RUSSELL 2000 (Reg. TM) INDEX is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted measure of
approximately 2,000 small US stocks.

Current performance information may be higher or lower than the performance
data quoted above. For more recent performance information, contact your
participating insurance company.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
56   DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

HOW MUCH INVESTORS PAY

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
portfolio shares. The information in the table does not reflect charges and
fees associated with the separate account that invests in the portfolio or any
variable life insurance policy, variable annuity contract or tax-qualified plan
for which the portfolio is an investment option. These charges and fees will
increase expenses.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE                                CLASS B
<S>                                    <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, deducted from portfolio
_______________________________________________________
assets
__________________________________
Management Fee                             0.35%
Distribution/Service (12b-1) Fee           0.25
Other Expenses 1                           0.19
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2          0.79
</TABLE>



1   "Other Expenses" include an administrative services fee paid to the Advisor
    in the amount of 0.10% of average daily net assets.

2   Except as otherwise noted, the information in the table is based on amounts
    incurred during the portfolio's most recent fiscal year. It is important
    for investors to understand that a decline in the portfolio's average net
    assets during the current fiscal year due to recent unprecedented market
    volatility or other factors could cause the portfolio's expense ratios for
    the portfolio's current fiscal year to be higher than the expense
    information presented.


Based on the costs above, this example helps you compare the expenses of Class
B shares to those of other mutual funds. This example assumes the expenses
above remain the same. It also assumes that you invested $10,000, earned 5%
annual returns, reinvested all dividends and distributions, and sold your
shares at the end of each period. This is only an example; actual expenses will
be different.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                1 YEAR        3 YEARS        5 YEARS        10 YEARS
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Class B shares           $81           $252           $439           $978
</TABLE>


THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER


Brent Reeder is a Senior Vice President at Northern Trust Investments, NA
("NTI"). Mr. Reeder has had responsibility for the portfolio since May 2007.
Mr. Reeder joined NTI in 1993. For the past seven years, he has managed
quantitative equity portfolios.


The portfolio's Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information about a portfolio manager's investments in the portfolio, a
description of the portfolio management compensation structure, and information
regarding other accounts managed.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                    DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP   57
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table is designed to help you understand the portfolio's financial
performance. The figures in the first part of the table are for a single share.
The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
portfolio would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions
were reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the portfolio's financial statements, is included in the portfolio's annual
report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.

This information doesn't reflect charges and fees associated with the separate
account that invests in the portfolio or any variable life insurance policy or
variable annuity contract for which the portfolio is an investment option.
These charges and fees will reduce returns.

Information for the periods ended prior to December 31, 2005 was audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.



DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP - CLASS B



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                              2008        2007        2006        2005        2004
<S>                                               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD               $  14.70    $  16.11    $  14.39    $  14.34   $ 12.23
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)a                          .15         .13         .10         .07      .08
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)             ( 4.77)     (  .40)       2.34         .43     2.05
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
 TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                    ( 4.62)     (  .27)       2.44         .50     2.13
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
Less distributions from:
 Net investment income                               (  .17)     (  .10)     (  .06)     (  .06)  (  .02)
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
 Net realized gains                                  ( 1.29)     ( 1.04)     (  .66)     (  .39)       -
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                                 ( 1.46)     ( 1.14)     (  .72)     (  .45)  (  .02)
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD                     $   8.62    $  14.70    $  16.11    $  14.39   $ 14.34
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
Total Return (%)b                                    (34.33)     ( 2.16)      17.19        3.99    17.48
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)                   42          73          68          45       35
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)         .79         .78         .72         .71      .73
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)          .72         .76         .70         .70      .70
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)              1.26         .84         .68         .53      .66
_________________________________________________  ________    ________    ________    ________   _______
Portfolio turnover rate (%)                              25       24c            42          26       22
-------------------------------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------   -------
</TABLE>

a   Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

b   Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

c   Excludes portfolio securities delivered as a result of processing
    redemption in-kind transactions.

                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
58   DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE SUMMARY

Using the annual portfolio operating expense ratios presented in the fee tables
in the portfolio prospectus, the Hypothetical Expense Summary shows the
estimated fees and expenses, in actual dollars, that would be charged on a
hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the portfolio held for the next 10 years
and the impact of such fees and expenses on portfolio returns for each year and
cumulatively, assuming a 5% return for each year. The historical rate of return
for the portfolio may be higher or lower than 5% and, for money funds, is
typically less than 5%. The tables also assume that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual portfolio expense ratios shown are net
of any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any, for the
period of the contractual commitment. Also, please note that if you are
investing through a third party provider, that provider may have fees and
expenses separate from those of the portfolio that are not reflected here.
Mutual fund fees and expenses fluctuate over time and actual expenses may be
higher or lower than those shown.

The Hypothetical Expense Summary should not be used or construed as an offer to
sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation or endorsement of
any specific mutual fund. You should carefully review the portfolio's
prospectus to consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges
of the portfolio prior to investing.



DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP - CLASS B




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                MAXIMUM                  INITIAL HYPOTHETICAL                         ASSUMED RATE
             SALES CHARGE:                   INVESTMENT:                               OF RETURN:
                 0.00%                         $10,000                                     5%
               CUMULATIVE                                CUMULATIVE           HYPOTHETICAL
             RETURN BEFORE                              RETURN AFTER        YEAR-END BALANCE          ANNUAL
                FEES AND            ANNUAL FUND           FEES AND           AFTER FEES AND          FEES AND
YEAR            EXPENSES          EXPENSE RATIOS          EXPENSES              EXPENSES             EXPENSES
<S>         <C>                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>                     <C>
   1              5.00%                 0.79%                4.21%            $ 10,421.00           $  80.66
   2             10.25%                 0.79%                8.60%            $ 10,859.72           $  84.06
   3             15.76%                 0.79%               13.17%            $ 11,316.92           $  87.60
   4             21.55%                 0.79%               17.93%            $ 11,793.36           $  91.29
   5             27.63%                 0.79%               22.90%            $ 12,289.86           $  95.13
   6             34.01%                 0.79%               28.07%            $ 12,807.26           $  99.13
   7             40.71%                 0.79%               33.46%            $ 13,346.45           $ 103.31
   8             47.75%                 0.79%               39.08%            $ 13,908.34           $ 107.66
   9             55.13%                 0.79%               44.94%            $ 14,493.88           $ 112.19
  10             62.89%                 0.79%               51.04%            $ 15,104.07           $ 116.91
TOTAL                                                                                               $ 977.94
</TABLE>



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                    DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP   59
<PAGE>

OTHER POLICIES AND RISKS

While the previous pages describe the main points of each portfolio's strategy
and risks, there are a few other issues to know about:

o Each portfolio may trade securities actively. This could raise transaction
  costs and, accordingly, lower performance.


o The Advisor, or a subadvisor, will establish a debt security's credit quality
  when it buys a security, using independent ratings, or for unrated
  securities, its own credit determination. When ratings don't agree, a
  portfolio will use the higher rating. If a debt security's credit quality
  falls, the Advisor or subadvisor will determine whether selling it would be
  in a portfolio's best interests.



FOR MORE INFORMATION

This prospectus doesn't tell you about every policy or risk of investing in
each portfolio.

If you want more information on each portfolio's allowable securities and
investment practices and the characteristics and risks of each one, you may
want to request a copy of the Statement of Additional Information (the back
cover tells you how to do this).

Keep in mind that there is no assurance that a portfolio will achieve its
investment objective.

A complete list of each portfolio's portfolio holdings as of the month-end is
posted on www.dws-investments.com on or about the 15th day of the following

month. More frequent posting of portfolio holdings information may be made from
time to time on www.dws-investments.com. The posted portfolio holdings
information is available by portfolio and generally remains accessible at least
until the date on which a portfolio files its Form N-CSR or N-Q with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for the period that includes the date as of
which the posted information is current. Each portfolio's Statement of
Additional Information includes a description of a portfolio's policies and
procedures with respect to the disclosure of a portfolio's portfolio holdings.




THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA" or the "Advisor"), is the
investment advisor for each portfolio. Under the supervision of the Board
Members, the Advisor, with headquarters at 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154,
or a subadvisor, makes portfolio investment decisions, buys and sells
securities for each portfolio and conducts research that leads to these
purchase and sale decisions. The Advisor provides a full range of global
investment advisory services to institutional and retail clients.


DWS Investments is part of Deutsche Asset Management, which is the marketing
name in the US for the asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, DIMA,
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and DWS Trust Company.


Deutsche Asset Management is a global asset management organization that offers
a wide range of investing expertise and resources, including hundreds of
portfolio managers and analysts and an office network that reaches the world's
major investment centers. This well-resourced global investment platform brings
together a wide variety of experience and investment insight across industries,
regions, asset classes and investing styles.

The Advisor is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG.
Deutsche Bank AG is a major global banking institution that is engaged in a
wide range of financial services, including investment management, mutual
funds, retail, private and commercial banking, investment banking and
insurance.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
60   OTHER POLICIES AND RISKS
<PAGE>

The Advisor receives a management fee from each portfolio. Below is the
management rate paid by each portfolio for the most recent fiscal year, as a
percentage of each portfolio's average daily net assets:




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO NAME                              FEE PAID
<S>                                       <C>
DWS Growth & Income VIP                        0.33%*
DWS Capital Growth VIP                         0.36%*
DWS Global Opportunities VIP                   0.77%*
DWS International VIP                          0.73%*
DWS Health Care VIP                           0.67  %
                                               0.15%*
DWS Equity 500 Index VIP                       0.29%*
DWS Equity 500 Index VIP - Class B2            0.29%*
DWS Small Cap Index VIP                        0.33%*
</TABLE>


*   Reflecting the effect of expense limitations and/or fee waivers then in
    effect.



A discussion regarding the basis for the Board renewal of each portfolio's
investment management agreement  and, as applicable, subadvisory agreement, and
sub-subadvisory agreement is contained in the shareholder reports for the
annual period ended December 31, 2008 (see "Shareholder reports" on the back
cover).


In addition, under a separate administrative services agreement between each
portfolio and Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc., each portfolio pays
the Advisor for providing most of each portfolio's administrative services.




PORTFOLIO SUBADVISORS



SUBADVISOR FOR DWS EQUITY 500 INDEX VIP AND DWS SMALL CAP INDEX VIP

Northern Trust Investments, N.A. ("NTI"), the subadvisor for DWS Equity 500
Index VIP and DWS Small Cap Index VIP, is located at 50 South LaSalle Street,
Chicago, IL 60603. NTI is an investment adviser registered under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. It primarily manages assets for defined
contribution and benefit plans, investment companies and other institutional
investors. NTI is a subsidiary of The Northern Trust Company ("TNTC"). TNTC is
an Illinois state chartered banking organization and a member of the Federal
Reserve System. Formed in 1889, TNTC administers and manages assets for
individuals, personal trusts, defined contribution and benefit plans and other
institutional and corporate clients. TNTC is the principal subsidiary of
Northern Trust Corporation, a company that is regulated by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System as a financial holding company under
the U.S. Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Northern Trust
Corporation, through its subsidiaries, has for more than 100 years managed the
assets of individuals, charitable organizations, foundations and large
corporate investors. As of December 31, 2008, NTI and its affiliates had assets
under custody of $3.0 trillion, and assets under investment management of
$558.8 billion.



DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                     THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR   61
<PAGE>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS

The information in this section may affect anyone who selects one or more
portfolios as an investment option in a variable annuity contract or variable
life insurance policy that offers one or more portfolios. These contracts and
policies are described in separate prospectuses issued by participating
insurance companies. Each portfolio assumes no responsibility for such
prospectuses.


POLICIES ABOUT TRANSACTIONS

The information in this prospectus applies to Class B shares of each portfolio
and for DWS Equity 500 VIP only, Class B2 shares. Each portfolio may offer two
classes of shares (except DWS Equity 500 Index VIP, which offers three classes
of shares). Class B and Class B2 shares are offered at net asset value and are
subject to 12b-1 fees.

Technically, the shareholders of DWS Variable Series I and DWS Investments VIT
Funds (which include each portfolio just described) are the participating
insurance companies (the "insurance companies") that offer each portfolio as
choices for holders of certain variable annuity contracts or variable life
insurance policies (the "contract(s)") issued or sponsored by the insurance
companies. The insurance companies may pass through voting rights to the
contract owners. Each portfolio does not sell shares directly to the public.
Each portfolio sells shares only to separate accounts of insurance companies.
As a contract owner, your premium payments are allocated to a portfolio by the
insurance companies in accordance with your contract. Please see the contract
prospectus that accompanies this prospectus for a detailed explanation of your
contract.


Please bear in mind that there are important differences between funds
available to any investor (a "Retail Fund") and those that are only available
through certain financial institutions, such as insurance companies. For
example, Retail Funds, unlike a portfolio, are not sold to insurance company
separate accounts to fund investments in variable insurance contracts. In
addition, the investment objective, policies and strategies of a portfolio,
while similar to those of a Retail Fund, are not identical. Retail Funds may be
smaller or larger than a portfolio and have different expense ratios than a
portfolio. As a result, the performance of a portfolio and a Retail Fund will
differ.


Should any conflict between contract owners arise that would require that a
substantial amount of net assets be withdrawn from a portfolio, orderly
portfolio management could be disrupted to the potential detriment of
shareholders of that portfolio.


Each portfolio has a verification process for new insurance company accounts to
help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering
activities. Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify
and record information that identifies each insurance company that opens an
account. This means that when an insurance company opens an account, a
portfolio will ask for its name, address and other information that will allow
a portfolio to identify the company. This information will be verified to
ensure the identity of all insurance companies opening an account.

For certain insurance companies, a portfolio might request additional
information (for instance, a portfolio would ask for documents such as the
insurance company's articles of incorporation) to help a portfolio verify the
insurance company's identity.

Each portfolio will not complete the purchase of any shares for an account
until all information has been provided and the application has been submitted
in "good order." Once the application is determined to be in good order, the
purchase(s) will be effected at the net asset value per share next calculated.

Each portfolio may reject a new account application if the insurance company
doesn't provide any required or requested identifying information, or for other
reasons.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
62   YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS
<PAGE>

BUYING AND SELLING SHARES

Each PORTFOLIO IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS each day the New York Stock Exchange is
open. Each portfolio calculates its share price every business day, as of the
close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (typically 4 p.m.
Eastern time, but sometimes earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day
trading or unscheduled suspensions of trading).

Each portfolio continuously sells shares to each insurance company separate
account, without a sales charge, at the net asset value per share next
determined after a proper purchase order is placed by the insurance company.
The insurance company offers contract owners units in its separate accounts
which correspond to shares in a portfolio. Each insurance company submits
purchase and redemption orders to a portfolio based on allocation instructions
for premium payments, transfer instructions and surrender or partial withdrawal
requests for contract owners, as set forth in the accompanying prospectus for
the contracts. These orders reflect the amount of premium payments to be
invested, surrender and transfer requests, and other matters. Redemption orders
are effected at the next net asset value per share determined after a proper
redemption order is placed by the insurance company. Contract owners should
look at their contract prospectuses for redemption procedures and fees.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BUYING AND SELLING SHARES

o After receiving a contract owner's order, the insurance company buys or sells
  shares at the net asset value next calculated on any day each portfolio is
  open for business.

o Unless otherwise instructed, each portfolio normally makes payment of the
  proceeds from the sale of shares the next business day but always within
  seven calendar days.

o Each portfolio does not issue share certificates.

o Each portfolio reserves the right to reject purchases of shares for any
  reason.

o Each portfolio reserves the right to withdraw or suspend the offering of
  shares at any time.

o Each portfolio reserves the right to reject purchases of shares or to suspend
  or postpone redemptions at times when the New York Stock Exchange is closed
  (other than customary closings), trading is restricted or when an emergency
  exists that prevents a portfolio from disposing of its portfolio securities
  or pricing its shares.

o Each portfolio may refuse, cancel or rescind any purchase order; freeze any
  account (meaning the insurance company will not be able to purchase shares
  in its account); suspend account services; and/or involuntarily redeem the
  account if we think that the account is being used for fraudulent or illegal
  purposes by the insurance company; one or more of these actions will be
  taken when, at the sole discretion of each portfolio, they are deemed to be
  in each portfolio's best interest or when each portfolio is requested or
  compelled to do so by governmental authority or by applicable law.

o Each portfolio may close and liquidate an account if a portfolio is unable to
  verify provided information, or for other reasons; if a portfolio decides to
  close the account, the shares will be redeemed at the net asset value per
  share next calculated after we determine to close the account; the insurance
  company may be subject to gain or loss on the redemption of the portfolio
  shares and may incur tax liability.


o Each portfolio may pay for shares sold by "redeeming in kind," that is, by
  distributing to you marketable securities (which typically will involve
  brokerage costs for you to liquidate) rather than cash, but which will be
  taxable to the same extent as a redemption for cash; each portfolio
  generally won't make a redemption in kind unless your requests over a 90-day
  period total more than $250,000 or 1% of the value of each portfolio's net
  assets, whichever is less.

o A purchase order from an insurance company separate account may not be
  accepted if the sale of portfolio shares has been suspended or if it is
  determined that the purchase would be detrimental to the interests of a
  portfolio.


MARKET TIMING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. Short-term and excessive trading of
portfolio shares may present risks to each portfolio's long-term shareholders
(as used herein, the term "shareholders" may refer to the contract owners),
including potential dilution in the value of portfolio shares, interference
with the efficient management of a portfolio (including losses on the sale of
investments), taxable gains to remaining


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                          YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS   63
<PAGE>

shareholders and increased brokerage and administrative costs. These risks may
be more pronounced if a portfolio invests in certain securities such as those
that trade in foreign markets, are illiquid or do not otherwise have "readily
available market quotations." Certain investors may seek to employ short-term
trading strategies aimed at exploiting variations in portfolio valuation that
arise from the nature of the securities held by a portfolio (e.g., "time zone
arbitrage"). Each portfolio has adopted policies and procedures that are
intended to detect and deter short-term and excessive trading.

Pursuant to these policies, each portfolio reserves the right to reject or
cancel a purchase or exchange order for any reason without prior notice. For
example, a portfolio may in its discretion reject or cancel a purchase or an
exchange order even if the transaction is not subject to the specific roundtrip
transaction limitation described below if the Advisor believes that there
appears to be a pattern of short-term or excessive trading activity by a
shareholder or deems any other trading activity harmful or disruptive to a
portfolio. Each portfolio, through its Advisor and transfer agent, will measure
short-term and excessive trading by the number of roundtrip transactions within
a shareholder's account during a rolling 12-month period. A "roundtrip"
transaction is defined as any combination of purchase and redemption activity
(including exchanges) of the same portfolio's shares. Each portfolio may take
other trading activity into account if a portfolio believes such activity is of
an amount or frequency that may be harmful to long-term shareholders or
disruptive to portfolio management.

Shareholders are limited to four roundtrip transactions in the same portfolio
over a rolling 12-month period. Shareholders with four or more roundtrip
transactions in the same portfolio within a rolling 12-month period generally
will be blocked from making additional purchases of, or exchanges into, that
portfolio. Each portfolio has sole discretion whether to remove a block from a
shareholder's account. The rights of a shareholder to redeem shares of each
portfolio are not affected by the four roundtrip transaction limitation.

The Advisor may make exceptions to the roundtrip transaction policy for certain
types of transactions if in its opinion the transactions do not represent
short-term or excessive trading or are not abusive or harmful to each
portfolio, such as, but not limited to, systematic transactions, required
minimum retirement distributions, transactions initiated by each portfolio or
administrator and transactions by certain qualified fund-of-fund(s).

In certain circumstances, each portfolio may rely upon the policy of the
insurance company or other financial intermediary to deter short-term or
excessive trading if the Advisor believes that the policy of such insurance
company or other financial intermediary is reasonably designed to detect and
deter transactions that are not in the best interest of each portfolio. An
insurance company's or other financial intermediary's policy relating to
short-term or excessive trading may be more or less restrictive than each
portfolio's policies, may permit certain transactions not permitted by each
portfolio's policies, or prohibit transactions not subject to each portfolio's
policies.

The Advisor may also accept undertakings from an insurance company or other
financial intermediary to enforce short-term or excessive trading policies on
behalf of each portfolio that provide a substantially similar level of
protection for each portfolio against such transactions. For example, certain
insurance companies may have contractual or legal restrictions, or operational
constraints, that prevent them from blocking an account. In such instances, the
Advisor may permit the insurance company to use alternate techniques that the
Advisor considers to be a reasonable substitute for such a block.

In addition, to the extent that each portfolio invests some portion of its
assets in foreign securities, each portfolio has adopted certain fair valuation
practices intended to protect each portfolio from "time zone arbitrage" with
respect to its foreign securities holdings and other trading practices that
seek to exploit variations in portfolio valuation that arise from the nature of
the securities held by each portfolio. (See "How each Portfolio Calculates
Share Price.")

There is no assurance that these policies and procedures will be effective in
limiting short-term and excessive trading in all cases. For example, the
Advisor may not be able to effectively monitor, detect or limit short-term or
excessive trading by underlying contract holders that occurs through separate
accounts maintained by insurance companies or other financial intermediaries.
The Advisor reviews trading activity at the separate account level to detect
short-term or excessive trading. If the Advisor has reason to suspect that
short-term or excessive trading is occurring at the separate account level, the
Advisor will contact the insurance company or other financial intermediary to
request underlying shareholder level activity. Depending on the amount of
portfolio shares held in such separate account (which may represent most of
each portfolio's shares), short-term and/or excessive trading of portfolio
shares could adversely affect long-term shareholders in each portfolio. If
short-term or excessive trading is identified, the Advisor will take
appropriate action.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
64   YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS
<PAGE>

Each portfolio's market timing policies and procedures may be modified or
terminated at any time.


HOW TO RECEIVE ACCOUNT INFORMATION

If you are a contract owner, you should contact your insurance company or the
organization that provides record keeping services for information about your
account.

Please see the contract prospectus that accompanies this prospectus for the
customer service phone number.


HOW TO SELECT SHARES

Shares in a portfolio are available in connection with certain variable annuity
and life insurance arrangements. Each insurance company has different
provisions about how and when their contract owners may select portfolio
shares. Each insurance company is responsible for communicating its contract
owners' instructions to a portfolio. Contract owners should contact their
insurance company to effect transactions in connection with a portfolio.



FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY SUPPORT PAYMENTS

The Advisor, DWS Investments Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor") and/or
their affiliates may pay additional compensation, out of their own assets and
not as an additional charge to each portfolio, to selected affiliated and
unaffiliated brokers, dealers, participating insurance companies or other
financial intermediaries ("financial advisors") in connection with the sale
and/or distribution of portfolio shares or the retention and/or servicing of
fund investors and fund shares ("revenue sharing"). Such revenue sharing
payments are in addition to any distribution or service fees payable under any
Rule 12b-1 or service plan of each portfolio, any record keeping/
sub-transfer agency/networking fees payable by each portfolio (generally
through the Distributor or an affiliate) and/or the Distributor to certain
financial advisors for performing such services and any sales charge,
commissions, non-cash compensation arrangements expressly permitted under
applicable rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or other
concessions described in the fee table or elsewhere in this prospectus or the
Statement of Additional Information as payable to all financial advisors. For
example, the Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates may compensate
financial advisors for providing a portfolio with "shelf space" or access to a
third party platform or portfolio offering list or other marketing programs,
including, without limitation, inclusion of the portfolio on preferred or
recommended sales lists, mutual fund "supermarket" platforms and other formal
sales programs; granting the Distributor access to the financial advisor's
sales force; granting the Distributor access to the financial advisor's
conferences and meetings; assistance in training and educating the financial
advisor's personnel; and obtaining other forms of marketing support.

The level of revenue sharing payments made to financial advisors may be a fixed
fee or based upon one or more of the following factors: gross sales, current
assets and/or number of accounts of each portfolio attributable to the
financial advisor, the particular portfolio or portfolio type or other measures
as agreed to by the Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates and the
financial advisors or any combination thereof. The amount of these revenue
sharing payments is determined at the discretion of the Advisor, the
Distributor and/or their affiliates from time to time, may be substantial, and
may be different for different financial advisors based on, for example, the
nature of the services provided by the financial advisor.

The Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates currently make revenue
sharing payments from their own assets in connection with the sale and/or
distribution of DWS fund shares or the retention and/or servicing of investors
and DWS fund shares to financial advisors in amounts that generally range from
..01% up to .50% of assets of each portfolio serviced and maintained by the
financial advisor, .05% to .25% of sales of each portfolio attributable to the
financial advisor, a flat fee of $13,350 up to $500,000, or any combination
thereof. These amounts are subject to change at the discretion of the Advisor,
the Distributor and/or their affiliates. Receipt of, or the prospect of
receiving, this additional compensation may influence your financial advisor's
recommendation of each portfolio or of any particular share class of each
portfolio. You should review your financial advisor's compensation disclosure
and/or talk to your financial advisor to obtain more information on how this
compensation may have influenced your financial advisor's recommendation of
each portfolio. Additional information regarding these revenue sharing payments
is included in each portfolio's Statement of Additional Information, which is
available to you on request at no charge (see the back cover of this prospectus
for more information on how to request a copy of the Statement of Additional
Information).


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                          YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS   65
<PAGE>

The Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates may also make such revenue
sharing payments to financial advisors under the terms discussed above in
connection with the distribution of both DWS funds and non-DWS funds by
financial advisors to retirement plans that obtain record keeping services from
ADP, Inc. on the DWS Investments branded retirement plan platform (the
"Platform") with the level of revenue sharing payments being based upon sales
of both the DWS funds and the non-DWS funds by the financial advisor on the
Platform or current assets of both the DWS funds and the non-DWS funds serviced
and maintained by the financial advisor on the Platform.

It is likely that broker-dealers that execute portfolio transactions for each
portfolio will include firms that also sell shares of the DWS funds to their
customers. However, the Advisor will not consider sales of DWS fund shares as a
factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for
the DWS funds. Accordingly, the Advisor has implemented policies and procedures
reasonably designed to prevent its traders from considering sales of DWS fund
shares as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio
transactions for each portfolio. In addition, the Advisor, the Distributor
and/or their affiliates will not use fund brokerage to pay for their obligation
to provide additional compensation to financial advisors as described above.



HOW EACH PORTFOLIO CALCULATES SHARE PRICE

To calculate net asset value per share, or NAV, each portfolio uses the
following equation:



<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
   TOTAL ASSETS - TOTAL LIABILITIES
  ---------------------------             = NAV
  TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
</TABLE>

The price at which you buy and sell shares for each portfolio is the NAV.

We typically value securities using information furnished by an independent
pricing service or market quotations, where appropriate. However, we may use
methods approved by the Board, such as a fair valuation model, which are
intended to reflect fair value when pricing service information or market
quotations are not readily available or when a security's value or a meaningful
portion of the value of a portfolio is believed to have been materially
affected by a significant event, such as a natural disaster, an economic event
like a bankruptcy filing, or a substantial fluctuation in domestic or foreign
markets, that has occurred between the close of the exchange or market on which
the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market)
and the close of the New York Stock Exchange. In such a case, a portfolio's
value for a security is likely to be different from the last quoted market
price or pricing service information. In addition, due to the subjective and
variable nature of fair value pricing, it is possible that the value determined
for a particular asset may be materially different from the value realized upon
such asset's sale. It is expected that the greater the percentage of portfolio
assets that is invested in non-US securities, the more extensive will be a
portfolio's use of fair value pricing. This is intended to reduce a portfolio's
exposure to "time zone arbitrage" and other harmful trading practices. (See
"Market Timing Policies and Procedures.")

To the extent that a portfolio invests in securities that are traded primarily
in foreign markets, the value of its holdings could change at a time when you
aren't able to buy or sell portfolio shares through the contract. This is
because some foreign markets are open on days and at times when each portfolio
doesn't price the shares.



DISTRIBUTIONS

Each portfolio intends to declare and distribute dividends from their net
investment income and capital gains, if any, annually. Each portfolio may make
additional distributions if necessary.

All distributions will be reinvested in shares of a portfolio unless we are
informed by an insurance company that they should be paid out in cash. The
insurance companies will be informed about the amount and character of
distributions from the relevant portfolio for federal income tax purposes.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
66   YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIOS
<PAGE>

TAXES

Each portfolio intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and intends to meet all requirements necessary to avoid paying any
federal income or excise taxes.

Generally, owners of variable annuity and variable life contracts are not
subject to current federal income taxation on income or gains realized with
respect to such contracts. However, some distributions from such contracts,
whether made prior to or during the annuity payment period, may be taxable at
ordinary income tax rates. In addition, distributions made to an owner who is
younger than 59 1-2 may be subject to a 10% penalty tax. For further
information concerning federal income tax consequences for the holders of
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, such holders
should consult the prospectus used in connection with the issuance of their
particular contracts or policies.

In order for investors to receive the favorable federal income tax treatment
available to holders of variable annuity and variable life contracts, the
separate accounts underlying such contracts, as well as the funds in which such
accounts invest, must meet certain diversification requirements. Each portfolio
intends to comply with these requirements. If a portfolio or separate account
does not meet such requirements or fails to qualify as a regulated investment
company for any taxable year, income allocable to the contracts associated with
the separate account may be taxable currently for federal income tax purposes
to the holders of such contracts and income from prior periods with respect to
such contracts also could be taxable, most likely in the year of the failure.

Under Treasury regulations, insurance companies holding the separate accounts
may have to report to the IRS losses above a certain amount resulting from a
sale or disposition of a portfolio's shares.

The discussion above is generally based on the assumption that shares of a
portfolio will be respected as owned by insurance company separate accounts. If
this is not the case (for example, because the IRS finds an impermissible level
of "investor control" over the investment options underlying variable
contracts), the advantageous federal income tax treatment provided in respect
of insurance company separate accounts under the Code will no longer be
available, and the person or persons determined to own the portfolio shares
will be currently taxed on portfolio distributions, and on the proceeds of any
redemption of portfolio shares, under the Code.

Portfolio investments in securities of foreign issuers may be subject to
withholding and other taxes at the source, including on dividend or interest
payments. Participating insurance companies should consult their own tax
advisors as to whether such distributions are subject to federal income tax if
they are retained as part of policy reserves.

Each portfolio's investments in certain debt obligations may cause each
portfolio to recognize taxable income in excess of the cash generated by such
obligation. Thus, each portfolio could be required at times to liquidate other
investments in order to satisfy its distribution requirements.

The preceding is a brief summary of certain of the relevant federal income tax
considerations. Because each shareholder and contract holder's tax situation is
unique, ask your tax professional about the tax consequences of your
investments, including possible federal, foreign, state or local taxes.


DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
CLASS B SHARES
                                                              DISTRIBUTIONS   67
<PAGE>

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION FEES


Class B and Class B2 Shares are referred to collectively as "Class B shares."
DWS Investments Distributors, Inc., a subsidiary of the Advisor, is each
portfolio's distributor.


DWS Variable Series I and DWS Investments VIT Funds have each adopted a 12b-1
plan for all Class B shares. Under this plan, each portfolio pays a fee to the
Distributor, which in turn remits fees to participating insurance companies for
various costs incurred or paid by these companies in connection with marketing
and distributing Class B shares of a portfolio. Depending on the participating
insurance company's corporate structure and applicable state law, the
Distributor may remit payments to the participating insurance company's
affiliated broker-dealers or another affiliated company rather than to the
participating insurance company itself.


The plan provides that DWS Variable Series I and DWS Investments VIT Funds, on
behalf of each applicable portfolio, will pay DWS Investments Distributors,
Inc., as distributor, a fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of
the portfolio attributable to each applicable portfolio's Class B shares. Under
the plan, a portfolio may make quarterly payments to the Distributor for
remittance to a participating insurance company for distribution and
shareholder servicing related expenses incurred or paid by the participating
insurance company. No such payment shall be made with respect to any quarterly
period in excess of an amount determined for such period at the annual rate of
0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class B shares of the portfolios
attributable to that participating insurance company's variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance policies during that quarterly period.


Because 12b-1 fees for Class B shares are paid out of portfolio assets on an
ongoing basis, they will, over time, increase the cost of investment in Class B
shares and may cost more than other types of sales charges.

Examples of expenses payable under the plan include the costs of printing and
mailing materials (such as portfolio prospectuses, shareholder reports,
portfolio advertisements and sales literature), holding seminars and sales
meetings, providing customer service to policyholders and sales compensation.


                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I - DWS INVESTMENTS VIT FUNDS
                                                                  CLASS B SHARES
68   DISTRIBUTIONS
<PAGE>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO GET MORE INFORMATION


SHAREHOLDER REPORTS - These include commentary from each portfolio's management
team about recent market conditions and the effects of each portfolio's
strategies on its performance. They also have detailed performance figures, a
list of everything each portfolio owns, and its financial statements.
Shareholders get these reports automatically.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) - This tells you more about each
portfolio's features and policies, including additional risk information. The
SAI is incorporated by reference into this document (meaning that it's legally
part of this prospectus).

For a free copy of any of these documents or to request other information about
a portfolio, call (800) 778-1482, or contact DWS Investments at the address
listed below. Each portfolio's SAI and shareholder reports are also available
through the DWS Investments Web site at www.dws-investments.com. These
documents and other information about the portfolio are available from the
EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. If you like, you may
obtain copies of this information, after paying a copying fee, by e-mailing a
request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the SEC at the address listed
below. You can also review and copy these documents and other information about
the portfolio, including the portfolio's SAI, at the SEC's Public Reference
Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the SEC's Public
Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DWS INVESTMENTS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.      SEC
<S>                                     <C>
222 South Riverside Plaza               100 F Street, N.E.
Chicago, IL 60606-5808                  Washington, D.C. 20549-0102
(800) 621-1148                          WWW.SEC.GOV
                                        (800) SEC-0330
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEC FILE NUMBER:
-------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>
DWS Variable Series I 811-04257
DWS Investments VIT Funds 811-07507
</TABLE>



(05/01/09) 1b-A




<PAGE>

                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                   May 1, 2009


                              CLASS A AND B SHARES

                              DWS VARIABLE SERIES I


                  One Beacon Street, Boston Massachusetts 02108



This combined Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should
be read in conjunction with the applicable prospectuses of DWS Variable Series I
(the "Fund") dated May 1, 2009, as amended from time to time. The prospectuses
may be obtained without charge from the Fund by calling (800) 778-1482, and is
also available along with other related materials on the Securities and Exchange
Commission Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov). The prospectus is also
available from insurance companies that offer one or more of the Fund's
portfolios as an investment option (the "Participating Insurance Companies").

DWS Variable Series I offers a choice of six portfolios (each a "Portfolio,"
collectively, the "Portfolios"), in connection with certain variable life
insurance and variable annuity contracts ("Contract(s)") offered by
Participating Insurance Companies. Each Portfolio is a series of the Fund.

Portions of the Annual Report for each Portfolio for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2008 are incorporated herein by reference, as specified herein. A
copy of each Portfolio's Annual Report may be obtained without charge from the
Fund by calling (800) 778-1482. This Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated by reference into the corresponding prospectuses for each class of
share of each Portfolio noted below.

The six portfolios are:


                                  DWS BOND VIP
                             DWS GROWTH & INCOME VIP
                             DWS CAPITAL GROWTH VIP
                          DWS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES VIP
                              DWS INTERNATIONAL VIP
                               DWS HEALTH CARE VIP





                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS.....................................................1

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES..........................................2
         General Investment Policies........................................2
         Portfolio Holdings Information....................................33


MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND.....................................................34
         Investment Advisor................................................34


FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS.....................................................54
         Administrator.....................................................54
         Principal Underwriter.............................................55
         Transfer Agent....................................................57
         Custodian.........................................................58
         Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.....................58
         Legal Counsel.....................................................58

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS.....................................................60


PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS..................................................66

DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS AND TAXES.........................................73

NET ASSET VALUE............................................................81

BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS.................................................82


PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES....................................................93

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.....................................................93

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.......................................................94

APPENDIX A -- PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES......................................95


APPENDIX B -- RATINGS OF INVESTMENTS......................................120




                             INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The following fundamental policies may not be changed with respect to any
Portfolio without the approval of the majority of outstanding voting securities
of that Portfolio which, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act"), and the rules thereunder and as used in this Statement of
Additional Information, means the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of that
Portfolio present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of that Portfolio are present in person or by proxy, or (2)
more than 50% of the outstanding shares of that Portfolio. Any investment
restrictions which involve a maximum percentage of securities or assets shall
not be considered to be violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs
immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or encumbrance of securities
or assets of, or borrowings by or on behalf of, a Portfolio.

As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not on behalf of any Portfolio:

1.       borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as
         interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction,
         from time to time;

2.       issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as
         interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction,
         from time to time;

3.       For all Portfolios (except DWS Health Care VIP): concentrate its
         investments in a particular industry, as that term is used in the 1940
         Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having
         jurisdiction, from time to time.

4.       purchase or sell commodities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, as
         amended, and as interpreted or modified by the regulatory authority
         having jurisdiction from time to time.

5.       engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others,
         except to the extent that the Portfolio may be deemed to be an
         underwriter in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities;

6.       purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include securities of
         companies which deal in real estate or mortgages or investments secured
         by real estate or interests therein, except that the Portfolio reserves
         freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result
         of the Portfolio's ownership of securities; or

7.       make loans except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted
         or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to
         time.

Other Investment Policies. The Board of Trustees of the Fund has voluntarily
adopted policies and restrictions which are observed in the conduct of the
Fund's affairs. These represent intentions of the Board based upon current
circumstances. They differ from fundamental investment policies in that they may
be changed or amended by action of the Board without prior notice to or approval
of shareholders.

As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Fund currently does not intend on
behalf of the indicated Portfolio(s):

1.       to borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets,
         except (i) for temporary or emergency purposes and (ii) by engaging in
         reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, or other investments or
         transactions described in the Portfolio's registration statement which
         may be deemed to be borrowings;

2.       For all Portfolios (except DWS Bond VIP): to enter into either of
         reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls in an amount greater than
         5% of its total assets;

3.       to purchase securities on margin or make short sales, except (i) short
         sales against the box, (ii) in connection with arbitrage transactions,
         (iii) for margin deposits in connection with futures contracts, options
         or other permitted investments, (iv) that transactions in futures
         contracts and options shall not be deemed to constitute selling
         securities short, and (v) that the Portfolio may obtain such short-term
         credits as may be necessary for the clearance of securities
         transactions;

4.       to purchase options, unless the aggregate premiums paid on all such
         options held by the Portfolio at any time do not exceed 20% of its
         total assets; or sell put options, if as a result, the aggregate value
         of the obligations underlying such put options would exceed 50% of its
         total assets;

5.       For all Portfolios (except DWS Bond VIP): to enter into futures
         contracts or purchase options thereon, unless immediately after the
         purchase, the value of the aggregate initial margin with respect to
         such futures contracts entered into on behalf of the Portfolio and the
         premiums paid for such options on futures contracts does not exceed 5%
         of the fair market value of the Portfolio's total assets; provided that
         in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of purchase,
         and in-the-money amount may be excluded in computing the 5% limit;

6.       to purchase warrants if as a result, such securities, taken at the
         lower of cost or market value, would represent more than 5% of the
         value of the Portfolio's total assets (for this purpose, warrants
         acquired in units or attached to securities will be deemed to have no
         value);

7.       to lend portfolio securities in an amount greater than 33 1/3% of its
         total assets;

8.       to acquire securities of registered, open-end investment companies or
         registered unit investment trusts in reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F)
         or 12(d)(1)(G) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

"Value" for the purposes of all investment restrictions shall mean the value
used in determining a Portfolio's net asset value. (See "NET ASSET VALUE.")

Master/feeder Fund Structure

The Fund's Board of Trustees has the discretion with respect to each Portfolio
to retain the current distribution arrangement for the Portfolio while investing
in a master fund in a master/feeder fund structure as described below.

A master/feeder fund structure is one in which a fund (a "feeder fund"), instead
of investing directly in a portfolio of securities, invests most or all of its
investment assets in a separate registered investment company (the "master
fund") with substantially the same investment objective and policies as the
feeder fund. Such a structure permits the pooling of assets of two or more
feeder funds, preserving separate identities or distribution channels at the
feeder fund level. Based on the premise that certain of the expenses of
operating an investment portfolio are relatively fixed, a larger investment
portfolio may eventually achieve a lower ratio of operating expenses to average
net assets. An existing investment company is able to convert to a feeder fund
by selling all of its investments, which involves brokerage and other
transaction costs and realization of a taxable gain or loss, or by contributing
its assets to the master fund and avoiding transaction costs and, if proper
procedures are followed, the realization of taxable gain or loss.

Temporary Defensive Policy. For temporary defensive purposes, each Portfolio may
invest, without limit, in cash and cash equivalents, US government securities,
money market instruments and high quality debt securities without equity
features. In such a case, a Portfolio would not be pursuing, and may not
achieve, its investment objective.

                       INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES

General Investment Policies

DWS Variable Series I is an open-end, registered management investment company
established as a Massachusetts business trust. The Fund is a series fund
consisting of six diversified portfolios: DWS Bond VIP, DWS Growth & Income VIP,
DWS Capital Growth VIP, DWS Global Opportunities VIP, DWS Health Care VIP and
DWS International VIP: (individually or collectively hereinafter referred to as
a "Portfolio" or the "Portfolios"). Additional portfolios may be created from
time to time. The Fund is intended to be the funding vehicle for variable
annuity contracts ("VA contracts") and variable life insurance policies ("VLI
policies") to be offered to the separate accounts of certain life insurance
companies ("Participating Insurance Companies").

Two classes of shares of each Portfolio of the Fund are currently offered
through Participating Insurance Companies. Class A shares are offered at net
asset value and are not subject to a Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan. Class B
shares are offered at net asset value and are subject to a Rule 12b-1
Distribution Plan.

Each Portfolio has a different investment objective which it pursues through
separate investment policies, as described below. The differences in objectives
and policies among the Portfolios can be expected to affect the degree of market
and financial risk to which each Portfolio is subject and the return of each
Portfolio. The investment objectives and policies of each Portfolio may, unless
otherwise specifically stated, be changed by the Trustees of the Fund without a
vote of shareholders. There is no assurance that the objectives of any Portfolio
will be achieved.

Descriptions in this Statement of Additional Information of a particular
investment practice or technique in which a Portfolio may engage are meant to
describe the spectrum of investments that the Advisor in its discretion might,
but is not required to, use in managing each Portfolio's assets. The Advisor may
in its discretion at any time employ such practice, technique or instrument for
one or more Portfolios but not for all funds advised by it. Furthermore, it is
possible that certain types of financial instruments or investment techniques
described herein may not be available, permissible, economically feasible or
effective for their intended purposes in all markets. Certain practices,
techniques or instruments may not be principal activities of the Portfolios,
but, to the extent employed, could from time to time have a material impact on a
Portfolio's performance.

It is possible that certain investment practices and techniques described below
may not be permissible for a Portfolio based on its investment restrictions, as
described herein, and in the Portfolio's applicable prospectus.

Borrowing. As a matter of fundamental policy, each Portfolio will not borrow
money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted by regulatory
authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. While the Trustees do not
currently intend to borrow for investment leveraging purposes, if such a
strategy were implemented in the future it would increase a Portfolio's
volatility and the risk of loss in a declining market. Borrowing by a Portfolio
will involve special risk considerations. Although the principal of a
Portfolio's borrowings will be fixed, the Portfolio's assets may change in value
during the time that a borrowing is outstanding, thus increasing exposure to
capital risk.

Asset-Backed Securities. Asset backed securities may include pools of mortgages
("mortgage-backed securities"), loans, receivables or other assets. Payment of
principal and interest may be largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by
the assets backing the securities. For purposes of determining the percentage of
a Portfolio's total assets invested in securities of issuers having their
principal business activities in a particular industry, asset backed securities
will be classified separately. Asset-backed securities present certain risks
that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. Primarily, these
securities may not have the benefit of any security interest in the related
assets. Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are
entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit
laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed
on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. There is the possibility
that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be available
to support payments on these securities. Asset-backed securities are often
backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different
parties. To lessen the effect of failures by obligors on underlying assets to
make payments, the securities may contain elements of credit support which fall
into two categories: (i) liquidity protection, and (ii) protection against
losses resulting from ultimate default by an obligor on the underlying assets.
Liquidity protection refers to the provision of advances, generally by the
entity administering the pool of assets, to ensure that the receipt of payments
on the underlying pool occurs in a timely fashion. Protection against losses
results from payment of the insurance obligations on at least a portion of the
assets in the pool. This protection may be provided through guarantees, policies
or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties,
through various means of structuring the transaction or through a combination of
such approaches. The Portfolios will not pay any additional or separate fees for
credit support. The degree of credit support provided for each issue is
generally based on historical information respecting the level of credit risk
associated with the underlying assets. Delinquency or loss in excess of that
anticipated or failure of the credit support could adversely affect the return
on an investment in such a security. The availability of asset-backed securities
may be affected by legislative or regulatory developments. It is possible that
such developments may require the funds to dispose of any then existing holdings
of such securities.


Asset-Indexed Securities. DWS Health Care VIP may purchase asset-indexed
securities which are debt securities usually issued by companies in precious
metals related businesses such as mining, the principal amount, redemption
terms, or interest rates of which are related to the market price of a specified
precious metal. The Portfolio will enter into transactions only in publicly
traded asset-indexed securities. Market prices of asset-indexed securities will
relate primarily to changes in the market prices of the precious metals to which
the securities are indexed rather than to changes in market rates of interest.
However, there may not be a perfect correlation between the price movements of
the asset-indexed securities and the underlying precious metals. Asset-indexed
securities typically bear interest or pay dividends at below market rates (and
in certain cases at nominal rates). The Portfolio may purchase asset-indexed
securities to the extent permitted by law.

Asset Segregation. Certain investment transactions expose a Portfolio to an
obligation to make future payments to third parties. Examples of these types of
transactions, include, but are not limited to, reverse repurchase agreements,
short sales, dollar rolls, when-issued, delayed-delivery or forward commitment
transactions and certain derivatives such as swaps, futures, forwards, and
options. To the extent that a Portfolio engages in such transactions, the
Portfolio will (to the extent required by applicable law) either (1) segregate
cash or liquid assets in the prescribed amount or (2) otherwise "cover" its
future obligations under the transaction, such as by holding an offsetting
investment. If the Portfolio segregates sufficient cash or other liquid assets
or otherwise "covers" its obligations under such transactions, the Portfolio
will not consider the transactions to be borrowings for purposes of its
investment restrictions or "senior securities" under the 1940 Act, and
therefore, such transactions will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage
requirement under the 1940 Act otherwise applicable to borrowings by a
Portfolio.

In some cases (e.g., with respect to futures and forwards that are contractually
required to "cash-settle"), a Portfolio will segregate cash or other liquid
assets with respect to the amount of the daily net (marked-to-market) obligation
arising from the transaction, rather than the notional amount of the underlying
contract. By segregating assets in an amount equal to the net obligation rather
than the notional amount, a Portfolio will have the ability to employ leverage
to a greater extent than if it set aside cash or other liquid assets equal to
the notional amount of the contract, which may increase the risk associated with
such transactions.

A Portfolio may utilize methods of segregating assets or otherwise "covering"
transactions that are currently or in the future permitted under the 1940 Act,
the rules and regulation thereunder, or orders issued by the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") thereunder. For these purposes, interpretations and
guidance provided by the SEC staff may be taken into account when deemed
appropriate by a Portfolio.


Bank and Savings and Loan Obligations. These obligations include negotiable
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, deposit notes, fixed time
deposits or other short-term bank obligations. Certificates of deposit are
negotiable certificates evidencing the obligations of a bank to repay funds
deposited with it for a specified period of time. The Portfolios may invest in
certificates of deposit of large domestic banks and their foreign branches,
large US regulated subsidiaries of large foreign banks (i.e., banks which at the
time of their most recent annual financial statements show total assets in
excess of $1 billion) and smaller banks as described below. Although the
Portfolios recognize that the size of a bank is important, this fact alone is
not necessarily indicative of its creditworthiness. Investment in certificates
of deposit issued by foreign branches of domestic banks involves investment
risks that are different in some respects from those associated with investment
in certificates of deposit issued by domestic branches of domestic banks,
including the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the
possible adoption of foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely
affect the payment of principal and interest on such certificates of deposit, or
other adverse political or economic developments. In addition, it might be more
difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against a foreign branch of a
domestic bank. Further, foreign branches of foreign banks are not regulated by
US banking authorities, and generally are not bound by accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards comparable to US banks.

Certificates of Deposit and Bankers' Acceptances. Certificates of deposit are
receipts issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of
funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer
of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually
can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Bankers' acceptances
typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to enable
businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an
acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to
obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is
then "accepted" by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the
face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be
held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the
secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although
maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have
maturities of six months or less.

Banker's acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligations of a bank
to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect the
obligation both of the bank and of the drawer to pay the face amount of the
instrument upon maturity.

Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking institution
for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate. Time deposits which
may be held by a Portfolio will not benefit from insurance from the Bank
Insurance Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund administered by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on
demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties that
vary with market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. Fixed
time deposits subject to withdrawal penalties maturing in more than seven
calendar days are subject to a fund's limitation on investments in illiquid
securities.

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations ("CMOs"). CMOs are hybrids between a
mortgage-backed bond and mortgage pass-through securities. Similar to a bond,
interest and prepaid principal are paid, in most cases, semiannually. CMOs may
be collateralized by whole mortgage loans but are more typically collateralized
by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA, FHLMC, or
Fannie Mae, and their income streams.

CMOs are structured into multiple classes, each bearing a different stated
maturity. Actual maturity and average life will depend upon the prepayment
experience of the collateral. CMOs provide for a modified form of call
protection through a de facto breakdown of the underlying pool of mortgages
according to how quickly the loans are repaid. Monthly payment of principal
received from the pool of underlying mortgages, including prepayments, is first
returned to investors holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding the
longer maturity classes receive principal only after the first class has been
retired. An investor is partially guarded against a sooner than desired return
of principal because of the sequential payments. The prices of certain CMOs,
depending on their structure and the rate of prepayments, can be volatile. Some
CMOs may also not be as liquid as other securities.

In a typical CMO transaction, a corporation issues multiple series, (e.g., A, B,
C, Z) of CMO bonds ("Bonds"). Proceeds of the Bond offering are used to purchase
mortgages or mortgage pass-through certificates ("Collateral"). The Collateral
is pledged to a third party trustee as security for the Bonds. Principal and
interest payments from the Collateral are used to pay principal on the Bonds in
the order A, B, C, Z. The Series A, B, and C bonds all bear current interest.
Interest on the Series Z Bond is accrued and added to principal and a like
amount is paid as principal on the Series A, B, or C Bond currently being paid
off. When the Series A, B, and C Bonds are paid in full, interest and principal
on the Series Z Bond begins to be paid currently. With some CMOs, the issuer
serves as a conduit to allow loan originators (primarily builders or savings and
loan associations) to borrow against their loan portfolios.

Commercial Paper. Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured promissory
notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial paper purchased
by a fund will consist only of direct obligations issued by domestic and foreign
entities.

Common Stock. DWS Growth & Income VIP, DWS Capital Growth VIP, DWS Global
Opportunities VIP, DWS International VIP and DWS Health Care VIP invest in
common stock. Common stock is issued by companies to raise cash for business
purposes and represents a proportionate interest in the issuing companies.
Therefore, the Portfolios may participate in the success or failure of any
company in which it holds stock. The market values of common stock can fluctuate
significantly, reflecting the business performance of the issuing company,
investor perception and general economic or financial market movements. Despite
the risk of price volatility, however, common stocks have historically offered a
greater potential for long-term gain on investment, compared to other classes of
financial assets such as bonds or cash equivalents, although there can be no
assurance that this will be true in the future.

Convertible Securities. Each Portfolio may invest in convertible securities;
that is, bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stocks and other securities which
are convertible into common stock. Investments in convertible securities can
provide an opportunity for capital appreciation and/or income through interest
and dividend payments by virtue of their conversion or exchange features.

The convertible securities in which a Portfolio may invest include fixed-income
or zero coupon debt securities which may be converted or exchanged at a stated
or determinable exchange ratio into underlying shares of common stock. The
exchange ratio for any particular convertible security may be adjusted from time
to time due to stock splits, dividends, spin-offs, other corporate distributions
or scheduled changes in the exchange ratio. Convertible securities and
convertible preferred stocks, until converted, have general characteristics
similar to both debt and equity securities. Although to a lesser extent than
with debt securities generally, the market values of convertible securities
tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tend to increase as
interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion or exchange
feature, the market values of convertible securities typically changes as the
market value of the underlying common stocks changes, and, therefore, also tend
to follow movements in the general market for equity securities. A unique
feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying
common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a
yield basis, and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent
as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common
stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a
reflection of the value of the underlying common stock, although typically not
as much as the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are
without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk
than investments in common stock of the same issuer.

As debt securities, convertible securities are investments which provide for a
stream of income (or in the case of zero coupon securities, accretion of income)
with generally higher yields than common stocks. Convertible securities
generally offer lower yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality
because of their conversion or exchange features.

Of course, like all debt securities, there can be no assurance of income or
principal payments because the issuers of the convertible securities may default
on their obligations.

Convertible securities are generally subordinated to other similar but
non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as
corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity
securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock, of the
same issuer. However, because of the subordination feature, convertible bonds
and convertible preferred stock typically have lower ratings than similar
non-convertible securities. Convertible securities may be issued as fixed income
obligations that pay current income or as zero coupon notes and bonds, including
Liquid Yield Option Notes ("LYONs").

Corporate Obligations. Investment in corporate debt obligations involves credit
and interest rate risk. The value of fixed-income investments will fluctuate
with changes in interest rates and bond market conditions, tending to rise as
interest rates decline and to decline as interest rates rise. Corporate debt
obligations generally offer less current yield than securities of lower quality,
but lower-quality securities generally have less liquidity, greater credit and
market risk, and as a result, more price volatility. Longer-term bonds are,
however, generally more volatile than bonds with shorter maturities.

Depositary Receipts. DWS Global Opportunities VIP, DWS International VIP and DWS
Health Care VIP may each invest in sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary
Receipts ("GDRs"), International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs") and other types of
Depositary Receipts (which, together with ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and IDRs are
hereinafter referred to as "Depositary Receipts"). Depositary receipts provide
indirect investment in securities of foreign issuers. Prices of unsponsored
Depositary Receipts may be more volatile than if they were sponsored by the
issuer of the underlying securities. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they
may be converted. In addition, the issuers of the stock of unsponsored
Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the
United States and, therefore, there may not be a correlation between such
information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. ADRs are Depositary
Receipts which are bought and sold in the United States and are typically issued
by a bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities
issued by a foreign corporation. GDRs and IDRs and other types of Depositary
Receipts are typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, although they
also may be issued by United States banks or trust companies, and evidence
ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or a United States
corporation. Generally, Depositary Receipts in registered form are designed for
use in the United States securities markets and Depositary Receipts in bearer
form are designed for use in securities markets outside the United States. For
purposes of the DWS Growth & Income VIP, DWS Capital Growth VIP and DWS
International VIP investment policies, the Portfolios' investments in ADRs, GDRs
and other types of Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the
underlying securities. Depositary Receipts including those denominated in US
dollars will be subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. However, by
investing in US dollar-denominated ADRs rather than directly in foreign issuers'
stock, a Portfolio avoids currency risks during the settlement period. In
general, there is a large, liquid market in the United States for most ADRs.
However, certain Depositary Receipts may not be listed on an exchange and
therefore may be illiquid securities.

Direct Debt Instruments. Direct debt instruments are interests in amounts owed
by a corporate, governmental or other borrower to lenders (direct loans), to
suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables) or to other
parties. DWS Bond VIP may invest in all types of direct debt investments, but
among these investments the Portfolio currently intends to invest primarily in
direct loans and trade claims.

When the Portfolio participates in a direct loan it will be lending money
directly to an issuer. Direct loans generally do not have an underwriter or
agent bank, but instead, are negotiated between a company's management team and
a lender or group of lenders. Direct loans typically offer better security and
structural terms than other types of high yield securities. Direct debt
obligations are often the most senior-obligations in an issuer's capital
structure or are well-collateralized so that overall risk is lessened.

Trade claims are unsecured rights of payment arising from obligations other than
borrowed funds. Trade claims include vendor claims and other receivables that
are adequately documented and available for purchase from high yield
broker-dealers. Trade claims typically may sell at a discount. In addition to
the risks otherwise associated with low-quality obligations, trade claims have
other risks, including the possibility that the amount of the claim may be
disputed by the obligor. Trade claims normally would be considered illiquid and
pricing can be volatile.


Direct debt instruments involve a risk of loss in case of default or insolvency
of the borrower. The Portfolio will rely primarily upon the creditworthiness of
the borrower and/or the collateral for payment of interest and repayment of
principal. The value of the Portfolio's investments may be adversely affected if
scheduled interest or principal payments are not made. Because most direct loans
will be secured, there will be a smaller risk of loss with direct loans than
with an investment in unsecured high yield bonds or trade claims. Indebtedness
of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks
and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring
may never pay off their indebtedness or may pay only a small fraction of the
amount owed. Investments in direct debt instruments also involve interest rate
risk and liquidity risk. However, interest rate risk is lessened by the
generally short-term nature of direct debt instruments and their interest rate
structure, which typically floats. To the extent the direct debt instruments in
which the Portfolio invests are considered illiquid, the lack of a liquid
secondary market (1) will have an adverse impact on the value of such
instruments, (2) will have an adverse impact on the Portfolio's ability to
dispose of them when necessary to meet the Portfolio's liquidity needs or in
response to a specific economic event, such as a decline in creditworthiness of
the issuer, and (3) may make it more difficult for the Portfolio to assign a
value of these instruments for purposes of valuing the Portfolio's portfolio and
calculating its net asset value. In order to lessen liquidity risk, the
Portfolio anticipates investing primarily in direct debt instruments that are
quoted and traded in the high yield market and will not invest in these
instruments if it would cause more than 15% of the Portfolio's net assets to be
illiquid. Trade claims may also present a tax risk to the Portfolio. The
Portfolio will not invest in trade claims to the extent they adversely affect
the Portfolio's qualification as a regulated investment company under Subchapter
M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").


Dollar Roll Transactions. Dollar roll transactions consist of the sale by a
Portfolio to a bank or broker/dealer (the "counterparty") of GNMA certificates
or other mortgage-backed securities together with a commitment to purchase from
the counterparty similar, but not identical, securities at a future date, at the
same price. The counterparty receives all principal and interest payments,
including prepayments, made on the security while it is the holder. A Portfolio
receives a fee from the counterparty as consideration for entering into the
commitment to purchase. Dollar rolls may be renewed over a period of several
months with a different purchase and repurchase price fixed and a cash
settlement made at each renewal without physical delivery of securities.
Moreover, the transaction may be preceded by a firm commitment agreement
pursuant to which a Portfolio agrees to buy a security on a future date.



Dollar rolls may be treated for purposes of the 1940 Act, as amended, as
borrowings of each Portfolio because they involve the sale of a security coupled
with an agreement to repurchase. A dollar roll involves costs to the Portfolio.
For example, while a Portfolio receives a fee as consideration for agreeing to
repurchase the security, the Fund forgoes the right to receive all principal and
interest payments while the counterparty holds the security. These payments to
the counterparty may exceed the fee received by the Portfolio, thereby
effectively charging the Portfolio interest on its borrowing. Further, although
a Portfolio can estimate the amount of expected principal prepayment over the
term of the dollar roll, a variation in the actual amount of prepayment could
increase or decrease the cost of the Portfolio's borrowing.

The entry into dollar rolls involves potential risks of loss that are different
from those related to the securities underlying the transactions. For example,
if the counterparty becomes insolvent, a Portfolio's right to purchase from the
counterparty might be restricted. Additionally, the value of such securities may
change adversely before a Fund is able to purchase them. Similarly, a Portfolio
may be required to purchase securities in connection with a dollar roll at a
higher price than may otherwise be available on the open market. Since, as noted
above, the counterparty is required to deliver a similar, but not identical
security to a Portfolio, the security that the Portfolio is required to buy
under the dollar roll may be worth less than an identical security. Finally,
there can be no assurance that each Portfolio's use of the cash that it receives
from a dollar roll will provide a return that exceeds borrowing costs.

Eurodollar Instruments. The Fund may make investments in Eurodollar instruments
for hedging purposes or to enhance potential gain. Eurodollar instruments are US
dollar-denominated futures contracts or options thereon which are linked to the
London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), although foreign currency-denominated
instruments are available from time to time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable
purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain
a fixed rate for borrowings. The Fund might use Eurodollar futures contracts and
options thereon to hedge against changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate
swaps and fixed income instruments are linked.

Eurodollar Obligations. Eurodollar bank obligations are US dollar-denominated
certificates of deposit and time deposits issued outside the US capital markets
by foreign branches of US banks and US branches of foreign banks. Eurodollar
obligations are subject to the same risks that pertain to domestic issues,
notably credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk. Additionally, Eurodollar
obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks.

FHLMC Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC") CMOs are debt obligations of FHLMC issued in multiple
classes having different maturity dates which are secured by the pledge of a
pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by FHLMC. Unlike FHLMC
Participation Certificates ("PCs"), payments of principal and interest on the
CMOs are made semiannually, as opposed to monthly. The amount of principal
payable on each semiannual payment date is determined in accordance with FHLMC's
mandatory sinking fund schedule, which, in turn, is equal to approximately 100%
of FHA prepayment experience applied to the mortgage collateral pool. All
sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to the retirement of the
individual classes of bonds in the order of their stated maturities. Payment of
principal on the mortgage loans in the collateral pool in excess of the amount
of FHLMC's minimum sinking fund obligation for any payment date are paid to the
holders of the CMOs as additional sinking fund payments. Because of the
"pass-through" nature of all principal payments received on the collateral pool
in excess of FHLMC's minimum sinking fund requirement, the rate at which
principal of the CMOs is actually repaid is likely to be such that each class of
bonds will be retired in advance of its scheduled maturity date.

If collection of principal (including prepayments) on the mortgage loans during
any semiannual payment period is not sufficient to meet FHLMC's minimum sinking
fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, FHLMC agrees to make up
the deficiency from its general funds.

Criteria for the mortgage loans in the pool backing the CMOs are identical to
those of FHLMC PCs. FHLMC has the right to substitute collateral in the event of
delinquencies and/or defaults.

Foreign Currencies. Because investments in foreign securities usually will
involve currencies of foreign countries, and because a Portfolio may hold
foreign currencies and forward contracts, futures contracts and options on
foreign currencies and foreign currency futures contracts, the value of the
assets of a Portfolio as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or
unfavorably by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and exchange control
regulations, and a Portfolio may incur costs and experience conversion
difficulties and uncertainties in connection with conversions between various
currencies. Fluctuations in exchange rates may also affect the earning power and
asset value of the foreign entity issuing the security.

The strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar against these currencies is
responsible for part of a Portfolio's investment performance. If the dollar
falls in value relative to the Japanese yen, for example, the dollar value of a
Japanese stock held in the portfolio will rise even though the price of the
stock remains unchanged. Conversely, if the dollar rises in value relative to
the yen, the dollar value of the Japanese stock will fall. Many foreign
currencies have experienced significant devaluation relative to the dollar.

Although each Portfolio values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it
does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars
on a daily basis. It will do so from time to time, and investors should be aware
of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not
charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference
(the "spread") between the prices at which they are buying and selling various
currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to a Portfolio
at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should a Portfolio desire
to resell that currency to the dealer. A Portfolio will conduct its foreign
currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot
rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering
into options or forward or futures contracts to purchase or sell foreign
currencies.

Foreign Fixed Income Securities. Since most foreign fixed income securities are
not rated, a Portfolio will invest in foreign fixed income securities based on
the Advisor's analysis without relying on published ratings. Since such
investments will be based upon the Advisor's analysis rather than upon published
ratings, achievement of a Portfolio's goals may depend more upon the abilities
of the Advisor than would otherwise be the case.

The value of the foreign fixed income securities held by a Portfolio, and thus
the net asset value of a Portfolio's shares, generally will fluctuate with (a)
changes in the perceived creditworthiness of the issuers of those securities,
(b) movements in interest rates, and (c) changes in the relative values of the
currencies in which a Portfolio's investments in fixed income securities are
denominated with respect to the US dollar. The extent of the fluctuation will
depend on various factors, such as the average maturity of a Portfolio's
investments in foreign fixed income securities, and the extent to which a
Portfolio hedges its interest rate, credit and currency exchange rate risks. A
longer average maturity generally is associated with a higher level of
volatility in the market value of such securities in response to changes in
market conditions.

Investments in sovereign debt, including Brady Bonds (Brady Bonds are debt
securities issued under a plan implemented to allow debtor nations to
restructure their outstanding commercial bank indebtedness), involve special
risks. Foreign governmental issuers of debt or the governmental authorities that
control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal
or pay interest when due. In the event of default, there may be limited or no
legal recourse in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the
courts of the defaulting party. Political conditions, especially a sovereign
entity's willingness to meet the terms of its fixed income securities, are of
considerable significance. Also, there can be no assurance that the holders of
commercial bank loans to the same sovereign entity may not contest payments to
the holders of sovereign debt in the event of default under commercial bank loan
agreements. In addition, there is no bankruptcy proceeding with respect to
sovereign debt on which a sovereign has defaulted, and a Portfolio may be unable
to collect all or any part of its investment in a particular issue. Foreign
investment in certain sovereign debt is restricted or controlled to varying
degrees, including requiring governmental approval for the repatriation of
income, capital or proceeds of sales by foreign investors. These restrictions or
controls may at times limit or preclude foreign investment in certain sovereign
debt or increase the costs and expenses of a Portfolio.

Sovereign debt of emerging market governmental issuers is to be considered
speculative. Emerging market governmental issuers are among the largest debtors
to commercial banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations
and other financial institutions. Certain emerging market governmental issuers
have not been able to make payments of interest on or principal of debt
obligations as those payments have come due. There is a history of defaults with
respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities issuing
sovereign debt. All or a portion of the interest payments and/or principal
repayment with respect to sovereign debt may be uncollateralized. Obligations
arising from past restructuring agreements may affect the economic performance
and political and social stability of those issuers.

The ability of emerging market country governmental issuers to make timely
payments on their obligations is likely to be influenced strongly by the
issuer's balance of payments, including export performance, and its access to
international credits and investments. An emerging market whose exports are
concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable to a decline in the
international prices of one or more of those commodities. Increased
protectionism on the part of an emerging market's trading partners could also
adversely affect the country's exports and diminish its trade account surplus,
if any. To the extent that emerging markets receive payment for its exports in
currencies other than dollars or non-emerging market currencies, its ability to
make debt payments denominated in dollars or non-emerging market currencies
could be affected.

Another factor bearing on the ability of emerging market countries to repay debt
obligations is the level of international reserves of the country. Fluctuations
in the level of these reserves affect the amount of foreign exchange readily
available for external debt payments and thus could have a bearing on the
capacity of emerging market countries to make payments on these debt
obligations.

To the extent that an emerging market country cannot generate a trade surplus,
it must depend on continuing loans from foreign governments, multilateral
organizations or private commercial banks, aid payments from foreign governments
and inflows of foreign investment. The access of emerging markets to these forms
of external funding may not be certain, and a withdrawal of external funding
could adversely affect the capacity of emerging market country governmental
issuers to make payments on their obligations. In addition, the cost of
servicing emerging market debt obligations can be affected by a change in
international interest rates since the majority of these obligations carry
interest rates that are adjusted periodically based upon international rates.

Foreign Investment. DWS Bond VIP, DWS Growth & Income VIP, DWS Capital Growth
VIP, DWS Global Opportunities VIP and DWS International VIP may each invest,
except as applicable to debt securities generally, in US dollar-denominated
foreign debt securities (including those issued by the Dominion of Canada and
its provinces and other debt securities which meet the criteria applicable to
the Portfolio's domestic investments), and in certificates of deposit issued by
foreign banks and foreign branches of United States banks, to any extent deemed
appropriate by the Advisor. DWS Bond VIP may invest up to 25% of its assets in
non-US dollar-denominated foreign debt securities. DWS Growth & Income VIP may
invest up to 25% of its assets in non-US dollar denominated equity securities of
foreign issuers. DWS Capital Growth VIP may invest up to 25% of its assets, and
DWS Global Opportunities VIP and DWS International VIP may invest without limit,
in non-US dollar-denominated equity securities of foreign issuers.

Foreign Securities. Foreign securities are normally denominated and traded in
foreign currencies. As a result, the value of the fund's foreign investments and
the value of its shares may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in
currency exchange rates relative to the US dollar. There may be less information
publicly available about a foreign issuer than about a US issuer, and foreign
issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and practices comparable to those in the US. The securities of some
foreign issuers are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of
comparable US issuers. Foreign brokerage commissions and other fees are also
generally higher than in the US. Foreign settlement procedures and trade
regulations may involve certain risks (such as delay in payment or delivery of
securities or in the recovery of the fund's assets held abroad) and expenses not
present in the settlement of investments in US markets. Payment for securities
without delivery may be required in certain foreign markets.

In addition, foreign securities may be subject to the risk of nationalization or
expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls or
restrictions on the repatriation of foreign currency, confiscatory taxation,
political or financial instability and diplomatic developments which could
affect the value of the fund's investments in certain foreign countries.
Governments of many countries have exercised and continue to exercise
substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector through the
ownership or control of many companies, including some of the largest in these
countries. As a result, government actions in the future could have a
significant effect on economic conditions which may adversely affect prices of
certain portfolio securities. There is also generally less government
supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies
than in the US. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale of, foreign
securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, and special US tax
considerations may apply. Moreover, foreign economies may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the US economy in such respects as growth of gross national
product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and
balance of payments position.

Legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be more
limited than those available with respect to investments in the US or in other
foreign countries. The laws of some foreign countries may limit the fund's
ability to invest in securities of certain issuers organized under the laws of
those foreign countries.

Of particular importance, many foreign countries are heavily dependent upon
exports, particularly to developed countries, and, accordingly, have been and
may continue to be adversely affected by trade barriers, managed adjustments in
relative currency values, and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated
by the US and other countries with which they trade. These economies also have
been and may continue to be negatively impacted by economic conditions in the US
and other trading partners, which can lower the demand for goods produced in
those countries.

The risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or
expropriation of assets, typically are increased in connection with investments
in "emerging markets." For example, political and economic structures in these
countries may be in their infancy and developing rapidly, and such countries may
lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more
developed countries (including amplified risk of war and terrorism). Certain of
these countries have in the past failed to recognize private property rights and
have at times nationalized and expropriated the assets of private companies.
Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.

The currencies of certain emerging market countries have experienced
devaluations relative to the US dollar, and future devaluations may adversely
affect the value of assets denominated in such currencies. In addition, currency
hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. Many
emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods
extremely high, rates of inflation or deflation for many years, and future
inflation may adversely affect the economies and securities markets of such
countries.

In addition, unanticipated political or social developments may affect the value
of investments in emerging markets and the availability of additional
investments in these markets. Any change in the leadership or politics of
emerging market countries, or the countries that exercise a significant
influence over those countries, may halt the expansion of or reverse the
liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect
existing investment opportunities. The small size, limited trading volume and
relative inexperience of the securities markets in these countries may make
investments in securities traded in emerging markets illiquid and more volatile
than investments in securities traded in more developed countries. For example,
limited market size may cause prices to be unduly influenced by traders who
control large positions. In addition, the fund may be required to establish
special custodial or other arrangements before making investments in securities
traded in emerging markets. There may be little financial or accounting
information available with respect to issuers of emerging market securities, and
it may be difficult as a result to assess the value of prospects of an
investment in such securities.

The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more
emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be
substantially curtailed and prices for a fund's securities in such markets may
not be readily available. A fund may suspend redemption of its shares for any
period during which an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC. Accordingly
if a fund believes that appropriate circumstances exist, it will promptly apply
to the SEC for a determination that an emergency is present. During the period
commencing from a fund's identification of such condition until the date of the
SEC action, a fund's securities in the affected markets will be valued at fair
value determined in good faith by or under the direction of a fund's Board.

Certain of the foregoing risks may also apply to some extent to securities of US
issuers that are denominated in foreign currencies or that are traded in foreign
markets, or securities of US issuers having significant foreign operations.

High Yield/High Risk Bonds. DWS Bond VIP, DWS Capital Growth VIP and DWS Global
Opportunities VIP may also purchase debt securities which are rated below
investment-grade (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"), that is, rated below Ba
by Moody's or below BB by S&P and unrated securities judged to be of equivalent
quality as determined by the Advisor. These securities usually entail greater
risk (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such
securities), generally involve greater volatility of price and risk to principal
and income, and may be less liquid, than securities in the higher rating
categories. The lower the ratings of such debt securities, the more their risks
render them like equity securities. Securities rated D may be in default with
respect to payment of principal or interest. See the Appendix to this Statement
of Additional Information for a more complete description of the ratings
assigned by ratings organizations and their respective characteristics.

Issuers of such high yielding securities often are highly leveraged and may not
have available to them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore, the
risk associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers generally is
greater than is the case with higher rated securities. For example, during an
economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly
leveraged issuers of high yield securities may experience financial stress.
During such periods, such issuers may not have sufficient revenues to meet their
interest payment obligations. The issuer's ability to service its debt
obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate developments,
or the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business forecasts, or the
unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss from default by the
issuer is significantly greater for the holders of high yield securities because
such securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other
creditors of the issuer. Prices and yields of high yield securities will
fluctuate over time and, during periods of economic uncertainty, volatility of
high yield securities may adversely affect a Portfolio's net asset value. In
addition, investments in high yield zero coupon or pay-in-kind bonds, rather
than income-bearing high yield securities, may be more speculative and may be
subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates.

A Portfolio may have difficulty disposing of certain high yield (high risk)
securities because they may have a thin trading market. Because not all dealers
maintain markets in all high yield securities, a Portfolio anticipates that such
securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or institutional
investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse effect on
the market price and a Portfolio's ability to dispose of particular issues and
may also make it more difficult for a Portfolio to obtain accurate market
quotations for purposes of valuing a Portfolio's assets. Market quotations
generally are available on many high yield issues only from a limited number of
dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices
for actual sales. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions may decrease the
values and liquidity of high yield securities. These securities may also involve
special registration responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity and
valuation difficulties.

Credit quality in the high-yield securities market can change suddenly and
unexpectedly, and even recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the
actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security. For these reasons, it is
generally the policy of the Advisor not to rely exclusively on ratings issued by
established credit rating agencies, but to supplement such ratings with its own
independent and on-going review of credit quality. The achievement of a
Portfolio's investment objective by investment in such securities may be more
dependent on the Advisor's credit analysis than is the case for higher quality
bonds. Should the rating of a portfolio security be downgraded, the Advisor will
determine whether it is in the best interests of the Fund to retain or dispose
of such security.

Prices for below investment-grade securities may be affected by legislative and
regulatory developments. Also, Congress has from time to time considered
legislation which would restrict or eliminate the corporate tax deduction for
interest payments in these securities and regulate corporate restructurings.
Such legislation may significantly depress the prices of outstanding securities
of this type.

Illiquid Securities and Restricted Securities. A Portfolio may purchase
securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale
("restricted securities"). Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold
(i) only to qualified institutional buyers; (ii) in a privately negotiated
transaction to a limited number of purchasers; (iii) in limited quantities after
they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met
pursuant to an exemption from registration; or (iv) in a public offering for
which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. Issuers of restricted securities may not be subject to the disclosure
and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if their
securities were publicly traded.

Restricted securities are often illiquid, but they may also be liquid. For
example, restricted securities that are eligible for resale under Rule 144A are
often deemed to be liquid.

A Portfolio's Board has approved guidelines for use by the Advisor in
determining whether a security is liquid or illiquid. Among the factors the
Advisor may consider in reaching liquidity decisions relating to Rule 144A
securities are: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the
number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of
other potential purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the
security; and (4) the nature of the security and the nature of the market for
the security (i.e., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of
soliciting offers, and the mechanics of the transfer). Issuers of restricted
securities may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection
requirement that would be applicable if their securities were publicly traded.
Where a registration statement is required for the resale of restricted
securities, a Portfolio may be required to bear all or part of the registration
expenses. A Portfolio may be deemed to be an "underwriter" for purposes of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended when selling restricted securities to the
public and, in such event, a Portfolio may be liable to purchasers of such
securities if the registration statement prepared by the issuer is materially
inaccurate or misleading.

A Portfolio may also purchase securities that are not subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale, but that are deemed illiquid. Such
securities may be illiquid, for example, because there is a limited trading
market for them.

A Portfolio may be unable to sell a restricted or illiquid security. In
addition, it may be more difficult to determine a market value for restricted or
illiquid securities. Moreover, if adverse market conditions were to develop
during the period between a Portfolio's decision to sell a restricted or
illiquid security and the point at which a Portfolio is permitted or able to
sell such security, a Portfolio might obtain a price less favorable than the
price that prevailed when it decided to sell. This investment practice,
therefore, could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity of a
Portfolio.

Impact of Large Redemptions and Purchases of Portfolio Shares. From time to
time, shareholders of a Portfolio (which may include affiliated and/or
non-affiliated registered investment companies that invest in a Portfolio) may
make relatively large redemptions or purchases of Portfolio shares. These
transactions may cause a Portfolio to have to sell securities or invest
additional cash, as the case may be. While it is impossible to predict the
overall impact of these transactions over time, there could be adverse effects
on a Portfolio's performance to the extent that a Portfolio may be required to
sell securities or invest cash at times when it would not otherwise do so. These
transactions could also accelerate the realization of taxable income if sales of
securities resulted in capital gains or other income and could also increase
transaction costs, which may impact a Portfolio's expense ratio.

Impact of Sub-Prime Mortgage Market. A Portfolio may invest in mortgage-backed,
asset-backed and other fixed-income securities whose value and liquidity may be
adversely affected by the critical downturn in the sub-prime mortgage lending
market in the US. Sub-prime loans, which, have higher interest rates, are made
to borrowers with low credit ratings or other factors that increase the risk of
default. Concerns about widespread defaults on sub-prime loans have also created
heightened volatility and turmoil in the general credit markets. As a result, a
Portfolio's investments in certain fixed-income securities may decline in value,
their market value may be more difficult to determine, and a Portfolio may have
more difficulty disposing of them.

Indexed Securities. DWS Bond VIP may invest in indexed securities, the value of
which is linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other
financial indicators ("reference instruments"). Most indexed securities have
maturities of three years or less.

Indexed securities differ from other types of debt securities in which a
Portfolio may invest in several respects. First, the interest rate or, unlike
other debt securities, the principal amount payable at maturity of an indexed
security may vary based on changes in one or more specified reference
instruments, such as an interest rate compared with a fixed interest rate or the
currency exchange rates between two currencies (neither of which need be the
currency in which the instrument is denominated). The reference instrument need
not be related to the terms of the indexed security. For example, the principal
amount of a US dollar denominated indexed security may vary based on the
exchange rate of two foreign currencies. An indexed security may be positively
or negatively indexed; that is, its value may increase or decrease if the value
of the reference instrument increases. Further, the change in the principal
amount payable or the interest rate of an indexed security may be a multiple of
the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying
reference instrument(s).

Investment in indexed securities involves certain risks. In addition to the
credit risk of the security's issuer and the normal risks of price changes in
response to changes in interest rates, the principal amount of indexed
securities may decrease as a result of changes in the value of reference
instruments. Further, in the case of certain indexed securities in which the
interest rate is linked to a reference instrument, the interest rate may be
reduced to zero, and any further declines in the value of the security may then
reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Finally, indexed securities may
be more volatile than the reference instruments underlying indexed securities.

Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program. The Fund, on behalf of each Portfolio,
has received exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") which permits the Portfolios to participate in an interfund lending
program among certain investment companies advised by the Advisor. The interfund
lending program allows the participating funds to borrow money from and loan
money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The program is subject
to a number of conditions designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all
participating funds, including the following: (1) no fund may borrow money
through the program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than a
rate approximating the lowest interest rate at which bank loans would be
available to any of the participating funds under a loan agreement; and (2) no
fund may lend money through the program unless it receives a more favorable
return than that available from an investment in repurchase agreements and, to
the extent applicable, money market cash sweep arrangements. In addition, a fund
may participate in the program only if and to the extent that such participation
is consistent with the fund's investment objectives and policies (for instance,
money market funds would normally participate only as lenders and tax exempt
funds only as borrowers). Interfund loans and borrowings may extend overnight,
but could have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one
day's notice. A fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if
an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending
fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional costs. The
program is subject to the oversight and periodic review of the Boards of the
participating funds. To the extent a Portfolio is actually engaged in borrowing
through the interfund lending program, the Portfolio, as a matter of
nonfundamental policy, may not borrow for other than temporary or emergency
purposes (and not for leveraging), except that a Portfolio may engage in reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls for any purpose.

Investment Company Securities. Each Portfolio may acquire securities of other
investment companies to the extent consistent with its investment objective and
subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act. Each Portfolio will indirectly bear
its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such
other investment companies.

For example, a Portfolio may invest in a variety of investment companies which
seek to track the composition and performance of specific indexes or a specific
portion of an index. These index-based investments hold substantially all of
their assets in securities representing their specific index. Accordingly, the
main risk of investing in index-based investments is the same as investing in a
portfolio of equity securities comprising the index. The market prices of
index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with both changes in the
market value of their underlying portfolio securities and due to supply and
demand for the instruments on the exchanges on which they are traded (which may
result in their trading at a discount or premium to their Net Asset Value
("NAVs"). Index-based investments may not replicate exactly the performance of
their specified index because of transaction costs and because of the temporary
unavailability of certain component securities of the index.

Examples of index-based investments include:

SPDRs(R): SPDRs, an acronym for "Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts," are
based on the S&P 500. They are issued by the SPDR Trust, a unit investment trust
that holds shares of substantially all the companies in the S&P 500 in
substantially the same weighting and seeks to closely track the price
performance and dividend yield of the Index.

MidCap SPDRs(R): MidCap SPDRs are based on the S&P MidCap 400 Index. They are
issued by the MidCap SPDR Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
of securities consisting of substantially all of the common stocks in the S&P
MidCap 400 Index in substantially the same weighting and seeks to closely track
the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.

Select Sector SPDRs(R): Select Sector SPDRs are based on a particular sector or
group of industries that are represented by a specified Select Sector Index
within the S&P 500. They are issued by The Select Sector SPDR Trust, an open-end
management investment company with nine portfolios that each seeks to closely
track the price performance and dividend yield of a particular Select Sector
Index.

DIAMONDS(SM): DIAMONDS are based on the Dow Jones Industrial Average(SM). They
are issued by the DIAMONDS Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
of all the component common stocks of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and seeks
to closely track the price performance and dividend yield of the Dow.

Nasdaq-100 Shares: Nasdaq-100 Shares are based on the Nasdaq 100 Index. They are
issued by the Nasdaq-100 Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
consisting of substantially all of the securities, in substantially the same
weighting, as the component stocks of the Nasdaq-100 Index and seeks to closely
track the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.

Investment-Grade Bonds. Each Portfolio may purchase "investment-grade" bonds,
which are those rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's or AAA, AA, A or BBB by S&P
or, if unrated, judged to be of equivalent quality as determined by the Advisor.
Moody's considers bonds it rates Baa to have speculative elements as well as
investment-grade characteristics. To the extent that a Portfolio invests in
higher-grade securities, a Portfolio will not be able to avail itself of
opportunities for higher income which may be available at lower grades.

Investment of Uninvested Cash Balances. Each Portfolio may have cash balances
that have not been invested in portfolio securities ("Uninvested Cash").
Uninvested Cash may result from a variety of sources, including dividends or
interest received from portfolio securities, unsettled securities transactions,
reserves held for investment strategy purposes, scheduled maturity of
investments, liquidation of investment securities to meet anticipated
redemptions and dividend payments, and new cash received from investors.
Uninvested Cash may be invested directly in money market instruments or other
short-term debt obligations. Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the SEC,
each Portfolio may use Uninvested Cash to purchase shares of affiliated funds
including money market funds, short-term bond funds and Cash Management QP Trust
and DWS Trust Company, or one or more future entities for which Deutsche Asset
Management acts as trustee or investment advisor that operate as cash management
investment vehicles and that are excluded from the definition of investment
company pursuant to section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act (collectively,
the "Central Funds") in excess of the limitations of Section 12(d)(1) of the
1940 Act. Investment by a Portfolio in shares of the Central Funds will be in
accordance with the Portfolio's investment policies and restrictions as set
forth in its registration statement.

Certain of the Central Funds comply with rule 2a-7 under the Act. The other
Central Funds are or will be short-term bond funds that invest in fixed-income
securities and maintain a dollar weighted average maturity of three years or
less. Each of the Central Funds will be managed specifically to maintain a
highly liquid portfolio, and access to them will enhance a Portfolio's ability
to manage Uninvested Cash.

Each Portfolio will invest Uninvested Cash in Central Funds only to the extent
that the Portfolio's aggregate investment in the Central Funds does not exceed
25% of its total assets in shares of the Central Funds. Purchase and sales of
shares of Central Funds are made at net asset value.

IPO Risk. Securities issued through an initial public offering (IPO) can
experience an immediate drop in value if the demand for the securities does not
continue to support the offering price. Information about the issuers of IPO
securities is also difficult to acquire since they are new to the market and may
not have lengthy operating histories. The DWS Health Care VIP may engage in
short-term trading in connection with its IPO investments, which could produce
higher trading costs and adverse tax consequences. The number of securities
issued in an IPO is limited, so it is likely that IPO securities will represent
a smaller component of the Portfolio's portfolio as its assets increase (and
thus have a more limited effect on the Portfolio's performance).

Lending of Portfolio Securities. Each Portfolio may lend its investment
securities to approved institutional borrowers who need to borrow securities in
order to complete certain transactions, such as covering short sales, avoiding
failures to deliver securities or completing arbitrage operations. By lending
its investment securities, a portfolio attempts to increase its net investment
income through the receipt of interest on the loan. Any gain or loss in the
market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the
loan would belong to a portfolio. A portfolio may lend its investment securities
so long as the terms, structure and the aggregate amount of such loans are not
inconsistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations or interpretations
of the SEC thereunder, which currently require that (a) the borrower pledge and
maintain with the portfolio collateral consisting of liquid, unencumbered assets
having a value at all times not less than 100% of the value of the securities
loaned, (b) the borrower add to such collateral whenever the price of the
securities loaned rises (i.e., the borrower "marks to the market" on a daily
basis), (c) the loan be made subject to termination by a portfolio at any time,
and (d) a portfolio receives reasonable interest on the loan (which may include
the portfolio investing any cash collateral in interest bearing short-term
investments), and distributions on the loaned securities and any increase in
their market value. The Portfolio will bear any losses incurred from the
investment of the collateral it receives. There may be risks of delay in
recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the
borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to
borrowers selected by a portfolio's delegate after a commercially reasonable
review of relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of
the borrower.

The Portfolio may pay negotiated fees in connection with loaned securities,
pursuant to written contracts. In addition, voting rights may pass with the
loaned securities, but if a material event occurs affecting an investment on
loan, the loan must be called and the securities voted. Pursuant to an exemptive
order granted by the SEC, cash collateral received by the Portfolio may be
invested in a money market fund managed by the Advisor (or one of its
affiliates).

Letters of Credit. Municipal obligations, including certificates of
participation, commercial paper and other short-term obligations, may be backed
by an irrevocable letter of credit of a bank which assumes the obligation for
payment of principal and interest in the event of default by the issuer. Only
banks which, in the opinion of the Advisor, are of investment quality comparable
to other permitted investments of the Fund may be used for letter of credit
backed investments.

Micro-Cap Company Risk. While, historically, micro-capitalization company stocks
have outperformed the stocks of large companies, the former have customarily
involved more investment risk as well. There can be no assurance that this will
continue to be true in the future. Micro-capitalization companies may have
limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may lack management depth
or experience; and may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic
developments than large companies. The prices of micro-capitalization company
securities are often more volatile than prices associated with large company
issues, and can display abrupt or erratic movements at times, due to limited
trading volumes and less publicly available information.

Also, because micro-capitalization companies normally have fewer shares
outstanding and these shares trade less frequently than large companies, it may
be more difficult for a fund to buy and sell significant amounts of such shares
without an unfavorable impact on prevailing market prices.

Some of the companies in which a fund may invest may distribute, sell or produce
products which have recently been brought to market and may be dependent on key
personnel. The securities of micro-capitalization companies are often traded
over-the-counter and may not be traded in the volumes typical on a national
securities exchange. Consequently, in order to sell this type of holding, a fund
may need to discount the securities from recent prices or dispose of the
securities over a long period of time.

Mortgage-Backed Securities and Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. DWS Bond VIP,
DWS Global Opportunities VIP and DWS Growth & Income VIP may also invest in
mortgage-backed securities, which are interests in pools of mortgage loans,
including mortgage loans made by savings and loan institutions, mortgage
bankers, commercial banks, and others. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as
securities for sale to investors by various governmental, government-related,
and private organizations as further described below. Underlying mortgages may
be of a variety of types, including adjustable rate, conventional 30-year,
graduated payment and 15-year.

A decline in interest rates will often lead to a faster rate of repayment of the
underlying mortgages, and expose the Portfolios to a lower rate of return upon
reinvestment. To the extent that such mortgage-backed securities are held by the
Portfolios, the prepayment right will tend to limit to some degree the increase
in net asset value of the Portfolios because the value of the mortgage-backed
securities held by the Portfolios may not appreciate as rapidly as the price of
non-callable debt securities. Mortgage-backed securities are subject to the risk
of prepayment and the risk that the underlying loans will not be repaid. Because
principal may be prepaid at any time, mortgage-backed securities may involve
significantly greater price and yield volatility than traditional debt
securities.

When interest rates rise, mortgage prepayment rates tend to decline, thus
lengthening the life of mortgage-related securities and increasing their
volatility, affecting the price volatility of the Fund's shares.

Interests in pools of mortgage-backed securities differ from other forms of debt
securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed
amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. Instead,
these securities provide a monthly payment which consists of both interest and
principal payments. In effect, these payments are a "pass-through" of the
monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their mortgage loans, net
of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional
payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the
underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs which may
be incurred. Some mortgage-related securities such as securities issued by the
"GNMA" are described as "modified pass-through." These securities entitle the
holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool,
net of certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not
the mortgagor actually makes the payment.

The principal governmental guarantor of mortgage-related securities is GNMA.
GNMA is a wholly owned US Government corporation within the Department of
Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full
faith and credit of the US Government, the timely payment of principal and
interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings
and loan institutions, commercial banks, and mortgage bankers) and backed by
pools of FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages. These guarantees, however, do
not apply to the market value or yield of mortgage-backed securities or to the
value of Portfolio shares. Also, GNMA securities often are purchased at a
premium over the maturity value of the underlying mortgages. This premium is not
guaranteed and will be lost if prepayment occurs.

Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of
the US Government) include Fannie Mae and the "FHLMC." Fannie Mae is a
government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is
subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Fannie Mae purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any
governmental agency) mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which
include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual
savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions, and mortgage bankers.
Pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are guaranteed as to timely payment
of principal and interest by Fannie Mae but are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the US Government.

FHLMC is a corporate instrumentality of the US Government and was created by
Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the availability of mortgage
credit for residential housing. Its stock is owned by the twelve Federal Home
Loan Banks. FHLMC issues PCs which represent interests in conventional mortgages
from FHLMC's national portfolio. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest
and ultimate collection of principal, but PCs are not backed by the full faith
and credit of the US Government.

Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance
companies, mortgage bankers, and other secondary market issuers also create
pass-through pools of conventional mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in
addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans
as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by
such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than
governmental and government-related pools because there are no direct or
indirect government or agency guarantees of payments. However, timely payment of
interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of
insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard
insurance, and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by
governmental entities, private insurers, and the mortgage poolers. Such
insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the issuers thereof will be
considered in determining whether a mortgage-related security meets the
Portfolios' investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that the
private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance
policies or guarantee arrangements. The Portfolios may buy mortgage-related
securities without insurance or guarantees, if through an examination of the
loan experience and practices of the originators/servicers and poolers, the
Advisor determines that the securities meet the Portfolios' quality standards.
Although the market for such securities is becoming increasingly liquid,
securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily
marketable.

Other Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Advisor expects that governmental,
government-related, or private entities may create mortgage loan pools and other
mortgage-related securities offering mortgage pass-through and
mortgage-collateralized investments in addition to those described above. The
mortgages underlying these securities may include alternative mortgage
instruments, that is, mortgage instruments whose principal or interest payments
may vary or whose terms to maturity may differ from customary long-term fixed
rate mortgages. DWS Bond VIP will not purchase mortgage-backed securities or any
other assets which, in the opinion of the Advisor, are illiquid if, as a result,
more than 15% of the value of the Portfolio's net assets will be illiquid. As
new types of mortgage-related securities are developed and offered to investors,
the Advisor will, consistent with the Portfolio's investment objectives,
policies, and quality standards, consider making investments in such new types
of mortgage-related securities.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls. DWS Bond VIP may enter into mortgage dollar rolls in
which the Portfolio sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current
month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase similar, but not identical,
securities on a fixed date. The Portfolio receives compensation as consideration
for entering into the commitment to repurchase. The compensation is paid in the
form of a fee which is recorded as deferred income and amortized to income over
the roll period, or alternatively, a lower price for the security upon its
repurchase. Mortgage dollar rolls may be renewed with a new sale and repurchase
price and a cash settlement made at each renewal without physical delivery of
the securities subject to the contract.

Municipal Obligations. DWS Bond VIP may invest in municipal obligations.
Municipal obligations are issued by or on behalf of states, territories and
possessions of the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities and the District of Columbia to obtain funds for various
public purposes. The interest on these obligations is generally exempt from
federal income tax in the hands of most investors. The two principal
classifications of municipal obligations are "notes" and "bonds." Municipal
notes are generally used to provide for short-term capital needs and generally
have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes include: Tax Anticipation
Notes; Revenue Anticipation Notes; Bond Anticipation Notes; and Construction
Loan Notes.

Tax Anticipation Notes are sold to finance working capital needs of
municipalities. They are generally payable from specific tax revenues expected
to be received at a future date. Revenue Anticipation Notes are issued in
expectation of receipt of other types of revenue. Tax Anticipation Notes and
Revenue Anticipation Notes are generally issued in anticipation of various
seasonal revenue such as income, sales, use and business taxes. Bond
Anticipation Notes are sold to provide interim financing and Construction Loan
Notes are sold to provide construction financing. These notes are generally
issued in anticipation of long-term financing in the market. In most cases,
these monies provide for the repayment of the notes. After the projects are
successfully completed and accepted, many projects receive permanent financing
through the FHA under Fannie Mae or GNMA. There are, of course, a number of
other types of notes issued for different purposes and secured differently than
those described above.

Municipal bonds, which meet longer-term capital needs and generally have
maturities of more than one year when issued, have two principal
classifications: "general obligation" bonds and "revenue" bonds.

Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities, towns and
regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund a wide
range of public projects including the construction or improvement of schools,
highways and roads, water and sewer systems and a variety of other public
purposes. The basic security behind general obligation bonds is the issuer's
pledge of its full faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal
and interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may
be limited or unlimited as to rate or amount or special assessments.

The principal security for a revenue bond is generally the net revenues derived
from a particular facility or group of facilities or, in some cases, from the
proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue bonds
have been issued to fund a wide variety of capital projects including: electric,
gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges and tunnels; port and airport
facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. Although the principal
security behind these bonds varies widely, many provide additional security in
the form of a debt service reserve fund whose monies may also be used to make
principal and interest payments on the issuer's obligations. Housing finance
authorities have a wide range of security including partially or fully-insured,
rent-subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and/or the net revenues from
housing or other public projects. In addition to a debt service reserve fund,
some authorities provide further security in the form of a state's ability
(without obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt reserve fund. Lease
rental bonds issued by a state or local authority for capital projects are
secured by annual lease rental payments from the state or locality to the
authority sufficient to cover debt service on the authority's obligations.

Some issues of municipal bonds are payable from United States Treasury bonds and
notes held in escrow by a trustee, frequently a commercial bank. The interest
and principal on these US Government securities are sufficient to pay all
interest and principal requirements of the municipal securities when due. Some
escrowed Treasury securities are used to retire municipal bonds at their
earliest call date, while others are used to retire municipal bonds at their
maturity.

Securities purchased for a Portfolio may include variable/floating rate
instruments, variable mode instruments, put bonds, and other obligations which
have a specified maturity date but also are payable before maturity after notice
by the holder ("demand obligations"). Demand obligations are considered for a
Portfolio's purposes to mature at the demand date.

There are, in addition, a variety of hybrid and special types of municipal
obligations as well as numerous differences in the security of municipal
obligations both within and between the two principal classifications (i.e.,
notes and bonds) discussed above.

An entire issue of municipal securities may be purchased by one or a small
number of institutional investors such as a Portfolio. Thus, such an issue may
not be said to be publicly offered. Unlike the equity securities of operating
companies or mutual funds which must be registered under the Securities Act of
1933 prior to offer and sale unless an exemption from such registration is
available, municipal securities, whether publicly or privately offered, may
nevertheless be readily marketable. A secondary market exists for municipal
securities which have been publicly offered as well as securities which have not
been publicly offered initially but which may nevertheless be readily
marketable. Municipal securities purchased for a Portfolio are subject to the
limitations on holdings of securities which are not readily marketable based on
whether it may be sold in a reasonable time consistent with the customs of the
municipal markets (usually seven days) at a price (or interest rate) which
accurately reflects its recorded value. A Portfolio believes that the quality
standards applicable to their investments enhance marketability. In addition,
stand-by commitments, participation interests and demand obligations also
enhance marketability.

Provisions of the federal bankruptcy statutes relating to the adjustment of
debts of political subdivisions and authorities of states of the United States
provide that, in certain circumstances, such subdivisions or authorities may be
authorized to initiate bankruptcy proceedings without prior notice to or consent
of creditors, which proceedings could result in material and adverse
modification or alteration of the rights of holders of obligations issued by
such subdivisions or authorities.

Litigation challenging the validity under state constitutions of present systems
of financing public education has been initiated or adjudicated in a number of
states, and legislation has been introduced to effect changes in public school
finances in some states. In other instances there has been litigation
challenging the issuance of pollution control revenue bonds or the validity of
their issuance under state or federal law which litigation could ultimately
affect the validity of those Municipal Securities or the tax-free nature of the
interest thereon.

For the purpose of a Portfolio's investment restrictions, the identification of
the "issuer" of municipal obligations which are not general obligation bonds is
made by the Advisor on the basis of the characteristics of the obligation as
described above, the most significant of which is the source of funds for the
payment of principal and interest on such obligations.

DWS Bond VIP may acquire municipal obligations when, due to disparities in the
debt securities markets, the anticipated total return on such obligations is
higher than that on taxable obligations. DWS Bond VIP has no current intention
of purchasing tax-exempt municipal obligations that would amount to greater than
5% of the Portfolio's total assets.

Participation Interests. A Portfolio may purchase from financial institutions
participation interests in securities in which a Portfolio may invest. A
participation interest gives a Portfolio an undivided interest in the security
in the proportion that a Portfolio's participation interest bears to the
principal amount of the security. These instruments may have fixed, floating or
variable interest rates, with remaining maturities of 397 days or less. If the
participation interest is unrated, or has been given a rating below that which
is permissible for purchase by a Portfolio, the participation interest will be
backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a bank, or the payment
obligation otherwise will be collateralized by US Government securities, or, in
the case of unrated participation interest, determined by the Advisor to be of
comparable quality to those instruments in which a Portfolio may invest. For
certain participation interests, a Portfolio will have the right to demand
payment, on not more than seven days' notice, for all or any part of a
Portfolio's participation interests in the security, plus accrued interest. As
to these instruments, a Portfolio generally intends to exercise its right to
demand payment only upon a default under the terms of the security.

Privatized Enterprises. Investments in foreign securities may include securities
issued by enterprises that have undergone or are currently undergoing
privatization. The governments of certain foreign countries have, to varying
degrees, embarked on privatization programs contemplating the sale of all or
part of their interests in state enterprises. A Portfolio's investments in the
securities of privatized enterprises may include privately negotiated
investments in a government or state-owned or controlled company or enterprise
that has not yet conducted an initial equity offering, investments in the
initial offering of equity securities of a state enterprise or former state
enterprise and investments in the securities of a state enterprise following its
initial equity offering.

In certain jurisdictions, the ability of foreign entities, such as a Portfolio,
to participate in privatizations may be limited by local law, or the price or
terms on which a Portfolio may be able to participate may be less advantageous
than for local investors. Moreover, there can be no assurance that governments
that have embarked on privatization programs will continue to divest their
ownership of state enterprises, that proposed privatizations will be successful
or that governments will not re-nationalize enterprises that have been
privatized.

In the case of the enterprises in which a Portfolio may invest, large blocks of
the stock of those enterprises may be held by a small group of stockholders,
even after the initial equity offerings by those enterprises. The sale of some
portion or all of those blocks could have an adverse effect on the price of the
stock of any such enterprise.

Prior to making an initial equity offering, most state enterprises or former
state enterprises go through an internal reorganization of management. Such
reorganizations are made in an attempt to better enable these enterprises to
compete in the private sector. However, certain reorganizations could result in
a management team that does not function as well as an enterprise's prior
management and may have a negative effect on such enterprise. In addition, the
privatization of an enterprise by its government may occur over a number of
years, with the government continuing to hold a controlling position in the
enterprise even after the initial equity offering for the enterprise.

Prior to privatization, most of the state enterprises in which a Portfolio may
invest enjoy the protection of and receive preferential treatment from the
respective sovereigns that own or control them. After making an initial equity
offering, these enterprises may no longer have such protection or receive such
preferential treatment and may become subject to market competition from which
they were previously protected. Some of these enterprises may not be able to
operate effectively in a competitive market and may suffer losses or experience
bankruptcy due to such competition.

Other Asset-Backed Securities. The securitization techniques used to develop
mortgaged-backed securities are now being applied to a broad range of assets.
Through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations, various types of
assets, including automobile loans, computer leases and credit card receivables,
are being securitized in pass-through structures similar to the mortgage
pass-through structures or in a structure similar to the CMO structure. In
general, the collateral supporting these securities is of shorter maturity than
mortgage loans and is less likely to experience substantial prepayments with
interest rate fluctuations.

Several types of asset-backed securities have already been offered to investors,
including Certificates for Automobile ReceivablesSM ("CARSSM"). CARSSM represent
undivided fractional interests in a trust whose assets consist of a pool of
motor vehicle retail installment sales contracts and security interests in the
vehicles securing the contracts. Payments of principal and interest on CARSSM
are passed through monthly to certificate holders, and are guaranteed up to
certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a
financial institution unaffiliated with the trustee or originator of the trust.
An investor's return on CARSSM may be affected by early prepayment of principal
on the underlying vehicle sales contracts. If the letter of credit is exhausted,
the trust may be prevented from realizing the full amount due on a sales
contract because of state law requirements and restrictions relating to
foreclosure sales of vehicles and the obtaining of deficiency judgments
following such sales or because of depreciation, damage or loss of a vehicle,
the application of federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, or other
factors. As a result, certificate holders may experience delays in payments or
losses if the letter of credit is exhausted.

Asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not presented by
mortgage-backed securities. Primarily, these securities may not have the benefit
of any security interest in the related assets. Credit card receivables are
generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number
of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the
right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the
balance due. There is the possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral
may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on these securities.

Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the
obligations of a number of different parties. To lessen the effect of failures
by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, the securities may contain
elements of credit support which fall into two categories: (i) liquidity
protection, and (ii) protection against losses resulting from ultimate default
by an obligor on the underlying assets. Liquidity protection refers to the
provision of advances, generally by the entity administering the pool of assets,
to ensure that the receipt of payments on the underlying pool occurs in a timely
fashion. Protection against losses results from payment of the insurance
obligations on at least a portion of the assets in the pool. This protection may
be provided through guarantees, policies or letters of credit obtained by the
issuer or sponsor from third parties, through various means of structuring the
transaction or through a combination of such approaches. DWS Bond VIP will not
pay any additional or separate fees for credit support. The degree of credit
support provided for each issue is generally based on historical information
respecting the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets.
Delinquency or loss in excess of that anticipated, or failure of the credit
support could adversely affect the return on an investment in such a security.

DWS Bond VIP may also invest in residual interests in asset-backed securities.
In the case of asset-backed securities issued in a pass-through structure, the
cash flow generated by the underlying assets is applied to make required
payments on the securities and to pay related administrative expenses. The
residual interest in an asset-backed security pass-through structure represents
the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing
payments. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a particular issue of
asset-backed securities will depend on, among other things, the characteristics
of the underlying assets, the coupon rates on the securities, prevailing
interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the actual prepayment
experience on the underlying assets. Asset-backed security residuals not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933 may be subject to certain
restrictions on transferability. In addition, there may be no liquid market for
such securities.

The availability of asset-backed securities may be affected by legislative or
regulatory developments. It is possible that such developments may require DWS
Bond VIP to dispose of any then existing holdings of such securities.

Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs"). DWS Bond VIP, DWS Growth & Income VIP,
DWS Global Opportunities VIP and DWS Health Care VIP may each invest in REITs.
REITs are sometimes informally categorized as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and
hybrid REITs. Investment in REITs may subject a Portfolio to risks associated
with the direct ownership of real estate, such as decreases in real estate
values, overbuilding, increased competition and other risks related to local or
general economic conditions, increases in operating costs and property taxes,
changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, possible environmental
liabilities, regulatory limitations on rent and fluctuations in rental income.
Equity REITs generally experience these risks directly through fee or leasehold
interests, whereas mortgage REITs generally experience these risks indirectly
through mortgage interests, unless the mortgage REIT forecloses on the
underlying real estate. Equity REITs may also realize capital gains by selling
properties that have appreciated in value. Changes in interest rates may also
affect the value of a Portfolio's investment in REITs. For instance, during
periods of declining interest rates, certain mortgage REITs may hold mortgages
that the mortgagors elect to prepay, which prepayment may diminish the yield on
securities issued by those REITs.


Certain REITs have relatively small market capitalizations, which may tend to
increase the volatility of the market prices of their securities. Furthermore,
REITs are dependent upon specialized management skills, have limited
diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and
financing a limited number of projects. REITs are also subject to heavy cash
flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and the possibility of failing to qualify
for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code and to maintain exemption
from the registration requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended. By investing in REITs indirectly through a Portfolio, a shareholder
will bear not only his or her proportionate share of the expenses of a
Portfolio, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the REITs. In addition,
REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make
distributions to shareholders.


Repurchase Agreements. On behalf of a Portfolio, the Fund may invest in
repurchase agreements pursuant to its investment guidelines. In a repurchase
agreement, the Fund acquires ownership of a security and simultaneously commits
to resell that security to the seller, typically a bank or broker/dealer.

A repurchase agreement provides a means for a Portfolio to earn income on funds
for periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under which the
purchaser (i.e., the Portfolio) acquires a security ("Obligation") and the
seller agrees, at the time of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified
time and price. Securities subject to a repurchase agreement are held in a
segregated account and, as described in more detail below, the value of such
securities is kept at least equal to the repurchase price on a daily basis. The
repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being
income to a Portfolio, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same,
with interest at a stated rate due to a Portfolio together with the repurchase
price upon repurchase. In either case, the income to a Portfolio is unrelated to
the interest rate on the Obligation itself. Obligations will be held by the
custodian or in the Federal Reserve Book Entry system.

It is not clear whether a court would consider the Obligation purchased by a
Portfolio subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by a Portfolio or as
being collateral for a loan by a Portfolio to the seller. In the event of the
commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller
of the Obligation before repurchase of the Obligation under a repurchase
agreement, a Portfolio may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to
sell the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or decline in price of
the Obligation. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and a
Portfolio has not perfected a security interest in the Obligation, a Portfolio
may be required to return the Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated
as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, a Portfolio
would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and income involved in
the transaction. As with any unsecured debt Obligation purchased for the
Portfolio, the Fund seeks to reduce the risk of loss through repurchase
agreements by analyzing the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the
seller of the Obligation. Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency
proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the
Obligation, in which case a Portfolio may incur a loss if the proceeds to a
Portfolio of the sale to a third party are less than the repurchase price.
However, if the market value (including interest) of the Obligation subject to
the repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including
interest), a Portfolio will direct the seller of the Obligation to deliver
additional securities so that the market value (including interest) of all
securities subject to the repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the
repurchase price.

Restructuring Instruments. DWS Bond VIP hold distressed securities, which are
securities that are in default or in risk of being in default. In connection
with an exchange or workout of such securities, the Portfolio may accept various
instruments if the investment adviser determines it is in the best interests of
the Portfolio and consistent with the portfolio's investment objective and
policies. Such instruments may include, but not limited to, warrants, rights,
participation interests in assets sales and contingent-interest obligations.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Each Portfolio may enter into "reverse repurchase
agreements," which are repurchase agreements in which a Portfolio, as the seller
of the securities, agrees to repurchase such securities at an agreed upon time
and price. The Portfolio maintains a segregated account in connection with
outstanding reverse repurchase agreements. Each Portfolio will enter into
reverse repurchase agreements only when the Advisor believes that the interest
income to be earned from the investment of the proceeds of the transaction will
be greater than the interest expense of the transaction. Such transactions may
increase fluctuations in the market value of Portfolio assets and its yield.

Short Sales Against the Box. DWS Health Care VIP may make short sales of common
stocks if, at all times when a short position is open, a Portfolio owns the
stock or owns preferred stocks or debt securities convertible or exchangeable,
without payment of further consideration, into the shares of common stock sold
short. Short sales of this kind are referred to as short sales "against the
box." The portfolio will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price
of the security increases between the dates of the short sale and the date on
which the Portfolio replaces the borrowed security. The broker/dealer that
executes a short sale generally invests cash proceeds of the sale until they are
paid to the Portfolio. Arrangements may be made with the broker/dealer to obtain
a portion of the interest earned by the broker on the investment of short sale
proceeds. The Portfolio will segregate the common stock or convertible or
exchangeable preferred stock or debt securities in a special account with the
custodian. The Portfolio will incur transaction costs, including interest
expenses in connection with opening, maintaining, and closing short sales
against the box. Uncertainty regarding the tax effects of short sales of
appreciated investments may limit the extent to which a Portfolio may enter into
short sales against the box.

Small Company Risk. The Advisor believes that many small companies often have
sales and earnings growth rates which exceed those of larger companies, and that
such growth rates may in turn be reflected in more rapid share price
appreciation over time. However, investing in smaller company stocks involves
greater risk than is customarily associated with investing in larger, more
established companies. For example, smaller companies can have limited product
lines, markets, or financial and managerial resources. Smaller companies may
also be dependent on one or a few key persons, and may be more susceptible to
losses and risks of bankruptcy. Also, the securities of smaller companies may be
thinly traded (and therefore have to be sold at a discount from current market
prices or sold in small lots over an extended period of time). Transaction costs
in smaller company stocks may be higher than those of larger companies.

Sovereign Debt. Investment in sovereign debt can involve a high degree of risk.
The governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be
able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance
with the terms of such debt. A governmental entity's willingness or ability to
repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among
other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the
availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the
relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the
governmental entity's policy toward the International Monetary Fund, and the
political constraints to which a governmental entity may be subject.
Governmental entities may also be dependent on expected disbursements from
foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal
and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these
governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned
on a governmental entity's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic
performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations. Failure to
implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay
principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third
parties commitments to lend funds to the governmental entity, which may further
impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts in a timely
manner. Consequently, governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt.
Holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of
such debt and to extend further loans to governmental entities. There is no
bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities
have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.

Stripped Zero Coupon Securities. Zero coupon securities include securities
issued directly by the US Treasury, and US Treasury bonds or notes and their
unmatured interest coupons and receipts for their underlying principal
("coupons") which have been separated by their holder, typically a custodian
bank or investment brokerage firm. A holder will separate the interest coupons
from the underlying principal (the "corpus") of the US Treasury security. A
number of securities firms and banks have stripped the interest coupons and
receipts and then resold them in custodial receipt programs with a number of
different names, including "Treasury Income Growth Receipts" ("TIGRS(TM)") and
Certificate of Accrual on Treasuries ("CATS(TM)"). The underlying US Treasury
bonds and notes themselves are held in book-entry form at the Federal Reserve
Bank or, in the case of bearer securities (i.e., unregistered securities which
are owned ostensibly by the bearer or holder thereof), in trust on behalf of the
owners thereof. The Treasury has facilitated transfers of ownership of zero
coupon securities by accounting separately for the beneficial ownership of
particular interest coupons and corpus payments on Treasury securities through
the Federal Reserve book-entry record-keeping system. The Federal Reserve
program as established by the Treasury Department is known as "STRIPS" or
"Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities." Under the
STRIPS program, the Portfolio will be able to have its beneficial ownership of
zero coupon securities recorded directly in the book-entry record-keeping system
in lieu of having to hold certificates or other evidences of ownership of the
underlying US Treasury securities.

When US Treasury obligations have been stripped of their unmatured interest
coupons by the holder, the principal or corpus is sold at a deep discount
because the buyer receives only the right to receive a future fixed payment on
the security and does not receive any rights to periodic interest (i.e. cash)
payments. Once stripped or separated, the corpus and coupons may be sold
separately. Typically, the coupons are sold separately or grouped with other
coupons with like maturity dates and sold in such bundled form. Purchasers of
stripped obligations acquire, in effect, discount obligations that are
economically identical to the zero coupon securities that the Treasury sells
itself.

Supranational Entities. Supranational entities are international organizations
designated or supported by governmental entities to promote economic
reconstruction or development and international banking institutions and related
government agencies. Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (the World Bank), the European Coal and Steel Community, The
Asian Development Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank. Obligations of
supranational entities are backed by the guarantee of one or more foreign
governmental parties which sponsor the entity.

Trust Preferred Securities. DWS Bond VIP may invest in Trust Preferred
Securities, which are hybrid instruments issued by a special purpose trust (the
"Special Trust"), the entire equity interest of which is owned by a single
issuer. The proceeds of the issuance to the Portfolios of Trust Preferred
Securities are typically used to purchase a junior subordinated debenture, and
distributions from the Special Trust are funded by the payments of principal and
interest on the subordinated debenture.


If payments on the underlying junior subordinated debentures held by the Special
Trust are deferred by the debenture issuer, the debentures would be treated as
having original issue discount ("OID") obligations for the remainder of their
term. As a result, holders of Trust Preferred Securities, such as the
Portfolios, would be required to accrue daily for Federal income tax purposes,
their share of the stated interest (which is treated as OID) on the debentures
(regardless of whether a Portfolio receives any cash distributions from the
Special Trust). See "Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes" below for more
information. The value of Trust Preferred Securities would likely be negatively
affected. Interest payments on the underlying junior subordinated debentures
typically may only be deferred if dividends are suspended on both common and
preferred stock of the issuer. The underlying junior subordinated debentures
generally rank slightly higher in terms of payment priority than both common and
preferred securities of the issuer, but rank below other subordinated debentures
and debt securities. Trust Preferred Securities may be subject to mandatory
prepayment under certain circumstances. The market values of Trust Preferred
Securities may be more volatile than those of conventional debt securities.
Trust Preferred Securities may be issued in reliance on Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and, unless and until registered, are
restricted securities; there can be no assurance as to the liquidity of Trust
Preferred Securities and the ability of holders of Trust Preferred Securities,
such as the Portfolios, to sell their holdings.


US Government Securities. There are two broad categories of US
Government-related debt instruments: (a) direct obligations of the US Treasury,
and (b) securities issued or guaranteed by US Government agencies.

Examples of direct obligations of the US Treasury are Treasury Bills, Notes,
Bonds and other debt securities issued by the US Treasury. These instruments are
backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States. They differ
primarily in interest rates, the length of maturities and the dates of issuance.
Treasury bills have original maturities of one year or less. Treasury notes have
original maturities of one to ten years and Treasury bonds generally have
original maturities of greater than ten years.

Some agency securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States (such as Maritime Administration Title XI Ship Financing Bonds and Agency
for International Development Housing Guarantee Program Bonds) and others are
backed only by the rights of the issuer to borrow from the US Treasury (such as
Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds and Federal National Mortgage Association Bonds),
while still others, such as the securities of the Federal Farm Credit Bank, are
supported only by the credit of the issuer. With respect to securities supported
only by the credit of the issuing agency or by an additional line of credit with
the US Treasury, there is no guarantee that the US Government will provide
support to such agencies and such securities may involve risk of loss of
principal and interest.

US Government Securities may include "zero coupon" securities that have been
stripped by the US Government of their unmatured interest coupons and
collateralized obligations issued or guaranteed by a US Government agency or
instrumentality.

Interest rates on US Government obligations may be fixed or variable. Interest
rates on variable rate obligations are adjusted at regular intervals, at least
annually, according to a formula reflecting then current specified standard
rates, such as 91-day US Treasury bill rates. These adjustments generally tend
to reduce fluctuations in the market value of the securities.

The government guarantee of the US Government Securities in a Portfolio's
portfolio does not guarantee the net asset value of the shares of a fund. There
are market risks inherent in all investments in securities and the value of an
investment in a fund will fluctuate over time. Normally, the value of
investments in US Government Securities varies inversely with changes in
interest rates. For example, as interest rates rise the value of investments in
US Government Securities will tend to decline, and as interest rates fall the
value of a fund's investments will tend to increase. In addition, the potential
for appreciation in the event of a decline in interest rates may be limited or
negated by increased principal prepayments with respect to certain
Mortgage-Backed Securities, such as GNMA Certificates. Prepayments of high
interest rate Mortgage-Backed Securities during times of declining interest
rates will tend to lower the return of a fund and may even result in losses to a
fund if some securities were acquired at a premium. Moreover, during periods of
rising interest rates, prepayments of Mortgage-Backed Securities may decline,
resulting in the extension of a Portfolio's average portfolio maturity. As a
result, a Portfolio's portfolio may experience greater volatility during periods
of rising interest rates than under normal market conditions.

Warrants. Each Portfolio may invest in warrants up to 5% of the value of its
total assets. The holder of a warrant has the right, until the warrant expires,
to purchase a given number of shares of a particular issuer at a specified
price. Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than
an equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of warrants do not
necessarily move, however, in tandem with the prices of the underlying
securities and are, therefore, considered speculative investments. Warrants pay
no dividends and confer no rights other than a purchase option. Thus, if a
warrant held by a Portfolio were not exercised by the date of its expiration,
the Portfolio would lose the entire purchase price of the warrant.

When-Issued Securities. A Portfolio may from time to time purchase securities on
a "when-issued" or "forward delivery" basis. Debt securities are often issued on
this basis. The price of such securities, which may be expressed in yield terms,
is generally fixed at the time a commitment to purchase is made, but delivery
and payment for the when-issued or forward delivery securities take place at a
later date. During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is
made by the Portfolio and no interest accrues to the Portfolio. When a Portfolio
purchases such securities, it immediately assumes the risks of ownership,
including the risk of price fluctuation. Failure to deliver a security purchased
on this basis may result in a loss or missed opportunity to make an alternative
investment.

To the extent that assets of a Portfolio are held in cash pending the settlement
of a purchase of securities, that Portfolio would earn no income. While such
securities may be sold prior to the settlement date, a Portfolio intends to
purchase them with the purpose of actually acquiring them unless a sale appears
desirable for investment reasons. At the time a Portfolio makes the commitment
to purchase a security on this basis, it will record the transaction and reflect
the value of the security in determining its net asset value. The market value
of the securities may be more or less than the purchase price. A Portfolio will
establish a segregated account in which it will maintain cash and liquid
securities equal in value to commitments for such securities.

Zero Coupon Securities. DWS Bond VIP, DWS Growth & Income VIP, DWS Capital
Growth VIP and DWS Global Opportunities VIP may each invest in zero coupon
securities which pay no cash income and are sold at substantial discounts from
their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their entire income, which
consists of accretion of discount, comes from the difference between the issue
price and their value at maturity. The effect of owning instruments which do not
make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the
original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the
life of the obligation. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at the same rate
eliminates the risk of being unable to reinvest distributions at a rate as high
as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates
any opportunity to reinvest earnings at higher rates. For this reason, zero
coupon bonds are subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during
periods of changing market interest rates than those of comparable securities
that pay interest currently, which fluctuation is greater as the period to
maturity is longer. Zero coupon securities which are convertible into common
stock offer the opportunity for capital appreciation (or depreciation) as
increases (or decreases) in market value of such securities closely follow the
movements in the market value of the underlying common stock. Zero coupon
convertible securities generally are expected to be less volatile than the
underlying common stocks, as they usually are issued with maturities of 15 years
or less and are issued with options and/or redemption features exercisable by
the holder of the obligation entitling the holder to redeem the obligation and
receive a defined cash payment.

Strategic Transactions and Derivatives. A Portfolio may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below for a variety of
purposes, such as hedging various market risks, managing the effective maturity
or duration of fixed-income securities in its portfolio, or enhancing potential
gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative contracts.


In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, a Portfolio may purchase
and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other instruments, purchase and
sell futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various transactions such
as swaps, caps, floors, collars, currency forward contracts, currency futures
contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies, or currency futures and
various other currency transactions (collectively, all the above are called
"Strategic Transactions"). In addition, strategic transactions may also include
new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory
changes occur. Strategic Transactions may be used without limit (subject to
certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act and/or, potentially, the Code) to
attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of securities
held in or to be purchased for a Portfolio's portfolio resulting from securities
markets or currency exchange rate fluctuations, to protect a Portfolio's
unrealized gains in the value of its portfolio securities, to facilitate the
sale of such securities for investment purposes, to manage the effective
maturity or duration of fixed-income securities in a Portfolio's portfolio, or
to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a substitute for
purchasing or selling particular securities. Some Strategic Transactions may
also be used to enhance potential gain although, for all Portfolios except DWS
Bond VIP, no more than 5% of the Portfolio's assets will be committed to
Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes.


Any or all of these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any
combination, and there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one
technique rather than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function
of numerous variables including market conditions. The ability of a Portfolio to
utilize these Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Advisor's
ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Each
Portfolio will comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing
these strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions will not be
used to alter fundamental investment purposes and characteristics of a
Portfolio, and a Portfolio will segregate assets (or as provided by applicable
regulations, enter into certain offsetting positions) as required by law.

Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks associated
with them including possible default by the other party to the transaction,
illiquidity and, to the extent the Advisor's view as to certain market movements
is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic Transactions could result
in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use of put and call options
may result in losses to a Portfolio, force the sale or purchase of portfolio
securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than (in the case of put
options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current market values,
limit the amount of appreciation a Portfolio can realize on its investments or
cause a Portfolio to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The use of
currency transactions can result in a Portfolio incurring losses as a result of
a number of factors including the imposition of exchange controls, suspension of
settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. The
use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of a
Portfolio creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of a Portfolio's position. In addition, futures
and options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets, a
Portfolio might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring
substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options
transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit
any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts
would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of
options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset
value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic
Transactions had not been utilized.

General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically have
similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the
underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following
general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed
in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic Transactions involving
options require segregation of a Portfolio's assets in special accounts, as
described below under "Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts."

A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the
right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying security,
commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price. For
instance, a Portfolio's purchase of a put option on a security might be designed
to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a
similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value by giving
a Portfolio the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise price. A
call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the
right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument
at the exercise price. Each Portfolio's purchase of a call option on a security,
financial future, index, currency or other instrument might be intended to
protect a Portfolio against an increase in the price of the underlying
instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at
which it may purchase such instrument. An American style put or call option may
be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or
call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior
thereto. Each Portfolio is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed
options and over-the-counter options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options
are issued by a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation
("OCC"), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to
such options. The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also
applicable to other financial intermediaries.

With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options generally settle
by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency, although in the
future cash settlement may become available. Index options and Eurodollar
instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the option is
"in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument exceeds, in
the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put option, the
exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised. Frequently,
rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument through the
process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by entering into
offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in ownership of the
new option.

Each Portfolio's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of
an OCC or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the
liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a
liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in
certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii)
trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including
reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the
OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to
handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options),
in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease
to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue
to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours during
which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that the
option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial
instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the
underlying markets that may not be reflected in the option markets.


OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial
institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct bilateral
agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange listed options, which
generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of an
OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price,
premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties. Each
Portfolio expects generally to enter into OTC options that have cash settlement
provisions, although it is not required to do so.


Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or guaranty
function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to make or
take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying an OTC
option it has entered into with a Portfolio or fails to make a cash settlement
payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, a Portfolio will lose
any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the
transaction. Accordingly, the Advisor must assess the creditworthiness of each
such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the Counterparty's
credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be
satisfied. Each Portfolio will engage in OTC option transactions only with US
government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
as "primary dealers" or broker/dealers, domestic or foreign banks or other
financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the obligation
of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or P-1 from
Moody's or an equivalent rating from any nationally recognized statistical
rating organization ("NRSRO") or, in the case of OTC currency transactions, are
determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Advisor. The staff of the
SEC currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by a Portfolio, and
portfolio securities "covering" the amount of a Portfolio's obligation pursuant
to an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus the in-the-money
amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to a Portfolio's limitation on
investing no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

If a Portfolio sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve as a
partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in the
value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will
increase a Portfolio's income. The sale of put options can also provide income.

Each Portfolio may purchase and sell call options on securities including US
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign sovereign
debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including convertible
securities) and Eurodollar instruments that are traded on US and foreign
securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets, and on securities
indices, currencies and futures contracts. All calls sold by a Portfolio must be
"covered" (i.e., a Portfolio must own the securities or futures contract subject
to the call) or must meet the asset segregation requirements described below as
long as the call is outstanding. Even though a Portfolio will receive the option
premium to help protect it against loss, a call sold by a Portfolio exposes a
Portfolio during the term of the option to possible loss of opportunity to
realize appreciation in the market price of the underlying security or
instrument and may require a Portfolio to hold a security or instrument which it
might otherwise have sold.

Each Portfolio may purchase and sell put options on securities including US
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign sovereign
debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including convertible
securities) and Eurodollar instruments (whether or not it holds the above
securities in its portfolio), and on securities indices, currencies and futures
contracts other than futures on individual corporate debt and individual equity
securities. Each Portfolio will not sell put options if, as a result, more than
50% of a Portfolio's total assets would be required to be segregated to cover
its potential obligations under such put options other than those with respect
to futures and options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that a
Portfolio may be required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous
price above the market price. DWS Capital Growth VIP and DWS International VIP
may write covered call and put options on no more than 5% of each Portfolio's
net assets; the value of the aggregate premiums paid for all put and call
options held by each of these Portfolios will not exceed 20% of its total
assets.

General Characteristics of Futures. Each Portfolio may enter into futures
contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge
against anticipated interest rate, currency or equity market changes, and for
duration management, risk management and return enhancement purposes. Futures
are generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed
with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The sale of a
futures contract creates a firm obligation by a Portfolio, as seller, to deliver
to the buyer the specific type of financial instrument called for in the
contract at a specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect to
index futures and Eurodollar instruments, the net cash amount). Options on
futures contracts are similar to options on securities except that an option on
a futures contract gives the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid
to assume a position in a futures contract and obligates the seller to deliver
such position. In particular cases, however, when it is economically
advantageous to the Portfolio, a long futures position may be terminated (or any
option may expire) without the corresponding purchase of securities.

The Portfolios have claimed exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity
pool operator" under the regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission. Therefore, the Portfolios are not subject to commodity pool operator
registration and regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act. Futures and
options on futures may be entered into for bona fide hedging, risk management
(including duration management) or other portfolio and return enhancement
management purposes to the extent consistent with the exclusion from commodity
pool operator registration. Typically, maintaining a futures contract or selling
an option thereon requires a Portfolio to deposit with a financial intermediary
as security for its obligations an amount of cash or other specified assets
(initial margin) which initially is typically 1% to 10% of the face amount of
the contract (but may be higher in some circumstances). Additional cash or
assets (variation margin) may be required to be deposited thereafter on a daily
basis as the marked to market value of the contract fluctuates. The purchase of
an option on financial futures involves payment of a premium for the option
without any further obligation on the part of a Portfolio. If a Portfolio
exercises an option on a futures contract it will be obligated to post initial
margin (and potential subsequent variation margin) for the resulting futures
position just as it would for any position. Futures contracts and options
thereon are generally settled by entering into an offsetting transaction but
there can be no assurance that the position can be offset prior to settlement at
an advantageous price, nor that delivery will occur.

Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. Each Portfolio also
may purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other
financial indices and in so doing can achieve many of the same objectives it
would achieve through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities
or other instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial indices
are similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather
than settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by
cash settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the right to
receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of
the index upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is
less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in
the case of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This amount of cash
is equal to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price
of the option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of
the option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price
movements in the instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or
other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price
movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on
securities.

Currency Transactions. Each Portfolio (subject to the limitations pertaining to
certain Portfolios described below) may engage in currency transactions with
Counterparties primarily in order to hedge, or manage the risk of the value of
portfolio holdings denominated in particular currencies against fluctuations in
relative value. Currency transactions include forward currency contracts,
exchange listed currency futures, exchange listed and OTC options on currencies,
and currency swaps. A forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated
obligation to purchase or sell (with delivery generally required) a specific
currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date
of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the
contract. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the
notional difference among two or more currencies and operates similarly to an
interest rate swap, which is described below. Each Portfolio may enter into
currency transactions with Counterparties which have received (or the guarantors
of the obligations which have received) a credit rating of A-1 or P-1 by S&P or
Moody's, respectively, or that have an equivalent rating from a NRSRO or (except
for OTC currency options) are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
the Advisor.

Each Portfolio's dealings in forward currency contracts and other currency
transactions such as futures, options, options on futures and swaps generally
will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
positions except as described below. Transaction hedging is entering into a
currency transaction with respect to specific assets or liabilities of a
Portfolio, which will generally arise in connection with the purchase or sale of
its portfolio securities or the receipt of income therefrom. Position hedging is
entering into a currency transaction with respect to portfolio security
positions denominated or generally quoted in that currency.

Each Portfolio generally will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency
exposure to an extent greater, after netting all transactions intended wholly or
partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the
time of entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio
that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such
currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging or cross hedging as described
below.

Each Portfolio may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions to
purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value
relative to other currencies to which a Portfolio has or in which a Portfolio
expects to have portfolio exposure.

DWS Bond VIP will limit its currency exposure to 15% of its total assets
measured by the market value of non-U.S. dollar holdings netted with the market
value of currency forward contracts.

To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing or
anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, each Portfolio may also engage in
proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which a
Portfolio's portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge against the dollar. Proxy
hedging entails entering into a commitment or option to sell a currency whose
changes in value are generally considered to be correlated to a currency or
currencies in which some or all of a Portfolio's portfolio securities are or are
expected to be denominated, in exchange for US dollars. Currency hedging
involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions with
similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to a Portfolio
if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction
that is not anticipated. Further, there is the risk that the perceived
correlation between various currencies may not be present or may not be present
during the particular time that a Portfolio is engaging in proxy hedging. If a
Portfolio enters into a currency transaction, a Portfolio will comply with the
asset segregation requirements described below.

Risks of Currency Transactions. Currency transactions are subject to risks
different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control
is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic
planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can
be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and
manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result
in losses to a Portfolio if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds
in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to
be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring
transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the
same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further, settlement of a
currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a
bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency futures is
relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions on such
options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market which may not always be
available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to
that country's economy.

Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Strategic Transactions into which the
Portfolios may enter are, currency, and other types of swaps and the purchase or
sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Portfolios expect to enter into
these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular
investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Portfolio anticipates purchasing at a
later date. A Portfolio will not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does
not own securities or other instruments providing the income stream a Portfolio
may be obligated to pay. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Portfolio
with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest,
e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect
to a notional amount of principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange
cash flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative
value differential among them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash
flows on a notional amount based on changes in the values of the reference
indices. The purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a
notional principal amount from the party selling such cap to the extent that a
specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of
a floor entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal
amount from the party selling such floor to the extent that a specified index
falls below a predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination
of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined
range of interest rates or values.

A Portfolio will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two payment
streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with a Portfolio receiving or paying, as the case
may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as a Portfolio will
segregate assets (or enter into offsetting positions) to cover its obligations
under swaps, the Advisor and a Portfolio believe such obligations do not
constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat
them as being subject to its borrowing restrictions. A Portfolio will not enter
into any swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of entering
into such transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the Counterparty,
combined with any credit enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P or Moody's or
has an equivalent rating from a NRSRO or is determined to be of equivalent
credit quality by the Advisor. If there is a default by the Counterparty, a Fund
may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the
transaction. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a
large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and
as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap
market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more recent
innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully
developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.

A credit default swap is a contract between a buyer and a seller of protection
against a pre-defined credit event. The buyer of protection pays the seller a
fixed regular fee provided that no event of default on an underlying reference
obligation has occurred. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the
buyer the full notional value, or "par value", of the reference obligation in
exchange for the reference obligation. Credit default swaps are used as a means
of "buying" credit protection, i.e., attempting to mitigate the risk of default
or credit quality deterioration in some portion of the Portfolio's holdings, or
"selling" credit protection, i.e., attempting to gain exposure to an underlying
issuer's credit quality characteristics without directly investing in that
issuer. For all Portfolios, except DWS Bond VIP, no more than 5% of a
Portfolio's assets may be invested in credit default swaps for purposes of
buying credit protection if the Portfolio does not own the individual security
or securities at the time of investment. Where the Portfolio is a seller of
credit protection, it effectively adds leverage to its portfolio because, in
addition to its total net assets, the Portfolio would be subject to investment
exposure on the notional amount of the swap. The Portfolio will only sell credit
protection with respect to securities in which it would be authorized to invest
directly. The Portfolio currently considers credit default swaps to be illiquid
and treats the market value of the contract as illiquid for purposes of
determining compliance with the Portfolio's restrictions on investing in
illiquid securities.

If the Portfolio is a buyer of a credit default swap and no event of default
occurs, the Portfolio will lose its investment and recover nothing. However, if
the Portfolio is a buyer and an event of default occurs, the Portfolio will
receive the full notional value of the reference obligation that may have little
or no value. As a seller, the Portfolio receives a fixed rate of income through
the term of the contract (typically between six months and three years),
provided that there is no default event. If an event of default occurs, the
seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation.
Credit default swaps involve greater risks than if the Portfolio had invested in
the reference obligation directly.

The Portfolio may use credit default swaps to gain exposure to particular
issuers or particular markets through investments in portfolios of credit
default swaps, such as Dow Jones CDX.NA.HY certificates. By investing in
certificates representing interests in a basket of credit default swaps, the
Fund is taking credit risk with respect to an entity or group of entities and
providing credit protection to the swap counterparties. For example, the CDX EM
is a tradable basket of 19 credit default swaps on country credits which seeks
to replicate the returns on the indices of a broad group of emerging markets
countries. The credits are a subset of the countries represented by the JPMorgan
Emerging Markets Bond Index Global Diversified. By purchasing interests in CDX
EM, the Portfolio is gaining emerging markets exposure through a single
investment. Unlike other types of credit default swaps which are generally
considered illiquid, credit default swap certificates generally can be sold
within seven days and are not subject to the Portfolio's restrictions on
investing in illiquid securities.

Risks of Strategic Transactions Outside the US. When conducted outside the US,
Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the US, may not
involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk
of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions also
could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and
economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the US of data on which to
make trading decisions, (iii) delays in a Portfolio's ability to act upon
economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the
US, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and
procedures and margin requirements than in the US, and (v) lower trading volume
and liquidity.

Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that a Portfolio segregate cash or
liquid assets with its custodian to the extent a Portfolio's obligations are not
otherwise "covered" through ownership of the underlying security, financial
instrument or currency. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by
a Portfolio to pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times
by the securities, instruments or currency required to be delivered, or, subject
to any regulatory restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid assets at least
equal to the current amount of the obligation must be segregated with the
custodian. The segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent
assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate
them. For example, a call option written by a Portfolio will require the
Portfolio to hold the securities subject to the call (or securities convertible
into the needed securities without additional consideration) or to segregate
cash or liquid assets sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the
call is exercised. A call option sold by a Portfolio on an index will require
the Portfolio to own portfolio securities which correlate with the index or to
segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the excess of the index value over the
exercise price on a current basis. A put option written by a Portfolio requires
the Portfolio to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the exercise price.

Except when a Portfolio enters into a forward contract for the purchase or sale
of a security denominated in a particular currency, which requires no
segregation, a currency contract which obligates a Portfolio to buy or sell
currency will generally require a Portfolio to hold an amount of that currency
or liquid assets denominated in that currency equal to the Portfolio's
obligations or to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the amount of a
Portfolio's obligation.

OTC options entered into by a Portfolio, including those on securities,
currency, financial instruments or indices and OCC issued and exchange listed
index options, will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when a
Portfolio sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of cash or
liquid assets equal to its accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement
for payment or delivery of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts
will equal 100% of the exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the
same as an OCC guaranteed listed option sold by a Portfolio, or the in-the-money
amount plus any sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or
call. In addition, when a Portfolio sells a call option on an index at a time
when the in-the-money amount exceeds the exercise price, the Portfolio will
segregate, until the option expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents
equal in value to such excess. OCC issued and exchange listed options sold by a
Portfolio other than those above generally settle with physical delivery, or
with an election of either physical delivery or cash settlement and a Portfolio
will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets equal to the full value of the
option. OTC options settling with physical delivery, or with an election of
either physical delivery or cash settlement will be treated the same as other
options settling with physical delivery.

In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, a Portfolio must deposit
initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to segregating
cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide
securities or currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an
index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash
equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets.

With respect to swaps, a Portfolio will accrue the net amount of the excess, if
any, of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap on a
daily basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets having a value
equal to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and collars require segregation of
assets with a value equal to a Portfolio's net obligation, if any.

Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent with
applicable regulatory policies. Each Portfolio may also enter into offsetting
transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets,
equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic
Transactions. For example, a Portfolio could purchase a put option if the strike
price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option
sold by the Portfolio. Moreover, instead of segregating cash or liquid assets if
a Portfolio held a futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option
on the same futures or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher
than the price of the contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be
offset in combinations. If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of
or after the primary transaction no segregation is required, but if it
terminates prior to such time, cash or liquid assets equal to any remaining
obligation would need to be segregated.

Combined Transactions. Each Portfolio may enter into multiple transactions,
including multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple
currency transactions (including forward currency contracts) and multiple
interest rate transactions and any combination of futures, options, currency and
interest rate transactions ("component" transactions), instead of a single
Strategic Transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the
opinion of the Advisor, it is in the best interests of a Portfolio to do so. A
combined transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in
each of its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally
entered into based on the Advisor's judgment that the combined strategies will
reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio
management goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such
risks or hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.

Portfolio Holdings Information

In addition to the public disclosure of portfolio holdings through required
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") quarterly filings, a Portfolio may
make its portfolio holdings information publicly available on the DWS Funds' Web
site as described in each Portfolio's prospectus. Each Portfolio does not
disseminate non-public information about portfolio holdings except in accordance
with policies and procedures adopted by each Portfolio.

Each Portfolio's procedures permit non-public portfolio holdings information to
be shared with Deutsche Asset Management and its affiliates (collectively
"DeAM"), subadvisors, if any, custodians, independent registered public
accounting firms, attorneys, officers and trustees/directors and each of their
respective affiliates and advisers who require access to this information to
fulfill their duties to each Portfolio and are subject to the duties of
confidentiality, including the duty not to trade on non-public information,
imposed by law or contract, or by each Portfolio's procedures. This non-public
information may also be disclosed, subject to the requirements described below,
to certain third parties, such as securities lending agents, financial printers,
proxy voting firms, mutual fund analysts and rating and tracking agencies, or to
shareholders in connection with in-kind redemptions (collectively, "Authorized
Third Parties").

Prior to any disclosure of each Portfolio's non-public portfolio holdings
information to Authorized Third Parties, a person authorized by each Portfolio's
Trustees/Directors must make a good faith determination in light of the facts
then known that a Portfolio has a legitimate business purpose for providing the
information, that the disclosure is in the best interest of each Portfolio, and
that the recipient assents or otherwise has a duty to keep the information
confidential and to not trade based on the information received while the
information remains non-public. No compensation is received by each Portfolio or
DeAM for disclosing non-public holdings information. Periodic reports regarding
these procedures will be provided to each Portfolio's Trustees/Directors.

Portfolio holdings information distributed by the trading desks of DeAM or a
subadvisor for the purpose of facilitating efficient trading of such securities
and receipt of relevant research is not subject to the foregoing requirements.
Non-public portfolio holding information does not include portfolio
characteristics (other than holdings or subsets of holdings) about each
Portfolio and information derived therefrom, including, but not limited to, how
each Portfolio's investments are divided among various sectors, industries,
countries, value and growth stocks, bonds, currencies and cash, types of bonds,
bond maturities, duration, bond coupons and bond credit quality ratings so long
as the identity of each Portfolio's holdings could not be derived from such
information.

Registered investment companies that are subadvised by DeAM may be subject to
different portfolio holdings disclosure policies, and neither DeAM nor the
portfolios' Trustees exercise control over such policies. In addition, separate
account clients of DeAM have access to their portfolio holdings and are not
subject to a portfolio's portfolio holdings disclosure policy. The portfolio
holdings of some of the funds subadvised by DeAM and some of the separate
accounts managed by DeAM may substantially overlap with the portfolio holdings
of a portfolio.

DeAM also manages certain unregistered commingled trusts and creates model
portfolios, the portfolio holdings of which may substantially overlap with the
portfolio holdings of a portfolio. To the extent that investors in these
commingled trusts or recipients of model portfolio holdings information may
receive portfolio holdings information of their trust or of a model portfolio on
a different basis from that on which portfolio holdings information is made
public, DeAM has implemented procedures reasonably designed to encourage such
investors and recipients to keep such information confidential, and to prevent
those investors from trading on the basis of non-public holdings information.

There is no assurance that a portfolio's policies and procedures with respect to
the disclosure of portfolio holdings information will protect a portfolio from
the potential misuse of portfolio holdings information by those in possession of
that information.

                             MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Investment Advisor

Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA" or the "Advisor"), with
headquarters at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, is part of Deutsche
Asset Management ("DeAM"), and serves as the investment advisor for each
Portfolio. Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, DIMA or a subadvisor
makes the Portfolios' investment decisions, buys and sells securities for each
Portfolio and conducts research that leads to these purchase and sale decisions.
The Advisor manages each Portfolio's daily investment and business affairs
subject to the policies established by the Board of Trustees. DIMA and its
predecessors have more than 80 years of experience managing mutual funds and
provides a full range of investment advisory services to institutional and
retail clients. The Advisor or subadvisor is also responsible for selecting
brokers and dealers and for negotiating brokerage commissions and dealer
charges.

Deutsche Asset Management ("DeAM") is the marketing name in the US for the asset
management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, DIMA, Deutsche Bank Trust Company
Americas and DWS Trust Company. DeAM is a global asset management organization
that offers a wide range of investing expertise and resources, including
hundreds of portfolio managers and analysts and an office network that reaches
the world's major investment centers. This well-resourced global investment
platform brings together a wide variety of experience and investment insight,
across industries, regions, asset classes and investing styles. DIMA is an
indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG. Deutsche Bank AG is a
major global banking institution that is engaged in a wide range of financial
services, including investment management, mutual fund, retail, private and
commercial banking, investment banking and insurance. DWS Investments is part of
Deutsche Bank's Asset Management division and, within the US, represents the
retail asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank Trust
Company Americas, Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. and DWS Trust
Company.

The Advisor provides investment counsel for many individuals and institutions,
including insurance companies, industrial corporations, and financial and
banking organizations, as well as providing investment advice to open- and
closed-end SEC registered funds.

In certain cases, the investments for a Portfolio are managed by the same
individuals who manage one or more other mutual funds advised by the Advisor
that have similar names, objectives and investment styles. You should be aware
that the Portfolios are likely to differ from these other mutual funds in size,
cash flow pattern and tax matters. Accordingly, the holdings and performance of
the Portfolios can be expected to vary from those of these other mutual funds.

Certain investments may be appropriate for a Portfolio and also for other
clients advised by the Advisor. Investment decisions for a Portfolio and other
clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives
and after consideration of such factors as their current holdings, availability
of cash for investment and the size of their investments generally. Frequently,
a particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or in different
amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all clients.
Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one
or more other clients are selling the security. In addition, purchases or sales
of the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same day. In
such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in a manner
believed by the Advisor to be equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure
could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities purchased
or sold by a Portfolio. Purchase and sale orders for a Portfolio may be combined
with those of other clients of the Advisor in the interest of achieving the most
favorable net results to a Portfolio.

Each Portfolio is managed by a team of investment professionals who each play an
important role in the Portfolio's management process. Team members work together
to develop investment strategies and select securities for a Portfolio's
portfolio. This team works for the Advisor or its affiliates and is supported by
a large staff of economists, research analysts, traders and other investment
specialists. The Advisor or its affiliates believe(s) its team approach benefits
Portfolio investors by bringing together many disciplines and leveraging its
extensive resources. Team members with primary responsibility for management of
the Portfolios, as well as team members who have other ongoing management
responsibilities for each Portfolio, are identified in each Portfolio's
prospectus, as of the date of the Portfolio's prospectus. Composition of the
team may change over time, and Portfolio shareholders and investors will be
notified of changes affecting individuals with primary management
responsibilities.

Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement between DIMA and each Portfolio
(the "Investment Management Agreements"), the Advisor provides continuing
investment management of the assets of the Portfolios. In addition to the
investment management of the assets of the Portfolios, the Advisor determines
the investments to be made for the Portfolios, including what portion of its
assets remain uninvested in cash or cash equivalents, and with whom the orders
for investments are placed, consistent with the Portfolio's policies as stated
in its Prospectus and SAI, or as adopted by the Portfolios' Board. The Advisor
will also monitor, to the extent not monitored by the Portfolios' administrator
or other agent, the Portfolios' compliance with its investment and tax
guidelines and other compliance policies.

The Advisor provides assistance to the Portfolio's Board in valuing the
securities and other instruments held by the Portfolio, to the extent reasonably
required by valuation policies and procedures that may be adopted by the Fund.

Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, (unless otherwise provided in
the agreement or as determined by the Portfolio's Board and to the extent
permitted by applicable law), the Advisor pays the compensation and expenses of
all the Board members, officers, and executive employees of the Portfolio,
including the Portfolio's share of payroll taxes, who are affiliated persons of
the Advisor.

The Investment Management Agreements provide that the Portfolios are generally
responsible for expenses that include: fees payable to the Advisor; outside
legal, accounting or auditing expenses, including with respect to expenses
related to negotiation, acquisition or distribution of portfolio investments;
maintenance of books and records that are maintained by the Portfolios, the
Portfolios' custodian, or other agents of the Portfolios; taxes and governmental
fees; fees and expenses of the Portfolios' accounting agent, custodian,
sub-custodians, depositories, transfer agents, dividend reimbursing agents and
registrars; payment for portfolio pricing or valuation services to pricing
agents, accountants, bankers and other specialists, if any; brokerage
commissions or other costs of acquiring or disposing of any portfolio securities
or other instruments of the Portfolio; and litigation expenses and other
extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolios'
business.

The Investment Management Agreements allow the Advisor to delegate any of its
duties under the Agreement to a subadvisor, subject to a majority vote of the
Board, including a majority of the Board who are not interested persons of the
Portfolios, and, if required by applicable law, subject to a majority vote of
the Portfolios' shareholders.

The Investment Management Agreements provide that the Advisor shall not be
liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by
the Portfolios in connection with matters to which the agreement relates, except
a loss resulting from willful malfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the
part of the Advisor in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard
by the Advisor of its obligations and duties under the agreement. The Investment
Management Agreements may be terminated at any time, without payment of penalty,
by either party or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Portfolios on 60 days' written notice.

For all services provided under the Investment Management Agreements, each
Portfolio pays the Advisor a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, at the annual
rate as a percentage of net assets shown below:

                   Fund                                Management Fee Rate
                   ----                                -------------------

DWS Bond VIP                                     0.390% to $250 million
                                                 0.365% next $750 million
                                                 0.340% thereafter
DWS Capital Growth VIP                           0.390% to $250 million
                                                 0.365% next $750 million
                                                 0.340% thereafter
DWS Global Opportunities VIP                     0.890% first $500 million
                                                 0.875% next $500 million
                                                 0.860% next $1.0 billion
                                                 0.845% thereafter
DWS Growth & Income VIP                          0.390% to $250 million
                                                 0.365% next $750 million
                                                 0.340% thereafter
DWS Health Care VIP                              0.665% to $250 million
                                                 0.640% next $750 million
                                                 0.615% next $1.5 billion
                                                 0.595% next $2.5 billion
                                                 0.565% next $2.5 billion
                                                 0.555% next $2.5 billion
                                                 0.545% next $2.5 billion
                                                 0.535% thereafter
DWS International VIP                            0.790% to $500 million
                                                 0.640% thereafter

The Advisor may enter into arrangements with affiliates and third party service
providers to perform various administrative, back-office and other services
relating to client accounts. Such service providers may be located in the US or
in non-US jurisdictions.


The Investment Management Agreements for the Portfolios, each dated June 1,
2006, were last renewed by the Trustees on September 19, 2008. Each Agreement
continues in effect until September 30, 2009, and from year to year thereafter
only if their continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of
those Trustees who are not parties to such Agreements or interested persons of
the Advisor or the Fund, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval, and either by a vote of the Fund's Trustees or of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the respective Portfolio. The
Agreements may be terminated at any time without payment of penalty by either
party on sixty days' written notice and automatically terminate in the event of
their assignment.


For its investment management services, the Advisor received the amounts for the
years as indicated, from each Portfolio:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        % of the average daily
                                         net asset values of
                                        each Portfolio as of
Portfolio                                  fiscal year end            2008             2007           2006(1)
---------                                  ---------------            ----             ----           -------


<S>                                           <C>                    <C>              <C>             <C>
DWS Bond VIP                                  0.39%                  $782,296         $873,517        $910,424
DWS Growth & Income VIP(3)                    0.38%                  $592,051(2)    $1,103,548      $1,359,770
DWS Capital Growth VIP(4)                     0.36%                $3,273,016(2)    $4,224,782      $4,272,143
DWS Global Opportunities VIP(5)               0.87%                $2,040,460(2)    $3,148,776      $3,165,067
DWS International VIP(6)                      0.74%                $3,994,718(2)    $5,588,748      $5,225,483
DWS Health Care VIP(7)                        0.67%                  $600,311         $745,355        $879,239

</TABLE>



(1)      Prior to June 1, 2006, these fees included an administrative service
         fee.


(2)      $83,657 was waived for DWS Growth & Income VIP, $111,183 was waived for
         DWS Capital Growth VIP, $281,092 was waived for DWS Global
         Opportunities VIP and $211,855 was waived for DWS International VIP.





(3)      Through April 30, 2010, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive
         all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain
         operating expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain
         the portfolio's total operating expenses at 0.54% for Class A shares
         and 0.87% for Class B shares, respectively, excluding certain expenses
         such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage and interest.
         Additionally, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion
         of its fees in the amount of 0.01% of average daily net assets until
         April 27, 2010.

(4)      Through April 30, 2010, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive
         all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain
         operating expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain
         the portfolio's total operating expenses at 0.49% and 0.82% for Class B
         shares, respectively, excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary
         expenses, taxes, brokerage and interest.





(5)      Through September 30, 2009, the Advisor has contractually agreed to
         waive all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay
         certain operating expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to
         maintain the portfolio's total operating expenses at 0.95% for Class A
         and 1.35% for Class B shares, respectively, excluding certain expenses
         such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage and interest.
         Effective October 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010, the Advisor has
         contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fee
         and reimburse or pay certain operating expenses of the portfolio to the
         extent necessary to maintain the portfolio's total operating expenses
         at ratios no higher than 1.10% for Class A and 1.50% for Class B
         shares, respectively, excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary
         expenses, taxes, brokerage and interest.





(6)      Through April 30, 2010, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive
         all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain
         operating expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain
         the portfolio's total operating expenses at 0.96% for Class A shares,
         excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes,
         brokerage and interest.

(7)      Through September 30, 2009, the Advisor has contractually agreed to
         waive all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay
         operating expenses of the portfolio to the extent necessary to maintain
         the portfolio's total annual operating expenses at 1.49% for Class B
         shares, excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses,
         taxes, brokerage and interest. Although there can be no assurance that
         the current waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement will be maintained
         beyond September 30, 2009, the Advisor has committed to review the
         continuance of waiver/expense reimbursement arrangements by September
         30, 2009.


Under the Investment Management Agreements, each Portfolio is responsible for
all of its other expenses, including clerical salaries; fees and expenses
incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations;
brokers' commissions; legal, auditing and accounting expenses; taxes and
governmental fees; the charges of custodians, transfer agents and other agents;
any other expenses, including clerical expenses, of issue, sale, underwriting,
distribution, redemption or repurchase of shares; the expenses of and fees for
registering or qualifying securities for sale; the fees and expenses of the
Trustees of the Fund who are not affiliated with the Advisor; and the cost of
preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders. The Fund may
arrange to have third parties assume all or part of the expense of sale,
underwriting and distribution of a Portfolio's shares. Each Portfolio is also
responsible for its expenses incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings
and claims and the legal obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and
Trustees with respect thereto.

In reviewing the terms of the Investment Management Agreements and in
discussions with the Advisor concerning the Agreements, Independent Trustees (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund are represented by independent counsel at
the Fund's expense.

The Investment Management Agreements provide that the Advisor shall not be
liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by
the Fund in connection with matters to which the Investment Management
Agreements relate, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence on the part of the Advisor in the performance of its duties
or from reckless disregard by the Advisor of its obligations and duties under
the Investment Management Agreements.

Each Participating Insurance Company has agreed with the Advisor to reimburse
the Advisor for a period of five years to the extent that the aggregate annual
advisory fee paid on behalf of all Portfolios with respect to the average daily
net asset value of the shares of all Portfolios held in that Participating
Insurance Company's general or separate account (or those of affiliates) is less
than $25,000 in any year. It is expected that insurance companies which become
Participating Insurance Companies in the future will be required to enter into
similar arrangements.

Officers and employees of the Advisor from time to time may have transactions
with various banks, including the Fund's custodian bank. It is the Advisor's
opinion that the terms and conditions of those transactions were not influenced
by existing or potential custodial or other Fund relationships.

The Advisor may serve as Advisor to other funds with investment objectives and
policies similar to those of the Portfolios that may have different distribution
arrangements or expenses, which may affect performance.

None of the Officers and Trustees of the Fund may have dealings with the Fund as
principals in the purchase or sale of securities, except as individual
subscribers to or holders of shares of the Fund.

From time to time, Deutsche Bank or an affiliate (collectively, "DB") may at its
sole discretion invest its own assets in shares of each Portfolio ("proprietary
investment") for such purposes it deems appropriate, including investments
designed to assist in the management of each Portfolio's portfolio. Any
proprietary investment may be hedged and, in that event, the return on the
proprietary investment, net of the effect of the hedge, would be expected to
differ from the return of each Portfolio. DB has no obligation to make any
proprietary investments and the amount of any proprietary investment this is
made may or may not be significant in comparison to the level of assets of each
Portfolio. In the event that a proprietary investment is made, except as
otherwise required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, DB would be
permitted to redeem the investment at such time that it deems appropriate
provided; however, any such redemption would be effected by DB in a manner
designed to mitigate any adverse effects to each Portfolio. DB may vote the
shares associated with a proprietary investment, at its option, either by
"mirror" voting in the same proportion as the shares of each Portfolio are voted
by the other shareholders or by voting through an independent third party.

In addition, the Board and shareholders approved a subadvisor approval policy
for the Portfolio (the "Subadvisor Approval Policy"). The Subadvisor Approval
Policy permits the Advisor, subject to the approval of the Board, including a
majority of its independent board members, to appoint and replace subadvisors
and to amend sub-advisory contracts without obtaining shareholder approval.
Under the Subadvisor Approval Policy, the Board, including its independent board
members, will continue to evaluate and approve all new sub-advisory contracts
between the Advisor and any subadvisor, as well as all changes to any existing
sub-advisory contract. The Portfolio cannot implement the Subadvisor Approval
Policy without the SEC either adopting revisions to current rules (as it
proposed to do in October 2003) or granting the Portfolio exemptive relief from
existing rules. The Portfolio and the Advisor would be subject to certain
conditions imposed by the SEC (and certain conditions that may be imposed in the
future within either exemptive relief or a rule) to ensure that the interests of
the Portfolio and its shareholders are adequately protected whenever the Advisor
acts under the Subadvisor Approval Policy, including any shareholder notice
requirements.




Compensation of Portfolio Managers
----------------------------------

Portfolio managers are eligible for total compensation comprised of base salary
and discretionary incentive compensation.

Base Salary - Base salary generally represents a smaller percentage of portfolio
managers' total compensation than discretionary incentive compensation. Base
salary is linked to job function, responsibilities and financial services
industry peer comparison through the use of extensive market data surveys.

Discretionary Incentive Compensation - Generally, discretionary incentive
compensation comprises a greater proportion of total compensation as a portfolio
manager's seniority and compensation levels increase. Discretionary incentive
compensation is determined based on an analysis of a number of factors,
including among other things, the performance of Deutsche Bank, the performance
of the Asset Management division, and the employee's individual contribution. In
evaluating individual contribution, management will consider a combination of
quantitative and qualitative factors. A portion of the portfolio manager's
discretionary incentive compensation may be delivered in long-term equity
programs (usually in the form of Deutsche Bank equity) (the "Equity Plan"). Top
performing portfolio managers may earn discretionary incentive compensation that
is a multiple of their base salary.

The quantitative analysis of a portfolio manager's individual performance is
based on, among other factors, performance of all of the accounts managed by the
portfolio manager (which includes the fund and any other accounts managed by the
portfolio manager) over a one-, three-, and five-year period relative to the
appropriate Morningstar and Lipper peer group universes and/or benchmark
index(es) with respect to each account. Additionally, the portfolio manager's
retail/institutional asset mix is weighted, as appropriate for evaluation
purposes. Generally the benchmark index used is a benchmark index set forth in
the fund's prospectus to which the fund's performance is compared. Additional or
different appropriate peer group or benchmark indices may also be used. Primary
weight is given to pre-tax portfolio performance over three-year and five-year
time periods (adjusted as appropriate if the portfolio manager has served for
less than five years) with lesser consideration given to portfolio performance
over a one-year period. The increase or decrease in a fund's assets due to the
purchase or sale of fund shares is not considered a material factor.

The qualitative analysis of a portfolio manager's individual performance is
based on, among other things, the results of an annual management and internal
peer review process, and management's assessment of overall portfolio manager
contributions to investor relations, the investment process and overall
performance (distinct from fund and other account performance). Other factors,
including contributions made to the investment team, as well as adherence to
Compliance Policies and Procedures, Risk Management procedures, the firm's Code
of Ethics and "living the values" of the Advisor are also factors.

The quantitative analysis of a portfolio manager's performance is given more
weight in determining discretionary incentive compensation than the qualitative
portion.

Certain portfolio managers may also participate in the Equity Plan. The amount
of equity awarded under the long-term equity programs is generally based on the
individual's total compensation package and may comprise from 0% to 30% of the
total compensation award. As discretionary incentive compensation increases, the
percentage of compensation awarded in Deutsche Bank equity also increases.
Portfolio managers may receive a portion of their equity compensation in the
form of shares in the proprietary mutual funds that they manage or support.

Portfolio Ownership of Portfolio Managers
-----------------------------------------

For Portfolios managed by the Advisor or an affiliated Advisor the following
table shows the dollar range of shares owned beneficially and of record by each
member of the Portfolio's management team in the applicable Portfolio as well as
in all DWS Funds as a group (i.e. those funds advised by Deutsche Asset
Management or its affiliates), including investments by their immediate family
members sharing the same household and amounts invested through retirement and
deferred compensation plans. This information is provided as of the Portfolio's
most recent fiscal year end.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Dollar Range of         Dollar Range of All
                                        Name of                        Portfolio Shares           DWS Fund Shares
     Name of Portfolio                  Portfolio Manager                    Owned                     Owned
     -----------------                  -----------------                    -----                     -----

<S>                                    <C>                                  <C>                   <C>
DWS Bond VIP                           Kenneth R. Bowling                   $0                    $1-$10,000
                                       Jamie Guenther                       $0                    $1-$10,000
                                       John Brennan                         $0                        $0
                                       Bruce Harley                         $0                  $10,001-$50,000
                                       J. Richard Robben                    $0                  $10,001-$50,000
                                       David Vignolo                        $0                 $100,001-$500,000
                                       J. Kevin Horsely                     $0                  $10,001-$50,000
                                       Stephen Willer                       $0                  $10,001-$50,000
DWS Growth & Income VIP                Julie Abbett(1)                      $0                 $50,001-$100,000
                                       Robert Wang(2)                       $0                 $100,001-$500,000
                                       James B. Francis                     $0                        $0
DWS Capital Growth VIP                 Owen Fitzpatrick(3)                  $0                 $100,001-$500,000

                                       Richard Shepley(4)                   $0                 $100,001-$500,000
                                       Brendan O'Neill(5)                   $0                 $100,001-$500,000

DWS Global Opportunities VIP           Joseph Axtell(6)                     $0                 $100,001-$500,000

                                       Jeffrey Saeger                       $0                 $50,001-$100,000
DWS International VIP                  Joseph Axtell                        $0                 $100,001-$500,000

DWS Health Care VIP                    Leefin Lai(7)                        $0                 $100,001-$500,000
</TABLE>


(1)      Although the Portfolio Manager does not have an investment in this
         variable annuity portfolio, the Portfolio Manager does hold $1-$10,000
         in DWS Growth & Income Fund, the retail mutual fund that has the same
         investment strategy. This investment is included in the "Dollar Range
         of All DWS Fund Shares Owned."

(2)      Although the Portfolio Manager does not have an investment in this
         variable annuity portfolio, the Portfolio Manager does hold $1-$10,000
         in DWS Growth & Income Fund, the retail mutual fund that has the same
         investment strategy. This investment is included in the "Dollar Range
         of All DWS Fund Shares Owned."

(3)      Although the Portfolio Manager does not have an investment in this
         variable annuity portfolio, the Portfolio Manager does hold
         $10,001-$50,000 in DWS Capital Growth Fund, the retail mutual fund that
         has the same investment strategy. This investment is included in the
         "Dollar Range of All DWS Fund Shares Owned."

(4)      Although the Portfolio Manager does not have an investment in this
         variable annuity portfolio, the Portfolio Manager does hold
         $100,001-$500,000 in DWS Capital Growth Fund, the retail mutual fund
         that has the same investment strategy. This investment is included in
         the "Dollar Range of All DWS Fund Shares Owned."

(5)      Although the Portfolio Manager does not have an investment in this
         variable annuity portfolio, the Portfolio Manager does hold $1-$10,000
         in DWS Capital Growth Fund, the retail mutual fund that has the same
         investment strategy. This investment is included in the "Dollar Range
         of All DWS Fund Shares Owned."

(6)      Although the Portfolio Manager does not have an investment in this
         variable annuity portfolio, the Portfolio Manager does hold
         $100,001-$500,000 in DWS Global Opportunities Fund, the retail mutual
         fund that has the same investment strategy. This investment is included
         in the "Dollar Range of All DWS Fund Shares Owned."

(7)      Although the Portfolio Manager does not have an investment in this
         variable annuity portfolio, the Portfolio Manager does hold
         $10,001-$50,000 in DWS Health Care Fund, the retail mutual fund that
         has the same investment strategy. This investment is included in the
         "Dollar Range of All DWS Fund Shares Owned."

Conflicts of Interest
---------------------

In addition to managing the assets of the Portfolios, the Portfolio managers may
have responsibility for managing other client accounts of the Advisor or its
affiliates. The tables below show, for each portfolio manager, the number and
asset size of (1) SEC registered investment companies (or series thereof) other
than the Portfolio, (2) pooled investment vehicles that are not registered
investment companies and (3) other accounts (e.g., accounts managed for
individuals or organizations) managed by each portfolio manager. Total assets
attributed to each portfolio manager in the tables below include total assets of
each account managed by them, although the manager may only manage a portion of
such account's assets. The tables also show the number of performance based fee
accounts, as well as the total assets of the accounts for which the advisory fee
is based on the performance of the account. This information is provided as of
the Portfolios' most recent fiscal year end.

Other SEC Registered Investment Companies Managed:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Number of
                                                                                                 Investment
                                                            Number of                              Company      Total Assets of
                                                           Registered      Total Assets of      Accounts with     Performance-
                                     Name of Portfolio     Investment         Registered        Performance-       Based Fee
Name of Portfolio                         Manager           Companies    Investment Companies     Based Fee         Accounts
-----------------                         -------           ---------    --------------------     ---------         --------

<S>                                <C>                          <C>            <C>                    <C>              <C>
DWS Bond VIP                       Kenneth R. Bowling           4              $826,518,726           0                $0
                                   Jamie Guenther               4              $826,518,726           0                $0
                                   John Brennan                 6            $2,188,430,449           0                $0
                                   Bruce Harley                 4              $826,518,726           0                $0
                                   J. Richard Robben            6            $2,188,430,449           0                $0
                                   David Vignolo                4              $826,518,726           0                $0
                                   J. Kevin Horsely             4              $826,518,726           0                $0
                                   Stephen Willer               4              $826,518,726           0                $0
DWS Growth & Income VIP            Julie Abbett                22            $6,102,857,804           0                $0
                                   Robert Wang                 44           $11,658,115,604           0                $0
                                   James B. Francis            22            $6,102,857,804           0                $0
DWS Capital Growth VIP             Owen Fitzpatrick             0                        $0           0                $0
                                   Richard Shepley              3            $2,753,999,884           0                $0
                                   Brendan O'Neill              1              $190,490,789           0                $0
DWS Global Opportunities VIP       Joseph Axtell               14            $4,482,013,735           0                $0
                                   Jeffrey Saeger               8            $1,185,260,714           0                $0
DWS International VIP              Joseph Axtell               14            $4,306,581,049           0                $0
DWS Health Care VIP                Leefin Lai                   1              $166,840,001           0                $0


Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Managed:

                                                                                                 Number of
                                                                                                  Pooled
                                                                                                Investment
                                                             Number of     Total Assets of        Vehicle      Total Assets of
                                                              Pooled            Pooled         Accounts with     Performance-
                                      Name of Portfolio     Investment        Investment       Performance-       Based Fee
Name of Portfolio                          Manager           Vehicles          Vehicles          Based Fee         Accounts
-----------------                          -------           --------          --------          ---------         --------

DWS Bond VIP                         Kenneth R. Bowling          0                       $0          0                      $0
                                     Jamie Guenther              0                       $0          0                      $0
                                     John Brennan                0                       $0          0                      $0
                                     Bruce Harley                0                       $0          0                      $0
                                     J. Richard Robben           0                       $0          0                      $0
                                     David Vignolo               0                       $0          0                      $0
                                     J. Kevin Horsely            0                       $0          0                      $0
                                     Stephen Willer              0                       $0          0                      $0
DWS Growth & Income VIP              Julie Abbett               18             $211,430,184          0                      $0
                                     Robert Wang                38           $1,528,682,925          1              $4,184,315
                                     James B. Francis           18             $211,430,184          0                      $0
DWS Capital Growth VIP               Owen Fitzpatrick            0                       $0          0                      $0
                                     Richard Shepley             0                       $0          0                      $0
                                     Brendan O'Neill             0                       $0          0                      $0
DWS Global Opportunities VIP         Joseph Axtell               1               $2,463,486          0                      $0
                                     Jeffrey Saeger              8             $110,777,983          0                      $0
DWS International VIP                Joseph Axtell               1               $2,463,486          0                      $0
DWS Health Care VIP                  Leefin Lai                  0                       $0          0                      $0

Other Accounts Managed:

                                                                                                Number of Other    Total Assets
                                                             Number of                           Accounts with    of Performance-
                                      Name of Portfolio        Other        Total Assets of       Performance-       Based Fee
Name of Portfolio                          Manager           Accounts        Other Accounts        Based Fee         Accounts
-----------------                          -------           --------        --------------        ---------         --------

DWS Bond VIP                         Kenneth R. Bowling          0                 $0                   0                $0
                                     Jamie Guenther              0                 $0                   0                $0
                                     John Brennan                0                 $0                   0                $0
                                     Bruce Harley                0                 $0                   0                $0
                                     J. Richard Robben           0                 $0                   0                $0
                                     David Vignolo               0                 $0                   0                $0
                                     J. Kevin Horsely            0                 $0                   0                $0
                                     Stephen Willer              0                 $0                   0                $0
DWS Growth & Income VIP              Julie Abbett                4            $372,201,540              0                $0
                                     Robert Wang                46           $6,324,034,835             8           $211,118,336
                                     James B. Francis            4            $372,201,540              0                $0
DWS Capital Growth VIP               Owen Fitzpatrick            0                 $0                   0                $0
                                     Richard Shepley             7           $320,439,456               0                $0
                                     Brendan O'Neill             0                 $0                   0                $0
DWS Global Opportunities VIP         Joseph Axtell               3           $159,923,273               0                $0
                                     Jeffrey Saeger              5           $523,934,563               0                $0
DWS International VIP                Joseph Axtell               3           $159,923,273               0                $0
DWS Health Care VIP                  Leefin Lai                  0                 $0                   0                $0
</TABLE>

In addition to the accounts above, an investment professional may manage
accounts in a personal capacity that may include holdings that are similar to,
or the same as, those of the Portfolio. The Advisor has in place a Code of
Ethics that is designed to address conflicts of interest and that, among other
things, imposes restrictions on the ability of portfolio managers and other
"access persons" to invest in securities that may be recommended or traded in
the Portfolio and other client accounts.

Real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio
manager has day-to-day portfolio management responsibilities with respect to
more than one fund or account, including the following:

o        Certain investments may be appropriate for the Portfolio and also for
         other clients advised by the Advisor, including other client accounts
         managed by the Portfolio's management team. Investment decisions for
         the Portfolio and other clients are made with a view to achieving their
         respective investment objectives and after consideration of such
         factors as their current holdings, availability of cash for investment
         and the size of their investments generally. A particular security may
         be bought or sold for only one client or in different amounts and at
         different times for more than one but less than all clients. Likewise,
         because clients of the Advisor may have differing investment
         strategies, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients
         when one or more other clients are selling the security. The investment
         results achieved for the Portfolio may differ from the results achieved
         for other clients of the Advisor. In addition, purchases or sales of
         the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same day.
         In such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in
         a manner believed by the Advisor to be most equitable to each client,
         generally utilizing a pro rata allocation methodology. In some cases,
         the allocation procedure could potentially have an adverse effect or
         positive effect on the price or amount of the securities purchased or
         sold by the Portfolio. Purchase and sale orders for the Portfolio may
         be combined with those of other clients of the Advisor in the interest
         of achieving the most favorable net results to the Portfolio and the
         other clients.

o        To the extent that a portfolio manager has responsibilities for
         managing multiple client accounts, a portfolio manager will need to
         divide time and attention among relevant accounts. The Advisor attempts
         to minimize these conflicts by aligning its portfolio management teams
         by investment strategy and by employing similar investment models
         across multiple client accounts.

o        In some cases, an apparent conflict may arise where the Advisor has an
         incentive, such as a performance-based fee, in managing one account and
         not with respect to other accounts it manages. The Advisor will not
         determine allocations based on whether it receives a performance-based
         fee from the client. Additionally, the Advisor has in place supervisory
         oversight processes to periodically monitor performance deviations for
         accounts with like strategies.

o        The Advisor and its affiliates and the investment team of the Portfolio
         may manage other mutual funds and separate accounts on a long-short
         basis. The simultaneous management of long and short portfolios creates
         potential conflicts of interest including the risk that short sale
         activity could adversely affect the market value of the long
         positions(and vice versa), the risk arising from sequential orders in
         long and short positions, and the risks associated with receiving
         opposing orders at the same time. The Advisor has adopted procedures
         that it believes are reasonably designed to mitigate these potential
         conflicts of interest. Included in these procedures are specific
         guidelines developed to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all
         clients whose accounts are managed by each Portfolio's management team.
         The Advisor and the portfolio management team have established
         monitoring procedures, a protocol for supervisory reviews, as well as
         compliance oversight to ensure that potential conflicts of interest
         relating to this type of activity are properly addressed.

The Advisor is owned by Deutsche Bank AG, a multi-national financial services
company. Therefore, the Advisor is affiliated with a variety of entities that
provide, and/or engage in commercial banking, insurance, brokerage, investment
banking, financial advisory, broker-dealer activities (including sales and
trading), hedge funds, real estate and private equity investing, in addition to
the provision of investment management services to institutional and individual
investors. Since Deutsche Bank AG, its affiliates, directors, officers and
employees (the "Firm") are engaged in businesses and have interests other than
managing asset management accounts, such other activities involve real,
potential or apparent conflicts of interest. These interests and activities
include potential advisory, transactional and financial activities and other
interests in securities and companies that may be directly or indirectly
purchased or sold by the Firm for its clients' advisory accounts. These are
considerations of which advisory clients should be aware and which may cause
conflicts that could be to the disadvantage of the Advisor's advisory clients.
The Advisor has instituted business and compliance policies, procedures and
disclosures that are designed to identify, monitor and mitigate conflicts of
interest and, as appropriate, to report them to the Portfolio's Board of
Trustees.




Codes of Ethics

The Fund, Advisor and Subadvisor, as applicable, and the Fund's principal
underwriter have each adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940
Act. Board members, officers of the Fund and employees of the Advisor and
principal underwriter are permitted to make personal securities transactions,
including transactions in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund,
subject to requirements and restrictions set forth in the applicable Code of
Ethics. The Advisor's Code of Ethics contains provisions and requirements
designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest between personal
investment activities and the interests of the Fund. Among other things, the
Advisor's Code of Ethics prohibits certain types of transactions absent prior
approval, imposes time periods during which personal transactions may not be
made in certain securities, and requires the submission of duplicate broker
confirmations and quarterly reporting of securities transactions. Additional
restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders, research analysts and others
involved in the investment advisory process. Exceptions to these and other
provisions of the Advisor's Code of Ethics may be granted in particular
circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.

                             FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

Administrator

The Portfolios have an administrative services agreements with the Advisor (the
"Administrative Services Agreement"), pursuant to which the Advisor provides
administrative services to the Portfolios including, among others, providing the
Portfolios with personnel, preparing and making required filings on behalf of
the Portfolios, maintaining books and records for the Portfolios, and monitoring
the valuation of Portfolio securities. For all services provided under the
Administrative Services Agreement, each Portfolio pays the Advisor a fee,
computed daily and paid monthly, of 0.10% of a Portfolio's average daily net
assets.

Under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Advisor is obligated on a
continuous basis to provide such administrative services as the Board reasonably
deems necessary for the proper administration of the Portfolios. The Advisor
provides each Portfolio with personnel; arranges for the preparation and filing
of the Portfolios' tax returns; prepares and submits reports and meeting
materials to the Board and the shareholders; prepares and files updates to the
Portfolios' prospectus and statement of additional information as well as other
reports required to be filed by the SEC; maintains the Portfolios' records;
provides the Portfolios with office space, equipment and services; supervises,
negotiates the contracts of and monitors the performance of third parties
contractors; oversees the tabulation of proxies; monitors the valuation of
portfolio securities and monitors compliance with Board-approved valuation
procedures; assists in establishing the accounting and tax policies of the
Portfolios; assists in the resolution of accounting issues that may arise with
respect to the Portfolios; establishes and monitors the Portfolios' operating
expense budgets; reviews and processes the Portfolios' bills; assists in
determining the amount of dividends and distributions available to be paid by
the Portfolios, prepares and arranges dividend notifications and provides
information to agents to effect payments thereof; provides to the Board periodic
and special reports; provides assistance with investor and public relations
matters; and monitors the registration of shares under applicable federal and
state law. The Advisor also performs certain Portfolio accounting services under
the Administrative Services Agreement. The Administrative Services Agreement
provides that the Advisor will not be liable under the Administrative Services
Agreement except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the
performance of its duties or from the reckless disregard by it of its duties and
obligations thereunder.

The following administrative services fees were paid to DIMA by the Portfolios
for the last two fiscal periods:

Portfolio                              2008                    2007
---------                              ----                    ----


DWS Bond VIP                      $200,589                  $223,979
DWS Growth & Income VIP           $151,808                  $285,358
DWS Capital Growth VIP            $879,862                $1,150,671
DWS Global Opportunities VIP      $229,265                  $353,795
DWS International VIP             $519,230                  $756,054
DWS Health Care VIP               $90,272                   $112,083


Pursuant to an agreement between the Administrator and State Street Bank and
Trust Company ("SSB"), the Administrator has delegated certain administrative
functions to SSB. The costs and expenses of such delegation are borne by the
Administrator, not by the Portfolios.

Pursuant to DeAM procedures approved by the Boards on behalf of the DWS funds,
proof of claim forms are routinely filed on behalf of the DWS funds by a third
party service provider, with certain limited exceptions. The Boards of the DWS
funds receive periodic reports regarding the implementation of these procedures.

Principal Underwriter

Pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated September 30, 2002, DWS Investments
Distributors, Inc., 222 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606 (the
"Distributor"), an affiliate of the Advisor, is the principal underwriter for
the Class A and Class B shares of each Portfolio.

Under the principal underwriting agreement between the Fund and the Distributor,
the Fund is responsible for the payment of all fees and expenses in connection
with the preparation and filing of any registration statement and prospectus
covering the issue and sale of shares, and the registration and qualification of
shares for sale with the SEC in the various states, including registering the
Distributor as a broker or dealer. The Fund will also pay the fees and expenses
of preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses annually to existing
shareholders and any notice, proxy statement, report, prospectus or other
communication to shareholders of the Fund, printing and mailing confirmations of
purchases of shares, any issue taxes or any initial transfer taxes, a portion of
toll-free telephone service for shareholders, wiring funds for share purchases
and redemptions (unless paid by the shareholder who initiates the transaction),
printing and postage of business reply envelopes and a portion of the computer
terminals used by both the Fund and the Distributor.

The Distributor will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or reports
prepared for its use in connection with the offering of the shares to the public
and preparing, printing and mailing any other literature or advertising in
connection with the offering of the shares to the public. The Distributor will
pay all fees and expenses in connection with its qualification and registration
as a broker or dealer under Federal and state laws, a portion of the toll-free
telephone service and of computer terminals, and of any activity which is
primarily intended to result in the sale of shares issued by the Fund, except
with respect to Class B shares, for which a 12b-l Plan is in effect which
provides that the Fund shall bear some or all of the distribution related
expenses attributable to such shares. The Distributor has entered into
agreements with broker-dealers authorized to offer and sell VA contracts and VLI
policies on behalf of the Participating Insurance Companies under which
agreements the broker-dealers have agreed to be responsible for the fees and
expenses of any prospectus, statement of additional information and printed
information supplemental thereto of the Fund distributed in connection with
their offer of VA contracts and VLI policies.

The Distributor currently offers shares of each Portfolio on a continuous basis
to the separate accounts of Participating Insurance Companies in all states in
which a Portfolio or the Fund may from time to time be registered or where
permitted by applicable law. The underwriting agreement provides that the
Distributor accepts orders for shares at net asset value without sales
commission or load being charged. The Distributor has made no commitment to
acquire shares of any Portfolio.

Each Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan under Rule 12b-1 (the "Plan")
that provides for fees payable as an expense of the Class B shares. Under the
plan, DWS Variable Series I may make quarterly payments to the distributor as
reimbursement for distribution and shareholder servicing related expenses
incurred or paid by the distributor or a participating insurance company. No
such payment shall be made with respect to any quarterly period in excess of an
amount determined for such period at the annual rate of .25% of the average
daily net assets of Class B shares during that quarterly period. The fee is
payable by the Fund, on behalf of each Portfolio, of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares of a Portfolio. Because
12b-1 fees are paid out of Portfolio assets on an ongoing basis, they will, over
time, increase the cost of investment and may cost more than other types of
sales charges. In connection with its consideration of the Plan, the Board of
Trustees was furnished with drafts of the Plan and related materials, including
information related to the advantages and disadvantages of Rule 12b-1 plans
currently being used in the mutual fund industry. Legal counsel for the Fund
provided additional information, summarized the provisions of the proposed Plan
and discussed the legal and regulatory considerations in adopting such Plan.

Expenses of the Portfolios and of the Distributor in connection with the Rule
12b-1 plan for the Class B shares are set forth below:


           Class B Shares         2008              2007
           --------------         ----              ----

DWS Bond VIP                                        $2,631
DWS Growth & Income VIP                            $69,685
DWS Capital Growth VIP                            $121,808
DWS Global Opportunities VIP                       $53,186
DWS International VIP                              $64,471
DWS Health Care VIP                                $27,047


The Board considered various factors in connection with its decision as to
whether to approve the Plan, including (a) the nature and causes of the
circumstances which make implementation of the Plan necessary and appropriate;
(b) the way in which the Plan would address those circumstances, including the
nature and potential amount of expenditures; (c) the nature of the anticipated
benefits; (d) the possible benefits of the Plan to any other person relative to
those of the Fund; (e) the effect of the Plan on existing owners of VA contracts
and VLI policies; (f) the merits of possible alternative plans or pricing
structures; (g) competitive conditions in the variable products industry and (h)
the relationship of the Plan to other distribution efforts of the Fund.

Based upon its review of the foregoing factors and the materials presented to
it, and in light of its fiduciary duties under relevant state law and the 1940
Act, the Board determined, in the exercise of its business judgment, that the
Fund's Plan is reasonably likely to benefit the Fund and the VA contract and VLI
policy owners in at least one of several ways. Specifically, the Board concluded
that the Participating Insurance Companies would have less incentive to educate
VA contract and VLI policy owners and sales people concerning the Fund if
expenses associated with such services were not paid for by the Fund. In
addition, the Board determined that the payment of distribution fees to insurers
should motivate them to maintain and enhance the level of services relating to
the Fund provided to VA contract and VLI policy owners, which would, of course,
benefit such VA contract and VLI policy owners. Further, the adoption of the
Plan would likely help to maintain and may lead to an increase in net assets
under management given the distribution financing alternatives available through
the multi-class structure. The Board also took into account expense structures
of other competing products and administrative compensation arrangements between
other funds, their advisors and insurance companies that currently are in use in
the variable products industry. Further, it is anticipated that Plan fees may be
used to educate potential and existing owners of VA contracts and VLI policies
concerning the Fund, the securities markets and related risks.

The Board realizes that there is no assurance that the expenditure of Fund
assets to finance distribution of Fund shares will have the anticipated results.
However, the Board believes there is a reasonable likelihood that one or more of
such benefits will result, and since the Board will be in a position to monitor
the distribution expenses of the Fund, it will be able to evaluate the benefit
of such expenditures in deciding whether to continue the Plan.

The Plan and any Rule 12b-1-related agreement that is entered into by the Fund
or the Distributor in connection with the Plan will continue in effect for a
period of more than one year only so long as continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by a vote of a majority of the Fund's Board of
Trustees, and of a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund or a Portfolio and who have no financial
interest in the operation of the Plan ("Independent Trustees"), cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan, or the Rule 12b-1
related agreement, as applicable. In addition, the Plan and any Rule 12b-1
related agreement, may be terminated as to Class B shares of a Portfolio at any
time, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class B shares
of that Portfolio or by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Plan
also provides that it may not be amended to increase materially the amount that
may be spent for distribution of Class B shares of a Portfolio without the
approval of Class B shareholders of that Portfolio.

Transfer Agent

DWS Investments Service Company ("DISC" or the "Transfer Agent"), 811 Main
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105-2005, is the transfer and dividend paying
agent for the Fund. The Transfer Agent receives an annual service fee for each
account of the Fund, based on the type of account. For open retail accounts, the
fee is a flat fee ranging from $20.00 to $27.50 per account, for open wholesale
money funds the fee is $32.50 per account, while for certain retirement accounts
serviced on the recordkeeping system of ADP, Inc., the fee is a flat fee up to
$3.60 per account (as of 2007, indexed to inflation) plus an asset based fee of
up to 0.25% of average net assets. 1/12th of the annual service charge for each
account is charged and payable to the Transfer Agent each month. A fee is
charged for any account which at any time during the month had a share balance
in the Fund. Smaller fees are also charged for closed accounts for which
information must be retained on the Transfer Agent's system for up to 18 months
after closing for tax reporting purposes.


Expenses of the Portfolios paid to DISC for the period ended December 31, 2008
are set forth below:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Portfolio                           Fiscal Year 2008              Waived               Fiscal Year 2007
---------                           ----------------              ------               ----------------


<S>                                        <C>                        <C>                      <C>
DWS Bond VIP                               $760                       $0                       $898
DWS Growth & Income VIP                    $743                     $241                       $940
DWS Capital Growth VIP                     $980                     $980                       $951
DWS Global Opportunities VIP               $660                     $501                       $901
DWS International VIP                      $860                       $0                     $1,493
DWS Health Care VIP                        $353                       $0                       $503

</TABLE>

Certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent, including
expenses of printing and mailing routine fund disclosure documents, costs of
record retention and transaction processing costs are reimbursed by the Fund or
are paid directly by the Fund. Certain additional out-of-pocket expenses,
including costs of computer hardware and software, third party record-keeping
and processing of proxy statements, may only be reimbursed by the Fund with the
prior approval of the Fund's Board.

Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DISC and DST Systems, Inc.
("DST"), DISC has delegated certain transfer agent, dividend paying agent and
shareholder servicing agent functions to DST. The costs and expenses of such
delegation are borne by DISC, not by the Funds.

Recordkeeping

The shareholders of the Portfolios of the Fund are the Participating Insurance
Companies that offer the Portfolios as investment options for holders of certain
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. The holders of
the shares of the Portfolios on the records of the Fund are the Participating
Insurance Companies and no information concerning the Portfolio holdings of
specific contract and policy holders is maintained by the Fund. The insurance
companies place orders for the purchase and redemption of Portfolio shares with
the Fund reflecting the investment premiums paid, surrender and transfer
requests and other matters on a net basis; they maintain all records of the
transactions and holdings of Portfolio shares and distributions thereon for
individual contract and policy holders; and they prepare and mail to contract
and policy holders confirmations and periodic account statements reflecting such
transactions and holdings.

The Portfolios of the Fund may compensate certain insurance companies for record
keeping and other administrative services performed with regard to holdings of
Class B Portfolio shares as an expense of the Class B shares up to 0.15%. These
fees are included within the "Other Expenses" category in the fee table for each
portfolio in the Class B Shares Prospectus (see "How Much Investors Pay" in a
Portfolio's prospectus). In addition, the Advisor may, from time to time, pay
its own resources certain insurance companies for record keeping and other
administrative services related to Class A and Class B shares of the Portfolios
held by such insurance companies on behalf of their contract and policy holders.

Custodian

Portfolio securities of the DWS Bond VIP, DWS Growth & Income VIP, DWS Capital
Growth VIP and DWS Health Care VIP are held separately, pursuant to a custodian
agreement, by State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, as custodian.

DWS Bond VIP and DWS Health Care VIP only: SSB has entered into agreements with
foreign subcustodians approved by the Trustees pursuant to Rule 17f-5 under the
1940 Act. SSB uses Deutsche Bank AG, an affiliate of the Investment Advisor, as
subcustodian ("DB Subcustodian") in certain countries. To the extent a Portfolio
holds any securities in the countries in which SSB uses DB Subcustodian as a
subcustodian, those securities will be held by DB Subcustodian as part of a
larger omnibus account in the name of SSB (the "Omnibus Account"). For its
services, DB Subcustodian receives (1) an annual fee based on a percentage of
the average daily net assets of the Omnibus Account and (2) transaction charges
with respect to transactions that occur within the Omnibus Account.

Portfolio securities of DWS Global Opportunities VIP and DWS International VIP
are held separately, pursuant to a custodian agreement, by JP Morgan Chase,
N.A., 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, NY 10005-1401.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Financial Highlights of the Portfolios included in the Fund's prospectuses
and the Financial Statements incorporated by reference into this Statement of
Additional Information have been so included or incorporated by reference in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 125 High Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, independent registered public accounting firm, and given on
the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audits the financial statements of the Fund and
provides other audit, tax, and related services. Shareholders will receive
annual audited financial statements and semiannual unaudited financial
statements.

Legal Counsel


Ropes & Gray LLP, One International Place, Boston, MA 02110-2624, serves as
legal counsel to the Fund and to the Independent Trustees.


Regulatory Matters and Legal Proceedings

On December 21, 2006, Deutsche Asset Management ("DeAM") settled proceedings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the New York Attorney
General on behalf of Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. ("DAMI") and DIMA, the
investment advisors to many of the DWS Investments funds, regarding allegations
of improper trading of fund shares at DeAM and at the legacy Scudder and Kemper
organizations prior to their acquisition by DeAM in April 2002. These regulators
alleged that although the prospectuses for certain funds in the regulators' view
indicated that the funds did not permit market timing, DAMI and DIMA breached
their fiduciary duty to those funds in that their efforts to limit trading
activity in the funds were not effective at certain times. The regulators also
alleged that DAMI and DIMA breached their fiduciary duty to certain funds by
entering into certain market timing arrangements with investors. These trading
arrangements originated in businesses that existed prior to the currently
constituted DeAM organization, which came together as a result of various
mergers of the legacy Scudder, Kemper and Deutsche fund groups, and all of the
arrangements were terminated prior to the start of the regulatory investigations
that began in the summer of 2003. No current DeAM employee approved these
trading arrangements. Under the terms of the settlements, DAMI and DIMA neither
admitted nor denied any wrongdoing.

The terms of the SEC settlement, which identified improper trading in the legacy
Deutsche and Kemper mutual funds only, provide for payment of disgorgement in
the amount of $17.2 million. The terms of the settlement with the New York
Attorney General provide for payment of disgorgement in the amount of $102.3
million, which is inclusive of the amount payable under the SEC settlement, plus
a civil penalty in the amount of $20 million. The total amount payable by DeAM,
approximately $122.3 million, will be distributed to shareholders of the
affected funds in accordance with a distribution plan to be developed by a
distribution consultant. The funds' investment advisors do not believe these
amounts will have a material adverse financial impact on them or materially
affect their ability to perform under their investment management agreements
with the DWS funds. The above-described amounts are not material to Deutsche
Bank, and have already been reserved.

Among the terms of the settled orders, DeAM is subject to certain undertakings
regarding the conduct of its business in the future, including formation of a
Code of Ethics Oversight Committee to oversee all matters relating to issues
arising under the advisors' Code of Ethics; establishment of an Internal
Compliance Controls Committee having overall compliance oversight responsibility
of the advisors; engagement of an Independent Compliance Consultant to conduct a
comprehensive review of the advisors' supervisory compliance and other policies
and procedures designed to prevent and detect breaches of fiduciary duty,
breaches of the Code of Ethics and federal securities law violations by the
advisors and their employees; and commencing in 2008, the advisors shall undergo
a compliance review by an independent third party.

In addition, DeAM is subject to certain further undertakings relating to the
governance of the mutual funds, including that at least 75% of the members of
the Boards of Trustees/Directors overseeing the DWS Funds continue to be
independent of DeAM; the Chairmen of the DWS Funds' Boards of Trustees/Directors
continue to be independent of DeAM; DeAM maintain existing management fee
reductions for certain funds for a period of five years and not increase
management fees for these certain funds during this period; the funds retain a
senior officer (or independent consultants, as applicable) responsible for
assisting in the review of fee arrangements and monitoring compliance by the
funds and the investment advisors with securities laws, fiduciary duties, codes
of ethics and other compliance policies, the expense of which shall be borne by
DeAM; and periodic account statements, fund prospectuses and the mutual funds'
web site contain additional disclosure and/or tools that assist investors in
understanding the fees and costs associated with an investment in the funds and
the impact of fees and expenses on fund returns.

DeAM has also settled proceedings with the Illinois Secretary of State regarding
market timing matters. The terms of the Illinois settlement provide for investor
education contributions totaling approximately $4 million and a payment in the
amount of $2 million to the Securities Audit and Enforcement Fund.

On September 28, 2006, the SEC and the National Association of Securities
Dealers ("NASD") (now known as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or
"FINRA") announced final agreements in which Deutsche Investment Management
Americas Inc. ("DIMA"), Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. ("DAMI") and DWS Scudder
Distributors, Inc. (now known as DWS Investments Distributors, Inc. ("DIDI"))
settled administrative proceedings regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation
practices in connection with sales of the DWS Funds' (now known as the DWS
Investments Funds) shares during 2001-2003. The agreements with the SEC and NASD
are reflected in orders which state, among other things, that DIMA and DAMI
failed to disclose potential conflicts of interest to the funds' Boards and to
shareholders relating to DIDI's use of certain funds' brokerage commissions to
reduce revenue sharing costs to broker-dealer firms with whom it had
arrangements to market and distribute DWS Fund shares. These directed brokerage
practices were discontinued in October 2003.

Under the terms of the settlements, in which DIMA, DAMI and DIDI neither
admitted nor denied any of the regulators' findings, DIMA, DAMI and DIDI agreed
to pay disgorgement, prejudgment interest and civil penalties in the total
amount of $19.3 million. The portion of the settlements distributed to the funds
was approximately $17.8 million and was paid to the funds as prescribed by the
settlement orders based upon the amount of brokerage commissions from each fund
used to satisfy revenue sharing agreements with broker-dealers who sold fund
shares.

As part of the settlements, DIMA, DAMI and DIDI also agreed to implement certain
measures and undertakings relating to revenue sharing payments including making
additional disclosures in the funds' Prospectuses or Statements of Additional
Information, adopting or modifying relevant policies and procedures and
providing regular reporting to the fund Boards.

Additional information announced by DeAM regarding the terms of the settlements
is available at www.dws-investments.com/regulatory_settlements.

The matters alleged in the regulatory settlements described above also serve as
the general basis of a number of private class action lawsuits involving the DWS
funds. These lawsuits name as defendants various persons, including certain DWS
funds, the funds' investment advisors and their affiliates, and certain
individuals, including in some cases fund Trustees/Directors, officers, and
other parties. Each DWS fund's investment advisor has agreed to indemnify the
applicable DWS funds in connection with these lawsuits, or other lawsuits or
regulatory actions that may be filed making similar allegations.

Based on currently available information, the funds' investment advisors believe
the likelihood that the pending lawsuits will have a material adverse financial
impact on a DWS fund is remote and such actions are not likely to materially
affect their ability to perform under their investment management agreements
with the DWS funds.

                             PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

The Advisor is generally responsible for placing the orders for the purchase and
sale of portfolio securities, including the allocation of brokerage. With
respect to those funds for which a sub-investment advisor manages the fund's
investments, references in this section to the "Advisor" should be read to mean
the Sub-Advisor, except as noted below.

The policy of the Advisor in placing orders for the purchase and sale of
securities for the Funds is to seek best execution, taking into account such
factors, among others, as price; commission (where applicable); the
broker-dealer's ability to ensure that securities will be delivered on
settlement date; the willingness of the broker-dealer to commit its capital and
purchase a thinly traded security for its own inventory; whether the
broker-dealer specializes in block orders or large program trades; the
broker-dealer's knowledge of the market and the security; the broker-dealer's
ability to maintain confidentiality; the broker-dealer's ability to provide
access to new issues; the broker-dealer's ability to provide support when
placing a difficult trade; the financial condition of the broker-dealer; and
whether the broker-dealer has the infrastructure and operational capabilities to
execute and settle the trade. The Advisor seeks to evaluate the overall
reasonableness of brokerage commissions with commissions charged on comparable
transactions and compares the brokerage commissions (if any) paid by the Funds
to reported commissions paid by others. The Advisor routinely reviews commission
rates, execution and settlement services performed and makes internal and
external comparisons.

Commission rates on transactions in equity securities on US securities exchanges
are subject to negotiation. Commission rates on transactions in equity
securities on foreign securities exchanges are generally fixed. Purchases and
sales of fixed-income securities and certain over-the-counter securities are
effected on a net basis, without the payment of brokerage commissions.
Transactions in fixed income and certain over-the-counter securities are
generally placed by the Advisor with the principal market makers for these
securities unless the Advisor reasonably believes more favorable results are
available elsewhere. Transactions with dealers serving as market makers reflect
the spread between the bid and asked prices. Purchases of underwritten issues
will include an underwriting fee paid to the underwriter. Money market
instruments are normally purchased in principal transactions directly from the
issuer or from an underwriter or market maker.

It is likely that the broker-dealers selected based on the considerations
described in this section will include firms that also sell shares of the Funds
to their customers. However, the Advisor does not consider sales of shares of
the Funds as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio
transactions for the Funds and, accordingly, has implemented policies and
procedures reasonably designed to prevent its traders from considering sales of
shares of the Funds as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute
portfolio transactions for the Funds.

The Advisor is permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended ("1934 Act"), when placing portfolio transactions for a Fund,
to cause the Fund to pay brokerage commissions in excess of that which another
broker-dealer might charge for executing the same transaction in order to obtain
research and brokerage services if the Advisor determines that such commissions
are reasonable in relation to the overall services provided. The Advisor may
from time to time, in reliance on Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, execute
portfolio transactions with broker-dealers that provide research and brokerage
services to the Advisor. Consistent with the Advisor's policy regarding best
execution, where more than one broker is believed to be capable of providing
best execution for a particular trade, the Advisor may take into consideration
the receipt of research and brokerage services in selecting the broker-dealer to
execute the trade. Although certain research and brokerage services from
broker-dealers may be useful to a Fund and to the Advisor, it is the opinion of
the Advisor that such information only supplements its own research effort since
the information must still be analyzed, weighed and reviewed by the Advisor's
staff. To the extent that research and brokerage services of value are received
by the Advisor, the Advisor may avoid expenses that it might otherwise incur.
Research and brokerage services received from a broker-dealer may be useful to
the Advisor and its affiliates in providing investment management services to
all or some of its clients, which includes a Fund. Services received from
broker-dealers that executed securities transactions for a Portfolio will not
necessarily be used by the Advisor specifically to service such Fund.

Research and brokerage services provided by broker-dealers may include, but are
not limited to, information on the economy, industries, groups of securities,
individual companies, statistical information, accounting and tax law
interpretations, political developments, legal developments affecting portfolio
securities, technical market action, pricing and appraisal services, credit
analysis, risk measurement analysis, performance analysis and measurement and
analysis of corporate responsibility issues. Research and brokerage services are
typically received in the form of written or electronic reports, access to
specialized financial publications, telephone contacts and personal meetings
with security analysts, but may also be provided in the form of access to
various computer software and meetings arranged with corporate and industry
representatives.

The Advisor may also select broker-dealers and obtain from them research and
brokerage services that are used in connection with executing trades provided
that such services are consistent with interpretations under Section 28(e) of
the 1934 Act. Typically, these services take the form of computer software
and/or electronic communication services used by the Advisor to facilitate
trading activity with those broker-dealers.

Research and brokerage services may include products obtained from third parties
if the Advisor determines that such product or service constitutes brokerage and
research as defined in Section 28(e) and interpretations thereunder. Currently,
it is the Advisor's policy that Sub-Advisors may not execute portfolio
transactions on behalf of the Funds to obtain third party research and brokerage
services. The Advisor may, in the future, change this policy. Regardless,
certain Sub-Advisors may, as matter of internal policy, limit or preclude third
party research and brokerage services.

The Advisor may use brokerage commissions to obtain certain brokerage products
or services that have a mixed use (i.e., it also serves a function that does not
relate to the investment decision-making process). In those circumstances, the
Advisor will make a good faith judgment to evaluate the various benefits and
uses to which it intends to put the mixed use product or service and will pay
for that portion of the mixed use product or service that it reasonably believes
does not constitute research and brokerage services with its own resources.

DIMA will monitor regulatory developments and market practice in the use of
client commissions to obtain research and brokerage services and may adjust its
portfolio transactions policies in response thereto.

Investment decisions for each Fund and for other investment accounts managed by
the Advisor are made independently of each other in light of differing
conditions. However, the same investment decision may be made for two or more of
such accounts. In such cases, simultaneous transactions are inevitable. To the
extent permitted by law, the Advisor may aggregate the securities to be sold or
purchased for a Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other accounts in
executing transactions. Purchases or sales are then averaged as to price and
commission and allocated as to amount in a manner deemed equitable to each
account. While in some cases this practice could have a detrimental effect on
the price paid or received by, or on the size of the position obtained or
disposed of for, the Fund, in other cases it is believed that the ability to
engage in volume transactions will be beneficial to the Fund.

DIMA and its affiliates and the Funds' management team manage other mutual funds
and separate accounts, some of which use short sales of securities as a part of
its investment strategy. The simultaneous management of long and short
portfolios creates potential conflicts of interest including the risk that short
sale activity could adversely affect the market value of the long positions (and
vice versa), the risk arising from sequential orders in long and short
positions, and the risks associated with receiving opposing orders at the same
time.

DIMA has adopted procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to mitigate
these potential conflicts of interest. Incorporated in the procedures are
specific guidelines developed to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all
clients. DIMA and the investment team have established monitoring procedures and
a protocol for supervisory reviews, as well as compliance oversight to ensure
that potential conflicts of interest relating to this type of activity are
properly addressed.

Deutsche Bank AG or one of its affiliates (or in the case of a Sub-Advisor, the
Sub-Advisor or one of its affiliates) may act as a broker for the Funds and
receive brokerage commissions or other transaction-related compensation from the
Funds in the purchase and sale of securities, options or futures contracts when,
in the judgment of the Advisor, and in accordance with procedures approved by
the Funds' Boards, the affiliated broker will be able to obtain a price and
execution at least as favorable as those obtained from other qualified brokers
and if, in the transaction, the affiliated broker charges the Funds a rate
consistent with that charged to comparable unaffiliated customers in similar
transactions.


DWS Bond VIP: The Portfolio is required to identify any securities of its
"regular brokers or dealers" (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) that the
Portfolio has acquired during the most recent fiscal year. As of December 31,
2008, the Portfolio held the following securities of its regular brokers or
dealers:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Value of Securities Owned as of
                                                                December 31, 2008
Name of Regular Broker or Dealer or Parent (Issuer)               (in thousands)
---------------------------------------------------               --------------



<S>                                                                    <C>
Ford Motor Credit Co.                                                  $13
Gazprombank                                                            $48
American International Group, Inc.                                     $66
Regency Energy Partners LP                                             $121
Glen Meadow Pass-Through Trust                                         $148
HBOS PLC                                                               $154
American Express Corp.                                                 $159
Banco Mercantil del Norte SA                                           $217
XL Capital Ltd                                                         $221
US Bancorp                                                             $233
Standard Charter Bank                                                  $287
AES El Salvador Trust                                                  $339
Xstrata Finance Canada Ltd.                                            $350
ANZ National International Ltd.                                        $387
National Australia Bank Ltd                                            $419
Discover Financial Services                                            $441
NYSE Euronext                                                          $441
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp.                                       $515
PNC Preferred Funding Trust I                                          $517
Metropolitan Life Global Funding I                                     $526
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.                                          $664
National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance                           $737
BP Capital Markets PLC                                                 $767
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC                                   $772
Morgan Stanley                                                        $1,885
Merrill Lynch & Co.                                                   $1,944
Citigroup Global Markets                                              $2,194
Bank of America Corp.                                                 $2,515
Wells Fargo & Co                                                      $2,796
John Deere Capital Corp.                                              $3,085
JPMorgan Chase & Co.                                                  $4,762

DWS Growth & Income VIP: The Portfolio is required to identify any securities of
its "regular brokers or dealers" (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) that
the Portfolio has acquired during the most recent fiscal year. As of December
31, 2008, the Portfolio held the following securities of its regular brokers or
dealers:


                                                       Value of Securities Owned as of
                                                              December 31, 2008
Name of Regular Broker or Dealer or Parent (Issuer)             (in thousands)
---------------------------------------------------             --------------


Arch Capital Group Ltd.                                                $77
Allied World Assurance Co.                                             $89
XL Capital Ltd                                                        $189
Banco Itau Holding Financeira S.A.                                    $280
The Travelers Companies, Inc.                                         $303
Unibanco Uniao de Bancos Bras                                         $394
State Street Corp.                                                    $633
Wells Fargo & Co.                                                   $1,321
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.                                       $1,586
Ace Limited                                                         $1,699
JPMorgan Chase & Co.                                                $2,169

DWS Capital Growth VIP: The Portfolio is required to identify any securities of
its "regular brokers or dealers" (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) that
the Portfolio has acquired during the most recent fiscal year. As of December
31, 2008, the Portfolio held the following securities of its regular brokers or
dealers:


                                                            Value of Securities Owned as of
                                                                   December 31, 2008
Name of Regular Broker or Dealer or Parent (Issuer)                  (in thousands)
---------------------------------------------------                  --------------


State Street Corp.                                                       $3,322
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.                                               $3,865
CME Group, Inc.                                                          $4,149

DWS Global Opportunities VIP: The Portfolio is required to identify any
securities of its "regular brokers or dealers" (as such term is defined in the
1940 Act) that the Portfolio has acquired during the most recent fiscal year. As
of December 31, 2008, the Portfolio held the following

securities of its regular brokers or dealers:              Value of Securities Owned as of
                                                                  December 31, 2008
Name of Regular Broker or Dealer or Parent (Issuer)                 (in thousands)
---------------------------------------------------                 --------------


Anglo Irish Bank Corp., Plc                                              $57
FBD Holdings PLC                                                         $265
Gulf Finance House EC                                                    $426
Jafco Co. Ltd.                                                           $488
Grenkeleasing AG                                                         $563
Hellenic Exchanges Holding SA                                            $644
Jefferies Group, Inc.                                                    $654
Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co., Ltd.                                 $881
Ashmore Group PLC                                                        $947
Partners Group AG                                                       $1,095
Wing Hang Bank Ltd.                                                     $1,140
AEON Credit Service Co., Ltd.                                           $3,153


DWS International VIP: The Portfolio is required to identify any securities of
its "regular brokers or dealers" (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) that
the Portfolio has acquired during the most recent fiscal year. As of December
31, 2008, the Portfolio held the following securities of its regular brokers or
dealers:


                                                         Value of Securities Owned as of
                                                                December 31, 2008
Name of Regular Broker or Dealer or Parent (Issuer)               (in thousands)
---------------------------------------------------               --------------


HSBC Holdings PLC                                                     $2,434
Intesa Sanpaolo                                                       $4,818
Deutsche Boerse AG                                                    $6,096
Allianz SE (E)                                                        $6,215
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group                                        $7,612
</TABLE>

DWS Health Care VIP: The Portfolio is required to identify any securities of its
"regular brokers or dealers" (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) that the
Portfolio has acquired during the most recent fiscal year. As of December 31,
2008, the Portfolio did not hold any securities of its regular brokers or
dealers.

The table below shows total brokerage commissions paid by each Portfolio for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, as applicable.


 Portfolio                                                Fiscal 2008
 ---------                                                -----------


 DWS Bond VIP                                                  $2,495
 DWS Growth & Income VIP                                     $109,754
 DWS Capital Growth VIP                                      $355,816
 DWS Global Opportunities VIP                                $243,844
 DWS International VIP                                     $2,385,444
 DWS Health Care VIP                                          $53,717


In addition, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Percentage of
                                                 Percentage of           Transactions          Dollar Amount of
                                                  Commissions             Involving            Commissions Paid
                                               Paid to Affiliated    Commissions Paid to        to Brokers for
Portfolio                                           Brokers           Affiliated Brokers      Research Services
---------                                           -------           ------------------      -----------------

<S>                                                    <C>                    <C>                     <C>
DWS Bond VIP                                           0%                     0%                      $0
DWS Growth & Income VIP                                0%                     0%                      $0
DWS Capital Growth VIP                                 0%                     0%                      $0
DWS Global Opportunities VIP                           0%                     0%                      $0
DWS International VIP                                  0%                     0%                      $0
DWS Health Care VIP                                    0%                     0%                      $0
</TABLE>

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio turnover rate is defined by the SEC as the ratio of the lesser of
sales or purchases to the monthly average value of securities owned during the
year, excluding all securities whose remaining maturities at the time of
acquisition were one year or less. Higher levels of activity by a Portfolio
result in higher transaction costs and may also result in taxes on realized
capital gains to be borne by a Portfolio's shareholders. Purchases and sales are
made whenever necessary, in the Advisor's discretion, to meet a Portfolio's
objective.

Portfolio turnover rates for the two most recent fiscal periods are as follows:


                                                2008                      2007
                                                ----                      ----

DWS Bond VIP                                     196%                      185%
DWS Growth & Income VIP                          130%                      310%
DWS Capital Growth VIP                            21%                       30%
DWS Global Opportunities VIP                      21%                       19%
DWS International VIP                            123%                      108%
DWS Health Care VIP                               24%                       37%


                            PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS


The separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies purchase and
redeem shares of each Portfolio based on, among other things, the amount of
premium payments to be invested and surrender and transfer requests to be
effected on that day pursuant to variable annuity contracts and variable life
insurance policies, but only on days on which the Exchange is open for trading.
Such purchases and redemptions of the shares of each Portfolio are effected at
their respective net asset values per share, determined as of the close of
regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4 p.m. Eastern time) on that same day
(See "NET ASSET VALUE."). Payment for redemptions will be made by State Street
Bank and Trust Company or Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., as applicable, on
behalf of the Fund and the applicable Portfolios within seven days thereafter.
No fee is charged the separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies
when they redeem Fund shares.

The Fund may, on behalf of a Portfolio, suspend or postpone redemptions as
permitted pursuant to Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. Generally, those
circumstances are when: 1) the New York Stock Exchange is closed other than
customary weekend or holiday closings; 2) trading on the New York Stock Exchange
is restricted; 3) an emergency exists which makes the disposal of securities
owned by a fund or the fair determination of the value of a fund's net assets
not reasonably practicable; or 4) the SEC, by order, permits the suspension of
the right of redemption. Redemption payments by wire may also be delayed in the
event of a non-routine closure of the Federal Reserve wire payment system.


Revenue Sharing


In light of recent regulatory developments, the Advisor, the Distributor and
their affiliates have undertaken to furnish certain additional information below
regarding the level of payments made by them to selected affiliated and
unaffiliated brokers, dealers, participating insurance companies or other
financial intermediaries ("financial advisors") in connection with the sale
and/or distribution of Portfolio shares or the retention and/or servicing of
investors and Portfolio shares ("revenue sharing").

The Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay additional
compensation, out of their own assets and not as an additional charge to each
Portfolio, to financial advisors in connection with the sale and/or distribution
of Portfolio shares or the retention and/or servicing of Portfolio investors and
Portfolio shares. Such revenue sharing payments are in addition to any
distribution or service fees payable under any Rule 12b-1 or service plan of any
portfolio, any record keeping/sub-transfer agency/networking fees payable by
each Portfolio (generally through the Distributor or an affiliate) and/or the
Distributor to certain financial advisors for performing such services and any
sales charges, commissions, non-cash compensation arrangements expressly
permitted under applicable rules of FINRA or other concessions described in the
fee table or elsewhere in the Prospectuses or the SAI as payable to all
financial advisors. For example, the Advisor, the Distributor and/or their
affiliates may compensate financial advisors for providing each Portfolio with
"shelf space" or access to a third party platform or portfolio offering list, or
other marketing programs including, without limitation, inclusion of each
Portfolio on preferred or recommended sales lists, mutual fund "supermarket"
platforms and other formal sales programs; granting the Distributor access to
the financial advisor's sales force; granting the Distributor access to the
financial advisor's conferences and meetings; assistance in training and
educating the financial advisor's personnel; and, obtaining other forms of
marketing support. The level of revenue sharing payments made to financial
advisors may be a fixed fee or based upon one or more of the following factors:
gross sales, current assets and/or number of accounts of each Portfolio
attributable to the financial advisor, the particular portfolio or portfolio
type or other measures as agreed to by the Advisor, the Distributor and/or their
affiliates and the financial advisors or any combination thereof. The amount of
these payments is determined at the discretion of the Advisor, the Distributor
and/or their affiliates from time to time, may be substantial, and may be
different for different financial advisors based on, for example, the nature of
the services provided by the financial advisor.

The Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates currently make revenue
sharing payments from their own assets in connection with the sale and/or
distribution of DWS fund shares, or the retention and/or servicing of investors,
to financial advisors in amounts that generally range from .01% up to .50% of
assets of the Portfolio serviced and maintained by the financial advisor, .05%
to .25% of sales of the Portfolio attributable to the financial advisor, a flat
fee of $13,350 up to $500,000, or any combination thereof. These amounts are
annual figures typically paid on a quarterly basis and are subject to change at
the discretion of the Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates. Receipt
of, or the prospect of receiving, this additional compensation, may influence
your financial advisor's recommendation of this Portfolio or of any particular
share class of the Portfolio. You should review your financial advisor's
compensation disclosure and/or talk to your financial advisor to obtain more
information on how this compensation may have influenced your financial
advisor's recommendation of this Portfolio.

The Advisor, the Distributor and/or their affiliates may also make such revenue
sharing payments to financial advisors under the terms discussed above in
connection with the distribution of both DWS funds and non-DWS funds by
financial advisors to retirement plans that obtain record keeping services from
ADP, Inc. on the DWS Investments branded retirement plan platform (the
"Platform") with the level of revenue sharing payments being based upon sales of
both the DWS funds and the non-DWS funds by the financial advisor on the
Platform or current assets of both the DWS funds and the non-DWS funds serviced
and maintained by the financial advisor on the Platform.

As of the date hereof, each Portfolio has been advised that the Advisor, the
Distributor and their affiliates expect that the following firms will receive
revenue sharing payments at different points during the coming year as described
above:

Channel: Broker-Dealers and Financial Advisors
----------------------------------------------
AIG Advisors Group
Ameriprise
Cadaret, Grant & Co. Inc.
Capital Analyst, Incorporated
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (dba Smith Barney)
Commonwealth Equity Services, LLP (dba Commonwealth Financial Network)
Deutsche Bank Group
Ensemble Financial Services
First Allied Securities
First Clearing/Wachovia Securities
HD Vest Investment Securities, Inc.
ING Advisors Network
John Hancock Distributors LLC
LPL Financial
M.L. Stern & Co.
Meridien Financial Group
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
Morgan Stanley
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.
PlanMember Services
Prime Capital Inc.
Raymond James & Associates
Raymond James Financial Services
RBC Dain Rauscher, Inc
Securities America, Inc.
UBS Financial Services
Wells Fargo Investments, LLC

Channel: Cash Product Platform
------------------------------
Allegheny Investments LTD
Bank of America
Bank of New York (Hare & Co.)
BMO Capital Markets
Brown Brothers Harriman
Brown Investment Advisory & Trust Company
Cadaret Grant & Co.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange
D.A. Davidson & Company
Deutsche Bank Group
Emmett A. Larkin Company
Fiduciary Trust Co. - International
First Southwest Company
J.P. Morgan Clearing Corp.
Legent Clearing LLC
Lincoln Investment Planning
LPL Financial
Mellon Financial Markets LLC
Mesirow Financial, Inc.
Penson Financial Services
Pershing Choice Platform
ProFunds Distributors, Inc.
Ridge Clearing & Outsourcing Solutions
Robert W. Baird & Co.
Romano Brothers and Company
SAMCO Capital Markets
Smith Moore & Company
Sungard Institutional Brokerage Inc.
Treasury Curve LLC
US Bancorp
UBS Financial Services
William Blair & Company

Channel: Third Party Insurance Platforms
----------------------------------------
Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York
Ameritas Life Insurance Group
Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company
Columbus Life Insurance Company
Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company
Companion Life Insurance Company
Connecticut General Life Insurance Company
EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company
Farmers New World Life Insurance Company
Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company
First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company
First Great West Life and Annuity Company
Genworth Life Insurance Company of New York
Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company
Great West Life and Annuity Insurance Company
Hartford Life Insurance Company
Integrity Life Insurance Company
John Hancock Life Insurance companies
Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company
Lincoln Benefit Life Insurance Company
Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York
Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Group
MetLife Group
Minnesota Life Insurance Company
National Life Insurance Company
National Integrity Life Insurance Company
Nationwide Group
New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
Phoenix Life Insurance Company
Protective Life Insurance
Provident Mutual Life Insurance
Prudential Insurance Company of America
Sun Life Group
Symetra Life Insurance Company
Transamerica Life Insurance Company
Union Central Life Insurance Company
United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
United Investors Life Insurance Company
Western Southern Life Assurance Company

Any additions, modifications or deletions to the financial advisors identified
above that have occurred since the date hereof are not reflected.

The Advisor, the Distributor or their affiliates may enter into additional
revenue sharing arrangements or change or discontinue existing arrangements with
financial advisors at any time without notice.

The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of additional compensation or
promotional incentives described above by financial advisors may provide such
financial advisors and/or their salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of
shares of the DWS funds or a particular DWS fund over sales of shares of mutual
funds (or non-mutual fund investments) with respect to which the financial
advisor does not receive additional compensation or promotional incentives, or
receives lower levels of additional compensation or promotional incentives.
Similarly, financial advisors may receive different compensation or incentives
that may influence their recommendation of any particular share class of the
Portfolio or of other portfolios. These payment arrangements, however, will not
change the price that an investor pays for Portfolio shares or the amount that
the Portfolio receives to invest on behalf of an investor and will not increase
Portfolio expenses. You may wish to take such payment arrangements into account
when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Portfolio shares
and you should discuss this matter with your financial advisor and review your
financial advisor's disclosures.

It is likely that broker-dealers that execute portfolio transactions for the
Portfolio will include firms that also sell shares of the DWS funds to their
customers. However, the Advisor will not consider sales of DWS fund shares as a
factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for
the DWS funds. Accordingly, the Advisor has implemented policies and procedures
reasonably designed to prevent its traders from considering sales of DWS fund
shares as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio
transactions for the Portfolio. In addition, the Advisor, the Distributor and/or
their affiliates will not use fund brokerage to pay for their obligation to
provide additional compensation to financial advisors as described above.





                       DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS AND TAXES

Set forth below is a discussion of certain US federal income tax consequences
relating to the ownership of shares in the Portfolios by life insurance
companies for the purpose of funding variable life insurance policies. This
discussion does not purport to be complete or to deal with all aspects of
federal income taxation. It deals only with the status of the Portfolios as
regulated investment companies ("RICs") under subchapter M of the Code and the
application of the diversification rules of Section 817(h) of the Code. This
discussion is based upon the present provisions of the Code, the regulations
promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all
of which are subject to change, including changes with retroactive effect. The
following discussion does not address any state, local or foreign tax matters.

The discussion below is generally based on the assumption that the shares of
each Portfolio will be respected as owned by insurance company separate
accounts. If this is not the case, the person or persons determined to own the
Portfolio shares will not be eligible for tax deferral and, instead, will be
currently taxed on Portfolio distributions and on the proceeds of any sale,
exchange or redemption of Portfolio shares.

For information concerning the federal tax consequences to a holder of a
variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy, refer to the
prospectus for the particular contract or policy. Because insurance companies
(and certain other investors) will be the only shareholders of a Portfolio, no
attempt is made here to particularly describe the tax aspects of an investment
in such a Portfolio.

Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company

Each Portfolio of the Fund has elected to be treated as a RIC under subchapter M
of the Code. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded RICs and
their shareholders, each Portfolio must, among other things,

(a)      derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i)
         dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans,
         and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or
         foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains
         from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to
         its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies; and
         (ii) net income derived from interests in "qualified publicly traded
         partnerships" (as defined below);

(b)      diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of its
         taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Portfolio's
         total assets consists of cash and cash items, US government securities,
         securities of other RICs, and other securities limited in respect of
         any one issuer to a value not greater than 5% of the value of the
         Portfolio's total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding
         voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the
         value of its total assets is invested (x) in the securities (other than
         those of the US Government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two
         or more issuers which the Portfolio controls and which are engaged in
         the same, similar, or related trades or businesses; or (y) in the
         securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as
         defined below); and

(c)      distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of
         its investment company taxable income (as the term is defined in the
         Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid -- generally
         taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term
         capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and net tax-exempt
         interest income, for such year.

In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in
paragraph (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as
qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of
income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the
RIC. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a "qualified
publicly traded partnership" (defined as a partnership (x) interests in which
are traded on established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary
market or the substantial equivalent thereof, (y) that derives at least 90% of
its income from the passive income sources defined in Code section 7704(d), and
(z) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income
described in paragraph (a)(i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In
addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to
RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an
interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.

 For purposes of meeting the diversification requirement described in (b) above,
the term "outstanding voting securities of such issuer" will include the equity
securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. Also, for purposes of (b)
above, [in the case of a Portfolio's investment in loan participations, the
Portfolio shall treat both the financial intermediary and the issuer of the
underlying loan as an issuer. [DWS: Please confirm that the Portfolio in fact
treats both the intermediary and the issuer of the loan as an "issuer").

If a Portfolio qualifies as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment, the
Portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a
timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including
distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that the
Portfolio owned for more than one year and that are properly designated by the
Portfolio as capital gain dividends).

If a Portfolio were to fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC for any taxable
year, (1) it would be taxed as an ordinary corporation on its taxable income for
that year without being able to deduct the distributions it makes to its
shareholders, and (2) each insurance company separate account invested in the
Portfolio would fail to satisfy the diversification requirements described
above, with the result that the contracts supported by that account would no
longer be eligible for tax deferral. All distributions from earnings and
profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term
capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition,
the Portfolio could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial
taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying for
treatment as a RIC.

Distributions from the Portfolios

Each Portfolio intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of its
investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid
deduction), which includes any excess of net realized short-term capital gains
over net realized long-term capital losses. Each Portfolio may also distribute
all of its net capital gain (that is, the excess of net realized long-term
capital gains over net realized short-term capital losses). Investment company
taxable income and net capital gain which is retained by a Portfolio will be
subject to tax at regular corporate rates.

Amounts not distributed on a timely basis by RICs in accordance with a calendar
year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax at
the Portfolio level. This excise tax is generally inapplicable to any RIC whose
sole shareholders are either tax-exempt pension trusts or separate accounts of
life insurance companies funding variable contracts.

Each Portfolio intends to distribute investment company taxable income and any
net realized capital gains in April each year. Additional distributions may be
made if necessary. Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of
the form and character of the distribution.

All distributions will be made in shares of a Portfolio. Both dividends and
capital gain distributions will be reinvested in additional shares of such a
Portfolio unless an election is made on behalf of a separate account to receive
dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.

Taxation of Certain Portfolio Investments

A Portfolio's investment in debt obligations with original issue discount
("OID") (such as zero-coupon bonds and certain inflation-indexed bonds) may
require the Portfolio to include in its income a portion of the OID, even though
the cash representing such income may not have been received by the Portfolio.
In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the
Portfolio may be required to liquidate securities in its portfolio that it
otherwise would have continued to hold.

A Portfolio's transactions in options, futures contracts, hedging transactions,
forward contracts, short sales, swaps, straddles, foreign currencies and related
transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market,
constructive sale, straddle, wash sale and short sale rules) that may affect the
amount, timing, and character of Portfolio income and distributions to
shareholders. These rules can cause a Portfolio to recognize income for tax
purposes prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to the underlying
investments; in order to distribute this income and avoid a tax on the
Portfolio, the Portfolio may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that
it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional
taxable gain or loss to the Portfolio. In addition, because the tax rules
applicable to derivative financial instruments are in some cases uncertain under
current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the Internal Revenue
Service ("IRS") with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance
could be retroactive) may affect whether a Portfolio has made sufficient
distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain
its qualification as a RIC and avoid a Portfolio-level tax. Each Portfolio
intends to limit its activities in options, futures contracts, forward
contracts, short sales, and swaps and related transactions to the extent
necessary to meet the requirements for qualification and treatment as a RIC
under Subchapter M of the Code.

A Portfolio's transactions in foreign currencies or foreign currency-denominated
instruments, as well as certain hedging transactions, are likely to produce a
difference between the Portfolio's book income and its taxable income. If a
Portfolio's book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net
tax-exempt income (if any), the Portfolio could be required to make
distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company
that is accorded special tax treatment.

Equity investments by a Portfolio in certain "passive foreign investment
companies" ("PFICs") could subject the Portfolio to US federal income tax
(including interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on
proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the company, which tax
cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Portfolio shareholders. However,
a Portfolio also may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent
the losses) in such holdings "to the market" as though it had sold and
repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Portfolio's
taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. A
Portfolio may also elect to treat a PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" ("QEF
election"), in which case the Portfolio will be required to include its share of
the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it
receives any distribution from the company. The QEF and mark-to-market elections
may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and
increase the amount required to be distributed for the Portfolio to avoid
taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require a Portfolio to
liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to
meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of
gain and affect a Portfolio's total return.

Some of the Portfolios may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests
in real estate mortgage conduits ("REMICs") or taxable mortgage pools ("TMPs").
Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that
have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of a Portfolio's
income (including income allocated to a Portfolio from a REIT or other
pass-through entity) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or a
TMP (referred to in the Code as an "excess inclusion") will be subject to
federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations
are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a RIC will be allocated
to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such
shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related
residual interest directly. In the case of a life insurance company separate
account funding a variable contract, excess inclusion income cannot be offset by
an adjustment to the reserves and thus is not eligible for tax deferral. As a
result, a life insurance company separate account funding a variable contract
may be taxed currently to the extent of its share of a Portfolio's excess
inclusion income, as described below.

In addition to the investments described above, other investments by a Portfolio
may involve complex tax rules that may result in income or gain recognition by a
Portfolio without corresponding current cash receipts. As a result of
recognition of such noncash income, a Portfolio may be required at times to
liquidate investments prematurely in order to satisfy its minimum distribution
requirements, which may accelerate the recognition of gain and adversely affect
the Portfolio's total return. Furthermore, amounts realized by a Portfolio from
sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes
imposed by such countries, thereby reducing the amount available for
distribution to shareholders.

Taxation of a Separate Account of a Participating Insurance Company

If the investments of a segregated asset account, such as the separate accounts
of Participating Insurance Companies, are "adequately diversified" in accordance
with the requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code, a holder of a variable
annuity contract or variable life insurance policy supported by the account will
receive favorable tax treatment in the form of tax deferral.

Each Portfolio intends to continue to diversify its assets in accordance with
the requirements of Section 817(h) so that, assuming look-through treatment as
described in the following sentence, any separate account invested wholly in the
Portfolio would also satisfy such diversification requirement. If all the
beneficial interests in a Portfolio are held by one or more insurance companies
and certain other eligible holders, the diversification requirements of Section
817(h) may be applied by taking into account the assets of the Portfolio, rather
than treating the interest in the Portfolio as a separate investment of each
separate account investing in the Portfolio.

The Section 817(h) diversification requirements, that are in addition to the
diversification requirements imposed on the Portfolios by the 1940 Act and
Subchapter M of the Code, place certain limitations on assets of each insurance
company separate account used to fund variable contracts. Specifically, the
regulations provide that, after a one year start-up period or, except as
permitted by the "safe harbor" described below, as of the end of each calendar
quarter or within 30 days thereafter no more than 55% of the total assets of the
Portfolio may be represented by any one investment, no more than 70% by any two
investments, no more than 80% by any three investments, and no more than 90% by
any four investments. For this purpose, all securities of the same issuer are
considered a single investment, and each US Government agency and
instrumentality is considered a separate issuer.

Section 817(h) provides, as a safe harbor, that a separate account will be
treated as being "adequately diversified" if the diversification requirements
under Subchapter M are satisfied and no more than 55% of the value of the
account's total assets is attributable to cash and cash items (including
receivables), US Government securities and securities of other RICs. Failure by
a Portfolio to satisfy the Section 817(h) requirements would generally cause the
variable contracts to lose their favorable tax status and require a contract
holder to include in ordinary income any income accrued under the contracts for
the current and all prior taxable years. Under certain circumstances described
in the applicable Treasury regulations, inadvertent failure to satisfy the
applicable diversification requirements may be corrected, but such a correction
would require a payment to the IRS based on the tax contract holders would have
incurred if they were treated as receiving the income on the contract for the
period during which the diversification requirements were not satisfied. Any
such failure may also result in adverse tax consequences for the insurance
company issuing the contracts.

The IRS has indicated that a degree of investor control over the investment
options underlying variable contracts may interfere with the tax-deferred
treatment described above. The Treasury Department has issued rulings addressing
the circumstances in which a variable contract holder's control of the
investments of the separate account may cause the contract holder, rather than
the insurance company, to be treated as the owner of the assets held by the
separate account, and is likely to issue additional rulings in the future. If
the contract holder is considered the owner of the securities underlying the
separate account, income and gains produced by those securities would be
included currently in the contract holder's gross income. A contract holder's
control of the investments of the separate accounts in this case is similar to,
but different in certain respects from, those described by the IRS in rulings.
The Portfolios have objectives and strategies that are not materially narrower
in focus than the investment strategies described in more recent IRS rulings in
which strategies, such as large company stocks, international stocks, small
company stocks, mortgage-based securities, telecommunications stocks and
financial services stocks, were held not to constitute sufficient control over
individual investment decisions so as to cause ownership of such investments to
be attributable to contract holders. The Regulations proposed by the Treasury
Department in the summer of 2004 relating to Section 817(h) and current
published IRS guidance do not directly speak to the strategies such as those
reflected in the Portfolios, described above. However, the IRS and the Treasury
Department may in the future provide further guidance as to what it deems to
constitute an impermissible level of "investor control" over a separate
account's investments in funds such as the Portfolios, and such guidance could
affect the treatment of the Portfolios described herein, including
retroactively.

In the event that additional rules or regulations are adopted, there can be no
assurance that a Portfolio will be able to operate as currently described, or
that such Portfolio will not have to change its investment objective or
investment policies. A Portfolio's investment objective and investment policies
may be modified as necessary to prevent any such prospective rules and
regulations from causing variable contract holders to be considered the owners
of the shares of the Portfolio.

Other Tax Considerations

Under Treasury Regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss on a disposition
of a Portfolio's shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or
$10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (including, for example, an
insurance company holding separate accounts), the shareholder must file with the
IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio
securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under
current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. This filing
requirement applies even though, as a practical matter, any such loss would not,
for example, reduce the taxable income of an insurance company. Future guidance
may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders
of most or all RICs.

Shareholders of the Portfolios may be subject to state and local taxes on
distributions received from such Portfolios and on the sale, exchange, or
redemptions of their shares.

The US federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general information
only. Prospective holders of variable annuity contracts or variable life
insurance policies should consult the prospectuses and other materials used in
connection with the issuance of their particular contracts or policies and
should consult their own tax advisers regarding the specific federal tax
consequences of purchasing, holding, and disposing of shares of a Portfolio, as
well as the effects of state, local and foreign tax law and any proposed tax law
changes.




                                 NET ASSET VALUE

The net asset value of each Portfolio is computed as of the close of regular
trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") on each day the Exchange
is open for regular trading (the "Value Time"). The Exchange is scheduled to be
closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving and Christmas, and on the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday
when one of these holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Net
asset value per share is determined separately for each class of shares by
dividing the net asset value of such class, which is the value of the total
assets of each Portfolio attributable to the shares of that class, less all
liabilities attributable to that class, by the total number of shares of that
class outstanding. The per share net asset value may be lower for certain
classes of each Portfolio because of higher expenses borne by these classes.

An equity security is valued at its most recent sale price on the security's
primary exchange or OTC market as of the Value Time. Lacking any sales, the
security is valued at the calculated mean between the most recent bid quotation
and the most recent asked quotation (the "Calculated Mean") on such exchange or
OTC market as of the Value Time. If it is not possible to determine the
Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the most recent bid quotation on such
exchange or OTC market as of the Value Time. In the case of certain foreign
exchanges or OTC markets, the closing price reported by the exchange or OTC
market (which may sometimes be referred to as the "official close" or the
"official closing price" or other similar term) will be considered the most
recent sale price.

Debt securities are valued as follows. Money market instruments purchased with
an original or remaining maturity of 60 days or less, maturing at par, are
valued at amortized cost. Other money market instruments are valued based on
information obtained from an approved pricing agent or, if such information is
not readily available, by using matrix pricing techniques (formula driven
calculations based primarily on current market yields). Bank loans are valued at
prices supplied by an approved pricing agent (which are intended to reflect the
mean between the bid and asked prices), if available, and otherwise at the mean
of the most recent bid and asked quotations or evaluated prices, as applicable,
based on quotations or evaluated prices obtained from one or more
broker-dealers. Privately placed debt securities, other than Rule 144A debt
securities, initially are valued at cost and thereafter based on all relevant
factors including type of security, size of holding and restrictions on
disposition. Municipal debt securities are valued at prices supplied by an
approved pricing agent (which are intended to reflect the mean between the bid
and asked prices), if available, and otherwise at the mean of the most recent
bid and asked quotations or evaluated prices obtained from a broker-dealer.
Other debt securities are valued at prices supplied by an approved pricing
agent, if available, and otherwise at the most recent bid quotation or evaluated
price, as applicable, obtained from one or more broker-dealers. If it is not
possible to value a particular debt security pursuant to the above methods, the
security is valued on the basis of factors including (but not limited to)
maturity, coupon, creditworthiness, currency denomination, and the movement of
the market in which the security is normally traded.

An exchange-traded option contract on securities, currencies and other financial
instruments is valued at its most recent sale price on such exchange. Lacking
any sales, the option contract is valued at the Calculated Mean. If it is not
possible to determine the Calculated Mean, the option contract is valued at the
most recent bid quotation in the case of a purchased option contract or the most
recent asked quotation in the case of a written option contract, in each case as
of the Value Time. An option contract on securities, currencies and other
financial instruments traded in the OTC market is valued at the evaluated price
provided by the broker-dealer with which it was traded. Futures contracts (and
options thereon) are valued at the most recent settlement price, if available,
on the exchange on which they are traded most extensively. With the exception of
stock index futures contracts which trade on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange,
closing settlement times are prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock
Exchange. For stock index futures contracts which trade on the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange, closing settlement prices are normally available at
approximately 4:20 Eastern time. If no settlement price is available, the last
trade price on such exchange will be used.

If market quotations for a portfolio asset are not readily available or the
value of a portfolio asset as determined in accordance with Board approved
procedures does not represent the fair market value of the portfolio asset, the
value of the portfolio asset is taken to be an amount which, in the opinion of
the Fund's Pricing Committee (or, in some cases, the Board's Valuation
Committee), represents fair market value. The value of other portfolio holdings
owned by the Fund is determined in a manner which is intended to fairly reflect
the fair market value of the asset on the valuation date, based on valuation
procedures adopted by the Fund's Board and overseen primarily by the Fund's
Pricing Committee.

                           BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

The following table presents certain information regarding the Board Members of
the Trust. Each Board Member's year of birth is set forth in parentheses after
his or her name. Unless otherwise noted, (i) each Board Member has engaged in
the principal occupation(s) noted in the table for at least the most recent five
years, although not necessarily in the same capacity, and (ii) the address of
each Board Member that is not an "interested person" (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the Trust or the Advisor (each, an "Independent Board Member") is c/o
Dawn-Marie Driscoll, PO Box 100176, Cape Coral, FL 33904. The term of office for
each Board Member is until the election and qualification of a successor, or
until such Board Member sooner dies, resigns, is removed or as otherwise
provided in the governing documents of the Trust. Because the Portfolios do not
hold an annual meeting of shareholders, each Board Member will hold office for
an indeterminate period. The Board Members may also serve in similar capacities
with other funds in the DWS fund complex.

Independent Board Members

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name, Year of Birth, Position                                                                   Number of Funds
 with the Trust and Length of     Business Experience and                                        in DWS Fund
 Time Served(1)                   Directorships During the Past 5 Years                          Complex Overseen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>                                                                   <C>
Paul K. Freeman                   Consultant, World Bank/Inter-American Development Bank;               133
(1950)                            Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council
Chairperson since 2009, and       (governance, executive committees); formerly: Project Leader,
Board Member since 1993           International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
                                  (1998-2001); Chief Executive Officer, The Eric Group, Inc.
                                  (environmental insurance) (1986-1998)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John W. Ballantine (1946)         Retired; formerly: Executive Vice President and Chief Risk            133
Board Member since 1999           Management Officer, First Chicago NBD Corporation/The First
                                  National Bank of Chicago (1996-1998); Executive Vice
                                  President and Head of International Banking (1995-1996);
                                  Directorships: Healthways Inc. (provider of disease and care
                                  management services); Portland General Electric (utility
                                  company); Stockwell Capital Investments PLC (private equity);
                                  former Directorships: First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. and
                                  Oak Brook Bank
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Henry P. Becton, Jr. (1943)      Vice Chair, WGBH Educational Foundation; Directorships:               133
 Board Member since               Association of Public Television Stations; Becton Dickinson
 1990                             and Company(2) (medical technology company); Belo
                                  Corporation(2) (media company); Boston Museum of Science;
                                  Public Radio International; PRX, The Public Radio Exchange;
                                  The PBS Foundation; former Directorships: American Public
                                  Television; Concord Academy; New England Aquarium; Mass.
                                  Corporation for Educational Telecommunications; Committee for
                                  Economic Development; Public Broadcasting Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dawn-Marie Driscoll (1946)        President, Driscoll Associates (consulting firm); Executive           133
Board Member since 1987           Fellow, Center for Business Ethics, Bentley University;
                                  formerly: Partner, Palmer & Dodge (1988-1990); Vice President
                                  of Corporate Affairs and General Counsel, Filene's
                                  (1978-1988); Directorships: Trustee of 20 open-end mutual
                                  funds managed by Sun Capital Advisers, Inc. (since 2007);
                                  Director of ICI Mutual Insurance Company (since 2007);
                                  Advisory Board, Center for Business Ethics, Bentley
                                  University; Trustee, Southwest Florida Community Foundation
                                  (charitable organization); former Directorships: Investment
                                  Company Institute (audit, executive, nominating committees)
                                  and Independent Directors Council (governance, executive
                                  committees)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith R. Fox (1954)               Managing General Partner, Exeter Capital Partners (a series           133
Board Member since                of private equity funds); Directorships: Progressive Holding
1996                              Corporation (kitchen goods importer and distributor); Natural
                                  History, Inc. (magazine publisher); Box Top Media Inc.
                                  (advertising); The Kennel Shop (retailer)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth C. Froewiss               Clinical Professor of Finance, NYU Stern School of Business           133
(1945)                            (1997-present); Member, Finance Committee, Association for
Board Member since                Asian Studies (2002-present); Director, Mitsui Sumitomo
2001                              Insurance Group (US) (2004-present); prior thereto, Managing
                                  Director, J.P. Morgan (investment banking firm) (until 1996)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard J. Herring                Jacob Safra Professor of International Banking and Professor,         133
(1946)                            Finance Department, The Wharton School, University of
Board Member since                Pennsylvania (since July 1972); Co-Director, Wharton
1990                              Financial Institutions Center (since July 2000); Director,
                                  Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (since September 2007), Thai Capital
                                  Fund, Inc. (since September 2007), Singapore Fund, Inc.
                                  (since September 2007); formerly: Vice Dean and Director,
                                  Wharton Undergraduate Division (July 1995-June 2000);
                                  Director, Lauder Institute of International Management
                                  Studies (July 2000-June 2006)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William McClayton (1944)          Managing Director, Diamond Management & Technology                    133
Board Member since 2004           Consultants, Inc. (global management consulting firm)
                                  (2001-present); Directorship: Board of Managers, YMCA of
                                  Metropolitan Chicago; formerly: Senior Partner, Arthur
                                  Andersen LLP (accounting) (1966-2001); Trustee, Ravinia
                                  Festival
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rebecca W. Rimel                  President and Chief Executive Officer, The Pew Charitable             133
(1951)                            Trusts (charitable organization) (1994 to present); Trustee,
Board Member since                Thomas Jefferson Foundation (charitable organization) (1994
1995                              to present); Trustee, Executive Committee, Philadelphia
                                  Chamber of Commerce (2001 to 2007); Trustee, Pro Publica
                                  (2007-present) (charitable organization); formerly: Executive
                                  Vice President, The Glenmede Trust Company (investment trust
                                  and wealth management) (1983 to 2004); Board Member, Investor
                                  Education (charitable organization) (2004-2005); Director,
                                  Viasys Health Care(2) (January 2007-June 2007)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William N. Searcy, Jr.            Private investor since October 2003; Trustee of 20 open-end           133
(1946)                            mutual funds managed by Sun Capital Advisers, Inc. (since
Board Member since                October 1998); formerly: Pension & Savings Trust Officer,
1993                              Sprint Corporation(2) (telecommunications) (November
                                  1989-September 2003)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jean Gleason Stromberg            Retired; formerly: Consultant (1997-2001); Director, US               133
(1943)                            Government Accountability Office (1996-1997); Partner,
Board Member since                Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P. (law firm) (1978-1996);
1997                              Directorships: The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation;
                                  Business Leadership Council, Wellesley College; former
                                  Directorships: Service Source, Inc., Mutual Fund Directors
                                  Forum (2002-2004), American Bar Retirement Association
                                  (funding vehicle for retirement plans) (1987-1990 and
                                  1994-1996)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert H. Wadsworth (1940)        President, Robert H. Wadsworth & Associates, Inc. (consulting         136
Board Member since 1999           firm) (1983 to present); Director, The Phoenix Boys Choir
                                  Association
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interested Board Member

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name, Year of Birth, Position    Business Experience and                                        Number of Funds
 with the Trust and Length of                                                                    in DWS Fund
 Time Served(1)                   Directorships During the Past 5 Years                          Complex Overseen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Axel Schwarzer(3)                Managing Director(4), Deutsche Asset Management; Head of              133
 (1958)                           Deutsche Asset Management Americas; CEO of DWS Investments;
 Board Member since               formerly: board member of DWS Investments, Germany
 2006                             (1999-2005); Head of Sales and Product Management for the
                                  Retail and Private Banking Division of Deutsche Bank in
                                  Germany (1997-1999); various strategic and operational
                                  positions for Deutsche Bank Germany Retail and Private
                                  Banking Division in the field of investment funds, tax driven
                                  instruments and asset management for corporates (1989-1996)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Officers(5)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name, Year of Birth, Position    Business Experience and
 with the Trust and Length of
 Time Served(6)                   Directorships During the Past 5 Years
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Michael G. Clark(7) (1965)       Managing Director(4), Deutsche Asset Management (2006-present); President of
 President, 2006-present          DWS family of funds; Director, ICI Mutual Insurance Company (since
                                  October 2007); formerly: Director of Fund Board Relations (2004-2006) and
                                  Director of Product Development (2000-2004), Merrill Lynch Investment Managers;
                                  Senior Vice President Operations, Merrill Lynch Asset Management (1999-2000)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 John Millette(8) (1962)          Director(4), Deutsche Asset Management
 Vice President and Secretary,
 1999-present
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Paul H. Schubert(7) (1963)       Managing Director(4), Deutsche Asset Management (since July 2004); formerly:
 Chief Financial Officer,         Executive Director, Head of Mutual Fund Services and Treasurer for UBS Family
 2004-present                     of Funds (1998-2004); Vice President and Director of Mutual Fund Finance at UBS
 Treasurer, 2005-present          Global Asset Management (1994-1998)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Caroline Pearson(8) (1962)       Managing Director(4), Deutsche Asset Management
 Assistant Secretary,
 1997-present
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Rita Rubin(9) (1970)             Vice President and Counsel, Deutsche Asset Management (since October 2007);
 Assistant Secretary,             formerly, Vice President, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2004-2007);
 2009-present                     Attorney, Shearman & Sterling LLP (2004); Vice President and Associate General
                                  Counsel, UBS Global Asset Management (2001-2004)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Paul Antosca(8)                  Director(4), Deutsche Asset Management (since 2006); formerly: Vice President,
 (1957)                           The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) (1990-2006)
 Assistant Treasurer,
 2007-present
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Jack Clark (8)                   Director(4), Deutsche Asset Management (since 2007); formerly: Vice President,
 (1967)                           State Street Corporation (2002-2007)
 Assistant Treasurer,
 2007-present
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Diane Kenneally(8)               Director(4), Deutsche Asset Management
 (1966)
 Assistant Treasurer,
 2007-present
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Jason Vazquez(9) (1972)          Vice President, Deutsche Asset Management (since 2006); formerly: AML
 Anti-Money Laundering            Operations Manager for Bear Stearns (2004-2006); Supervising Compliance
 Compliance Officer,              Principal and Operations Manager for AXA Financial (1999-2004)
 2007-present
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Robert Kloby(9) (1962)           Managing Director(4), Deutsche Asset Management (2004-present); formerly: Chief
 Chief Compliance Officer,        Compliance Officer/Chief Risk Officer, Robeco USA (2000-2004); Vice President,
 2006-present                     The Prudential Insurance Company of America (1988-2000); E.F. Hutton and
                                  Company (1984-1988)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 J. Christopher Jackson(9)        Director(4), Deutsche Asset Management (2006-present); formerly: Director,
 (1951)                           Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Assistant Secretary, Hansberger
 Chief Legal Officer,             Global Investors, Inc. (1996-2006); Director, National Society of Compliance
 2006-present                     Professionals (2002-2005) (2006-2009)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)      The length of time served represents the year in which the Board Member
         joined the board of one or more DWS funds currently overseen by the
         Board.

(2)      A publicly held company with securities registered pursuant to Section
         12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(3)      The mailing address of Axel Schwarzer is c/o Deutsche Investment
         Management Americas Inc., 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154.
         Mr. Schwarzer is an interested Board Member by virtue of his positions
         with Deutsche Asset Management. As an interested person, Mr. Schwarzer
         receives no compensation from the Portfolios.

(4)      Executive title, not a board directorship.

(5)      As a result of their respective positions held with the Advisor, these
         individuals are considered "interested persons" of the Advisor within
         the meaning of the 1940 Act. Interested persons receive no compensation
         from the Portfolios.

(6)      The length of time served represents the year in which the officer was
         first elected in such capacity for one or more DWS funds.

(7)      Address:  345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154.

(8)      Address: One Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108.

(9)      Address:  280 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017.

Certain officers hold similar positions for other investment companies for which
DIMA or an affiliate serves as the Advisor.

Officer's Role with Principal Underwriter:  DWS Investments Distributors, Inc.

 Paul H. Schubert:              Vice President
 Jason Vazquez:                 Vice President and AML Compliance Officer
 Caroline Pearson:              Secretary

Board Members' Responsibilities. The officers of the Trust manage its day-to-day
operations under the direction of the Board. The primary responsibility of the
Board is to represent the interests of the Portfolios and to provide oversight
of the management of the Portfolios.

Board Committees. The Board has established the following standing committees:
Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee, Contract Committee, Equity
Oversight Committee, Fixed-Income and Quant Oversight Committee, Marketing and
Shareholder Services Committee, and Operations Committee. For each committee,
the Board has adopted a written charter setting forth each committee's
responsibilities. Each committee was reconstituted effective April 1, 2008.


Audit Committee: The Audit Committee, which consists entirely of Independent
Board Members, assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight
of (1) the integrity of the financial statements, (2) the Portfolios' accounting
and financial reporting policies and procedures, (3) the Portfolios' compliance
with legal and regulatory requirements related to accounting and financial
reporting and (4) the qualifications, independence and performance of the
independent registered public accounting firm for the Portfolios. It also
approves and recommends to the Board the appointment, retention or termination
of the independent registered public accounting firm for the Portfolios, reviews
the scope of audit and internal controls, considers and reports to the Board on
matters relating to the Portfolios' accounting and financial reporting
practices, and performs such other tasks as the full Board deems necessary or
appropriate. The Audit Committee receives annual representations from the
independent registered public accounting firm as to its independence. The
members of the Audit Committee are William McClayton (Chair), Kenneth C.
Froewiss (Vice Chair), John W. Ballantine, Henry P. Becton, Jr., Keith R. Fox
and William N. Searcy, Jr. During the calendar year 2008, the Audit Committee of
the Portfolios' Board held six (6) meetings.


Nominating and Governance Committee: The Nominating and Governance Committee,
which consists entirely of Independent Board Members, recommends individuals for
membership on the Board, nominates officers, Board and committee chairs, vice
chairs and committee members, and oversees the operations of the Board. The
Nominating and Governance Committee also reviews recommendations by shareholders
for candidates for Board positions. Shareholders may recommend candidates for
Board positions by forwarding their correspondence by US mail or courier service
to Dawn-Marie Driscoll, P.O. Box 100176, Cape Coral, FL 33904. The members of
the Nominating and Governance Committee are Henry P. Becton, Jr. (Chair),
Rebecca W. Rimel (Vice Chair), Paul K. Freeman and William McClayton. During the
calendar year 2008, the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Portfolios'
Board held four (4) meetings.


Contract Committee: The Contract Committee, which consists entirely of
Independent Board Members, reviews at least annually, (a) the Portfolios'
financial arrangements with DIMA and its affiliates, and (b) the Portfolios'
expense ratios. The members of the Contract Committee are Robert H. Wadsworth
(Chair), Keith R. Fox (Vice Chair), Henry P. Becton, Jr., Richard J. Herring,
William McClayton and Jean Gleason Stromberg. During the calendar year 2008, the
Contract Review Committee of the Portfolios' Board held seven (7) meetings.


Equity Oversight Committee: The Equity Oversight Committee reviews the
investment operations of those portfolios that primarily invest in equity
securities (except for those funds managed by a quantitative investment team).
The members of the Equity Oversight Committee are John W. Ballantine (Chair),
William McClayton (Vice Chair), Henry P. Becton, Jr., Keith R. Fox, Richard J.
Herring and Rebecca W. Rimel. During the calendar year 2008, the Equity
Oversight Committee of the Portfolios' Board held five (5) meetings.

Fixed-Income and Quant Oversight Committee: The Fixed-Income and Quant Oversight
Committee reviews the investment operations of those portfolios that primarily
invest in fixed-income securities or are managed by a quantitative investment
team. The members of the Fixed-Income and Quant Oversight Committee are William
N. Searcy, Jr. (Chair), Jean Gleason Stromberg (Vice Chair), Dawn-Marie
Driscoll, Kenneth C. Froewiss and Robert H. Wadsworth. During the calendar year
2008, the Fixed-Income Oversight Committee of the Portfolios' Board held five
(5) meetings.


Marketing and Shareholder Services Committee: The Marketing and Shareholder
Services Committee reviews the Portfolios' marketing program, sales practices
and literature and shareholder services. The members of the Marketing and
Shareholder Services Committee are Richard J. Herring (Chair), Dawn-Marie
Driscoll (Vice Chair), Rebecca W. Rimel, Jean Gleason Stromberg and Robert H.
Wadsworth. During the calendar year 2008, the Marketing/Distribution/Shareholder
Service Committee of the Portfolios' Board held four (4) meetings.

Operations Committee: The Operations Committee reviews the administrative
operations, legal affairs and general compliance matters of the Portfolios. The
Operations Committee reviews administrative matters related to the operations of
the Portfolios, policies and procedures relating to portfolio transactions,
custody arrangements, fidelity bond and insurance arrangements, valuation of
Portfolio assets and securities and such other tasks as the full Board deems
necessary or appropriate. The Operations Committee also oversees the valuation
of the Portfolios' securities and other assets and determines, as needed, the
fair value of Portfolio securities or other assets under certain circumstances
as described in the Portfolios' Valuation Procedures. The Operations Committee
has appointed a Valuation Sub-Committee, which may make determinations of fair
value required when the Operations Committee is not in session. The members of
the Operations Committee are Dawn-Marie Driscoll (Chair), John W. Ballantine
(Vice Chair), Kenneth C. Froewiss, Rebecca W. Rimel and William N. Searcy, Jr.
The members of the Valuation Sub-Committee are Kenneth C. Froewiss (Chair), John
W. Ballantine, Dawn-Marie Driscoll (Alternate), Rebecca W. Rimel (Alternate) and
William N. Searcy, Jr. (Alternate). During the calendar year 2008, the
Operations Committee held four (4) meetings and the Valuation Sub-Committee held
two (2) meetings on behalf of DWS International VIP.


Ad Hoc Committees. In addition to the standing committees described above, from
time to time the Board may also form ad hoc committees to consider specific
issues.

Remuneration. Each Independent Board Member receives compensation from the
Portfolios for his or her services, which includes retainer fees and specified
amounts for various committee services and for the Board Chairperson. No
additional compensation is paid to any Independent Board Member for travel time
to meetings, attendance at directors' educational seminars or conferences,
service on industry or association committees, participation as speakers at
directors' conferences or service on special fund industry director task forces
or subcommittees. Independent Board Members do not receive any employee benefits
such as pension or retirement benefits or health insurance from the Portfolios
or any fund in the DWS fund complex.

Board Members who are officers, directors, employees or stockholders of Deutsche
Asset Management or its affiliates receive no direct compensation from the
Portfolios, although they are compensated as employees of Deutsche Asset
Management, or its affiliates, and as a result may be deemed to participate in
fees paid by the Portfolios. The following tables show compensation from the
Portfolios and aggregate compensation from all of the funds in the DWS fund
complex received by each Independent Board Member during the calendar year 2008.
Mr. Schwarzer is an interested person of the Portfolios and received no
compensation from the Portfolios or any fund in the DWS fund complex during the
relevant periods.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Aggregate              Aggregate              Aggregate
                                  Aggregate            Compensation           Compensation           Compensation
  Name of                        Compensation        from DWS Capital       from DWS Global       from DWS Growth &
  Board Member                from DWS Bond VIP         Growth VIP          Opportunities VIP         Income VIP
  ------------                -----------------         ----------          -----------------         ----------


<S>                                  <C>                   <C>                    <C>                   <C>
  John W. Ballantine                 $379                  $1,383                 $456                  $329
  Henry P. Becton, Jr.(2)            $291                    $386                  $28                  $286
  Dawn-Marie Driscoll(2)(3)          $337                    $455                  $29                  $329
  Keith R. Fox(2)                    $279                    $367                  $27                  $274
  Paul K. Freeman                    $399                  $1,475                 $481                  $345
  Kenneth C. Froewiss                $279                    $367                  $27                  $274
  Richard J. Herring(2)              $291                    $386                  $28                  $286
  William McClayton(4)               $392                  $1,440                 $471                  $338
  Rebecca W. Rimel(2)                $279                    $367                  $27                  $274
  William N. Searcy, Jr.             $291                    $386                  $28                  $286
  Jean Gleason Stromberg             $279                    $367                  $27                  $274
  Robert H. Wadsworth                $392                  $1,440                 $471                  $338



                                                          Aggregate
                                                        Compensation         Total Compensation
  Name of                  Aggregate Compensation         from DWS            from Fund and DWS
  Board Member              from Health Care VIP      International VIP        Fund Complex(1)
  ------------              --------------------      -----------------        ---------------


  John W. Ballantine                $234                   $905                   $237,500
  Henry P. Becton, Jr.(2)           $601                 $1,148                   $246,000
  Dawn-Marie
  Driscoll(2)(3)                    $722                 $1,402                   $292,500
  Keith R. Fox(2)                   $568                 $1,079                   $229,500
  Paul K. Freeman                   $243                   $963                   $255,000
  Kenneth C. Froewiss               $568                 $1,079                   $226,750
  Richard J. Herring(2)             $601                 $1,148                   $240,000
  William McClayton(4)              $239                   $940                   $257,500
  Rebecca W. Rimel(2)               $568                 $1,079                   $233,500
  William N. Searcy, Jr.            $601                 $1,148                   $238,000
  Jean Gleason Stromberg            $568                 $1,079                   $225,500
  Robert H. Wadsworth               $239                   $940                   $273,500

</TABLE>

(1)      The DWS fund complex is composed of 136 funds as of December 31, 2008.

(2)      Aggregate compensation includes amounts paid to the Board Members for
         special meetings of ad hoc committees of the Board in connection with
         the consolidation of the DWS fund boards and various funds, meetings
         for considering fund expense simplification initiatives, and
         consideration of issues specific to the Portfolios' direct shareholders
         (i.e., those shareholders who did not purchase shares through financial
         intermediaries). Such amounts totaled $8,000 for Mr. Becton, $2,000 for
         Ms. Driscoll, $2,000 for Mr. Fox, $2,000 for Dr. Herring and $8,000 for
         Ms. Rimel. These meeting fees were borne by the funds.

(3)      Includes $70,000 in annual retainer fees received by Ms. Driscoll as
         Chairperson of DWS funds.

(4)      Includes $15,000 paid to Mr. McClayton for numerous special meetings of
         an ad hoc committee of the former Chicago Board in connection with
         board consolidation initiatives.


Board Member Ownership in the Portfolios


The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially
owned by each Board Member in the Portfolios and DWS fund complex as of December
31, 2008.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Dollar Range of      Dollar Range of
                                      Dollar Range of      Beneficial            Beneficial          Dollar Range of
                                         Beneficial     Ownership in DWS      Ownership in DWS          Beneficial
                                     Ownership in DWS    Capital Growth           Global             Ownership in DWS
Board Member                              Bond VIP             VIP           Opportunities VIP     Growth & Income VIP
------------                              --------             ---           -----------------     -------------------

Independent Board Member:
-------------------------


<S>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
John W. Ballantine                          None              None                  None                   None
Henry P. Becton, Jr.                        None              None                  None                   None
Dawn-Marie Driscoll                         None              None                  None                   None
Keith R. Fox                                None              None                  None                   None
Paul K. Freeman                             None              None                  None                   None
Kenneth C. Froewiss                         None              None                  None                   None
Richard J. Herring                          None              None                  None                   None
William McClayton                           None              None                  None                   None
Rebecca W. Rimel                            None              None                  None                   None
William N. Searcy, Jr.                      None              None                  None                   None
Jean Gleason Stromberg                      None              None                  None                   None
Robert H. Wadsworth                         None              None                  None                   None


Interested Board Member:
------------------------


Axel Schwarzer                              None               None                  None                   None



                                                               Dollar Range of           Aggregate Dollar Range of
                                        Dollar Range of     Beneficial Ownership    Ownership in all Funds Overseen by
                                      Beneficial Ownership  in DWS International           Board Member in the
Board Member                         in DWS Health Care VIP          VIP                    DWS Fund Complex(1)

Independent Board Member:


John W. Ballantine                            None                   None                      Over $100,000
Henry P. Becton, Jr.                          None                   None                      Over $100,000
Dawn-Marie Driscoll                           None                   None                      Over $100,000
Keith R. Fox                                  None                   None                      Over $100,000
Paul K. Freeman                               None                   None                      Over $100,000
Kenneth C. Froewiss                           None                   None                      Over $100,000
Richard J. Herring                            None                   None                      Over $100,000
William McClayton                             None                   None                      Over $100,000
Rebecca W. Rimel                              None                   None                      Over $100,000
William N. Searcy, Jr.                        None                   None                      Over $100,000
Jean Gleason Stromberg                        None                   None                      Over $100,000
Robert H. Wadsworth                           None                   None                      Over $100,000


Interested Board Member:
------------------------


Axel Schwarzer                                None                   None                      Over $100,000

</TABLE>

(1)      Securities beneficially owned as defined under the 1934 Act include
         direct and/or indirect ownership of securities where the Board Member's
         economic interest is tied to the securities, employment ownership and
         securities when the Board Member can exert voting power, and when the
         Board Member has authority to sell the securities. The dollar ranges
         are: None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000 and over
         $100,000.

Ownership in Securities of the Advisor and Related Companies

As reported to the Portfolios, the information in the following table reflects
ownership by the Independent Board Members and their immediate family members of
certain securities as of December 31, 2008. Immediate family members can be a
spouse, children residing in the same household including step and adoptive
children, and any dependents. The securities represent ownership in the Advisor
or principal underwriter of the Portfolios and any persons (other than a
registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled
by, or under common control with the Advisor or principal underwriter of the
Portfolios (including Deutsche Bank AG).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Value of        Percent of
                                   Owner and                                     Securities on     Class on an
Independent                     Relationship to                     Title of     an Aggregate       Aggregate
Board Member                      Board Member         Company        Class          Basis            Basis
------------                      ------------         -------        -----          -----            -----

<S>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
John W. Ballantine                                      None
Henry P. Becton, Jr.                                    None
Dawn-Marie Driscoll                                     None
Keith R. Fox                                            None
Paul K. Freeman                                         None
Kenneth C. Froewiss                                     None
Richard J. Herring                                      None
William McClayton                                       None
Rebecca W. Rimel                                        None
William N. Searcy, Jr.                                  None
Jean Gleason Stromberg                                  None
Robert H. Wadsworth                                     None
</TABLE>

Securities Beneficially Owned

As of [Date within 30 days of filing], the Board Members and officers of the
Trust owned, as a group, less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each
Portfolio.

To the best of each Portfolio's knowledge, as of [Date within 30 days of
filing], no person owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of
the Portfolio's outstanding shares, except as noted below.

Agreement to Indemnify Independent Trustees for Certain Expenses

In connection with litigation or regulatory action related to possible improper
market timing or other improper trading activity or possible improper marketing
and sales activity in certain DWS Funds (the "Affected Funds"), DIMA has agreed
to indemnify and hold harmless the Affected Funds ("Fund Indemnification
Agreement") against any and all loss, damage, liability and expense, arising
from market timing or marketing and sales matters alleged in any enforcement
actions brought by governmental authorities involving or potentially affecting
the Affected Funds or DIMA ("Enforcement Actions") or that are the basis for
private actions brought by shareholders of the Affected Funds against the
Affected Funds, their directors and officers, DIMA and/or certain other parties
("Private Litigation"), or any proceedings or actions that may be threatened or
commenced in the future by any person (including governmental authorities),
arising from or similar to the matters alleged in the Enforcement Actions or
Private Litigation. In recognition of its undertaking to indemnify the Affected
Funds and in light of the rebuttable presumption generally afforded to
independent directors/trustees of investment companies that they have not
engaged in disabling conduct, DIMA has also agreed, subject to applicable law
and regulation, to indemnify certain (or, with respect to certain Affected
Funds, all) of the Independent Trustees of the Affected Funds, against certain
liabilities the Independent Trustees may incur from the matters alleged in any
Enforcement Actions or Private Litigation or arising from or similar to the
matters alleged in the Enforcement Actions or Private Litigation, and advance
expenses that may be incurred by the Independent Trustees in connection with any
Enforcement Actions or Private Litigation. DIMA is not, however, required to
provide indemnification and advancement of expenses: (1) with respect to any
proceeding or action which the Affected Funds' Board determines that the
Independent Trustees ultimately would not be entitled to indemnification or (2)
for any liability of the Independent Trustees to the Funds or their shareholders
to which the Independent Trustee would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
Independent Trustee's duties as a director or trustee of the Affected Funds as
determined in a final adjudication in such action or proceeding. The estimated
amount of any expenses that may be advanced to the Independent Trustees or
indemnity that may be payable under the indemnity agreements is currently
unknown. These agreements by DIMA will survive the termination of the investment
management agreements between DIMA and the Affected Funds.

                           SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

Owners of policies and contracts issued by Participating Insurance Companies for
which shares of one or more Portfolios are the investment vehicle will receive
from the Participating Insurance Companies unaudited semi-annual financial
statements and audited year-end financial statements certified by the
Portfolios' independent public accountants. Each report will show the
investments owned by a Portfolio and the market values thereof as determined by
the Trustees and will provide other information about a Portfolio and its
operations.

Participating Insurance Companies with inquiries regarding the Fund or its
Portfolios may call the Fund's underwriter, DWS Investments Distributors, Inc.,
at (800) 778-1482 or write DWS Investments Distributors, Inc., 222 South
Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606-5808.

                                FUND ORGANIZATION

General

DWS Variable Series I is a Massachusetts business trust organized under the laws
of Massachusetts and is governed by an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust
that was approved by shareholders in the second quarter of 2006, as may be
further amended from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust"). All shares
issued and outstanding are fully paid and non-assessable, transferable, have no
pre-emptive or conversion rights (except as may be determined by the Board of
Trustees) and are redeemable as described in the SAI and a Portfolio's
prospectus. Each share has equal rights with each other share of the same class
of the Portfolio as to voting, dividends, exchanges, conversion features and
liquidation. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and
fractional votes for fractional shares held.

A Portfolio generally is not required to hold meetings of its shareholders.
Under the Declaration of Trust, however, shareholder meetings will be held in
connection with the following matters to the extent and as provided in the
Declaration of Trust and as required by applicable law: (a) the election or
removal of trustees if a meeting is called for such purpose; (b) the termination
of the Fund or a Portfolio; (c) an amendment of the Declaration of Trust; and
(d) such additional matters as may be required by law or as the Trustees may
determine to be necessary or desirable. Shareholders also vote upon changes in
fundamental policies or restrictions.

The Declaration of Trust provides that shareholder meeting quorum requirements
shall be established in the Fund's By-laws. The By-laws currently in effect
provide that the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of thirty percent
of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting (or of an individual series or class
if required to vote separately) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at meetings of shareholders of the Fund.

On any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders, all shares of the Fund
entitled to vote shall, except as otherwise provided in the Fund's By-Laws, be
voted in the aggregate as a single class without regard to series or classes of
shares, except (a) when required by applicable law or when the Trustees shall
have determined that the matter affects one or more series or classes of shares
materially differently, shares shall be voted by individual series or class; and
(b) when the Trustees have determined that the matter affects only the interests
of one or more series or classes, only shareholders of such series or classes
shall be entitled to vote thereon.

The Declaration of Trust provides that the Board of Trustees may, in its
discretion, establish minimum investment amounts for shareholder accounts,
impose fees on accounts that do not exceed a minimum investment amount and
involuntarily redeem shares in any such account in payment of such fees. The
Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion, also may cause the Fund to redeem all
of the shares of the Fund or one or more series or classes held by any
shareholder for any reason, to the extent permissible by the 1940 Act, including
(a) if the shareholder owns shares having an aggregate net asset value of less
than a specified minimum amount, (b) if a particular shareholder's ownership of
shares would disqualify a series from being a regulated investment company, (c)
upon a shareholder's failure to provide sufficient identification to permit the
Fund to verify the shareholder's identity, (d) upon a shareholder's failure to
pay for shares or meet or maintain the qualifications for ownership of a
particular class or series of shares, (e) if the Board of Trustees determines
(or pursuant to policies established by the Board it is determined) that share
ownership by a particular shareholder is not in the best interests of remaining
shareholders, (f) when a Portfolio is requested or compelled to do so by
governmental authority or applicable law and (g) upon a shareholder's failure to
comply with a request for information with respect to the direct or indirect
ownership of shares of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust also authorizes the
Board of Trustees to terminate a Portfolio or any class without shareholder
approval, and the Fund may suspend the right of shareholders to require the Fund
to redeem shares to the extent permissible under the 1940 Act.

Upon the termination of the Fund or any series, after paying or adequately
providing for the payment of all liabilities which may include the establishment
of a liquidating trust or similar vehicle, and upon receipt of such releases,
indemnities and refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their
protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining Fund property or property
of the series, in cash or in kind or partly each, to the shareholders of the
Fund or the series involved, ratably according to the number of shares of the
Fund or such series held by the several shareholders of the Fund or such series
on the date of termination, except to the extent otherwise required or permitted
by the preferences and special or relative rights and privileges of any classes
of shares of a series involved, provided that any distribution to the
shareholders of a particular class of shares shall be made to such shareholders
pro rata in proportion to the number of shares of such class held by each of
them. The composition of any such distribution (e.g., cash, securities or other
assets) shall be determined by the Fund in its sole discretion, and may be
different among shareholders (including differences among shareholders in the
same series or class).

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could,
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for obligations of a
Portfolio. The Declaration of Trust, however, disclaims shareholder liability
for acts or obligations of the Portfolio and requires that notice of such
disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or
executed by the Portfolio or the Portfolio's trustees. Moreover, the Declaration
of Trust provides for indemnification out of Portfolio property for all losses
and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of
the Portfolio and the Portfolio may be covered by insurance which the Trustees
consider adequate to cover foreseeable tort claims. Thus, the risk of a
shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is
considered by the Advisor remote and not material, since it is limited to
circumstances in which a disclaimer is inoperative and the Portfolio itself is
unable to meet its obligations.

Shareholder and Trustee Liability

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could,
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for obligations of a
portfolio thereof. The Declaration of Trust, however, disclaims shareholder
liability for acts or obligations of each Portfolio and requires that notice of
such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered
into or executed by a Portfolio or the Fund's Trustees. Moreover, the
Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of Portfolio property for
all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable for the
obligations of a Portfolio and each Portfolio will be covered by insurance which
the Trustees consider adequate to cover foreseeable tort claims. Thus, the risk
of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is
considered by the Advisor remote and not material, since it is limited to
circumstances in which a disclaimer is inoperative and such Portfolio itself is
unable to meet its obligations. It is possible that a Portfolio might become
liable for a misstatement regarding another Portfolio. The Trustees of the Fund
have considered this and approved the use of a combined Statement of Additional
Information for the Portfolios.

The Declaration of Trust provides that obligations of the Fund are not binding
upon the Trustees individually but only upon the property of the Fund, that the
Trustees and officers will not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of
fact or law, and that the Fund, will indemnify its Trustees and officers against
liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation in which they
may be involved because of their offices with the Fund, except if it is
determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust that they have not
acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best
interests of the Fund. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects or
indemnifies a Trustee or officer against any liability to which he or she would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, of reckless disregard of duties involved in the conduct of his or
her office.

Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share; however, separate votes will
be taken by each Portfolio on matters affecting an individual Portfolio.
Additionally, approval of the investment advisory agreement covering a Portfolio
is a matter to be determined separately by each Portfolio. Approval by the
shareholders of one Portfolio is effective as to that Portfolio. Shares have
noncumulative voting rights, which means that holders of more than 50% of the
shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect all Trustees and, in such
event, the holders of the remaining shares voting for the election of Trustees
will not be able to elect any person or persons as Trustees. Shares have no
preemptive or subscription rights, and are transferable.

Shareholders have certain rights, as set forth in the Declaration of Trust of
the Fund, including the right to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose
of voting on the removal of one or more Trustees. Such removal can be effected
upon the action of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest
of the Fund.

                             PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES


The Fund has delegated proxy voting responsibilities to the Advisor, subject to
the Board's general oversight. The Advisor votes proxies pursuant to the proxy
voting policy and guidelines set forth in Appendix A to this SAI.


You may obtain information about how a fund voted proxies related to its
portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 by visiting the
Securities and Exchange Commission's Web site at www.sec.gov or by visiting our
Web site at: www.dws-investments.com (click on "proxy voting" at the bottom of
the page).

                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The CUSIP number of DWS Bond VIP Class A shares is 23338G 109.



The CUSIP number of DWS Growth & Income VIP Class A shares is 23338G 703.

The CUSIP number of DWS Growth & Income VIP Class B shares is 23338G 802.

The CUSIP number of DWS Capital Growth VIP Class A shares is 23338G 307.

The CUSIP number of DWS Capital Growth VIP Class B shares is 23338G 406.

The CUSIP number of DWS Global Opportunities VIP Class A shares is 23338G 505.

The CUSIP number of DWS Global Opportunities VIP Class B shares is 23338G 604.

The CUSIP number of DWS International VIP Class A shares is 23338G 869.

The CUSIP number of DWS International VIP Class B shares is 23338G 851.

The CUSIP number of DWS Health Care VIP Class A shares is 23338G 885.

The CUSIP number of DWS Health Care VIP Class B shares is 23338G 877.

Each Portfolio has a December 31 fiscal year end.

The name "DWS Variable Series I" is the designation of the Trustees for the time
being under an amended and restated Declaration of Trust dated June 27, 2006, as
amended from time to time, and all persons dealing with the Fund must look
solely to the property of the Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the
Fund as neither the Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders assume any
personal liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Fund. Upon the
initial purchase of shares, the shareholder agrees to be bound by the Fund's
Declaration of Trust, as amended from time to time. The Declaration of Trust is
on file at the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office in Boston,
Massachusetts.

Each Portfolio, through its combined Prospectuses and combined Statement of
Additional Information, offers only its own share classes, yet it is possible
that one Portfolio might become liable for a misstatement regarding the other
Portfolio. The Trustees have considered this, and have approved the use of the
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.

The Fund's prospectuses and this Statement of Additional Information omit
certain information contained in the Registration Statement which the Fund has
filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 and reference is hereby made
to the Registration Statement, and its amendments, for further information with
respect to the Fund and the securities offered hereby. The Registration
Statement and its amendments are available for inspection by the public at the
SEC in Washington, D.C.

                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements of DWS Variable Series I are comprised of the
following:

         DWS Bond VIP
         DWS Growth & Income VIP
         DWS Capital Growth VIP
         DWS Global Opportunities VIP
         DWS International VIP
         DWS Health Care VIP


The financial statements, including the investment portfolios of DWS Variable
Series I, together with the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm, Financial Highlights and notes to financial statements are incorporated by
reference and attached hereto, in the Annual Report to the Shareholders of the
Fund dated December 31, 2008, and are hereby deemed to be part of this Statement
of Additional Information.


                      APPENDIX A -- PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

       Deutsche Asset Management ("AM") Proxy Voting Policy and Guidelines


I.       INTRODUCTION

AM has adopted and implemented the following policies and procedures, which it
believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best
economic interest of clients, in accordance with its fiduciary duties and local
regulation. These Proxy Voting Policies, Procedures and Guidelines shall apply
to all accounts managed by US domiciled advisers and to all US client accounts
managed by non US regional offices. Non US regional offices are required to
maintain procedures and to vote proxies as may be required by law on behalf of
their non US clients. In addition, AM's proxy policies reflect the fiduciary
standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts.

The attached guidelines represent a set of global recommendations that were
determined by the Global Proxy Voting Sub-Committee ("the GPVSC"). These
guidelines were developed to provide AM with a comprehensive list of
recommendations that represent how AM will generally vote proxies for its
clients. The recommendations derived from the application of these guidelines
are not intended to influence the various AM legal entities either directly or
indirectly by parent or affiliated companies. In addition, the organizational
structures and documents of the various AM legal entities allows, where
necessary or appropriate, the execution by individual AM subsidiaries of the
proxy voting rights independently of any DB parent or affiliated company. This
applies in particular to non U.S. fund management companies. The individuals
that make proxy voting decisions are also free to act independently, subject to
the normal and customary supervision by the management/boards of these AM legal
entities.


II.      AM'S PROXY VOTING RESPONSIBILITIES

Proxy votes are the property of AM's advisory clients.(1) As such, AM's
authority and responsibility to vote such proxies depend upon its contractual
relationships with its clients. AM has delegated responsibility for effecting
its advisory clients' proxy votes to Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS"),
an independent third-party proxy voting specialist. ISS votes AM's advisory
clients' proxies in accordance with AM's proxy guidelines or AM's specific
instructions. Where a client has given specific instructions as to how a proxy
should be voted, AM will notify ISS to carry out those instructions. Where no
specific instruction exists, AM will follow the procedures in voting the proxies
set forth in this document. Certain Taft-Hartley clients may direct AM to have
ISS vote their proxies in accordance with Taft Hartley voting Guidelines

_____________________

(1)      For purposes of these Policies and Procedures, "clients" refers to
         persons or entities: for which AM serves as investment adviser or
         sub-adviser; for which AM votes proxies; and that have an economic or
         beneficial ownership interest in the portfolio securities of issuers
         soliciting such proxies.

Clients may in certain instances contract with their custodial agent and notify
AM that they wish to engage in securities lending transactions. In such cases,
it is the responsibility of the custodian to deduct the number of shares that
are on loan so that they do not get voted twice.


III.     POLICIES

1.       Proxy voting activities are conducted in the best economic interest of
         clients

AM has adopted the following policies and procedures to ensure that proxies are
voted in accordance with the best economic interest of its clients, as
determined by AM in good faith after appropriate review.

2.       The Global Proxy Voting Sub-Committee

The Global Proxy Voting Sub-Committee (the "GPVSC") is an internal working group
established by the applicable AM's Investment Risk Oversight Committee pursuant
to a written charter. The GPVSC is responsible for overseeing AM's proxy voting
activities, including:

(i)    adopting, monitoring and updating guidelines, attached as Exhibit A (the
       "Guidelines"), that provide how AM will generally vote proxies pertaining
       to a comprehensive list of common proxy voting matters;

(ii)   voting proxies where (A) the issues are not covered by specific client
       instruction or the Guidelines; (B) the Guidelines specify that the issues
       are to be determined on a case-by-case basis; or (C) where an exception
       to the Guidelines may be in the best economic interest of AM's clients;
       and

(iii)  monitoring the Proxy Vendor Oversight's proxy voting activities (see
       below).

AM's Proxy Vendor Oversight, a function of AM's Operations Group, is responsible
for coordinating with ISS to administer AM's proxy voting process and for voting
proxies in accordance with any specific client instructions or, if there are
none, the Guidelines, and overseeing ISS' proxy responsibilities in this regard.

3.       Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and proxy voting
         record

Copies of these Policies and Procedures, as they may be updated from time to
time, are made available to clients as required by law and otherwise at AM's
discretion. Clients may also obtain information on how their proxies were voted
by AM as required by law and otherwise at AM's discretion; however, AM must not
selectively disclose its investment company clients' proxy voting records. The
Proxy Vendor Oversight will make proxy voting reports available to advisory
clients upon request. The investment companies' proxy voting records will be
disclosed to shareholders by means of publicly-available annual filings of each
company's proxy voting record for 12-month periods ended June 30 (see
"Recordkeeping" below), if so required by relevant law.


IV.      PROCEDURES

The key aspects of AM's proxy voting process are as follows:

1.       The GPVSC's Proxy Voting Guidelines

The Guidelines set forth the GPVSC's standard voting positions on a
comprehensive list of common proxy voting matters. The GPVSC has developed, and
continues to update the Guidelines based on consideration of current corporate
governance principles, industry standards, client feedback, and the impact of
the matter on issuers and the value of the investments.

The GPVSC will review the Guidelines as necessary to support the best economic
interests of AM's clients and, in any event, at least annually. The GPVSC will
make changes to the Guidelines, whether as a result of the annual review or
otherwise, taking solely into account the best economic interests of clients.
Before changing the Guidelines, the GPVSC will thoroughly review and evaluate
the proposed change and the reasons therefore, and the GPVSC Chair will ask
GPVSC members whether anyone outside of the AM organization (but within Deutsche
Bank and its affiliates) or any entity that identifies itself as a AM advisory
client has requested or attempted to influence the proposed change and whether
any member has a conflict of interest with respect to the proposed change. If
any such matter is reported to the GPVSC Chair, the Chair will promptly notify
the Conflicts of Interest Management Sub-Committee (see below) and will defer
the approval, if possible. Lastly, the GPVSC will fully document its rationale
for approving any change to the Guidelines.

The Guidelines may reflect a voting position that differs from the actual
practices of the public company(ies) within the Deutsche Bank organization or of
the investment companies for which AM or an affiliate serves as investment
adviser or sponsor. Investment companies, particularly closed-end investment
companies, are different from traditional operating companies. These differences
may call for differences in voting positions on the same matter. Further, the
manner in which AM votes investment company proxies may differ from proposals
for which a AM-advised or sponsored investment company solicits proxies from its
shareholders. As reflected in the Guidelines, proxies solicited by closed-end
(and open-end) investment companies are generally voted in accordance with the
pre-determined guidelines of ISS. See Section IV.3.B.

Funds ("Underlying Funds") in which Topiary Fund Management Fund of Funds (each,
a "Fund") invest, may from time to time seek to revise their investment terms
(i.e. liquidity, fees, etc.) or investment structure. In such event, the
Underlying Funds may require approval/consent from its investors to effect the
relevant changes. Topiary Fund Management has adopted Proxy Voting Procedures
which outline the process for these approvals.

2.       Specific proxy voting decisions made by the GPVSC

The Proxy Vendor Oversight will refer to the GPVSC all proxy proposals (i) that
are not covered by specific client instructions or the Guidelines; or (ii) that,
according to the Guidelines, should be evaluated and voted on a case-by-case
basis.

Additionally, if, the Proxy Vendor Oversight, the GPVSC Chair or any member of
the GPVSC, a portfolio manager, a research analyst or a sub-adviser believes
that voting a particular proxy in accordance with the Guidelines may not be in
the best economic interests of clients, that individual may bring the matter to
the attention of the GPVSC Chair and/or the Proxy Vendor Oversight.(2)

_____________________

(2)      The Proxy Vendor Oversight generally monitors upcoming proxy
         solicitations for heightened attention from the press or the industry
         and for novel or unusual proposals or circumstances, which may prompt
         the Proxy Vendor Oversight to bring the solicitation to the attention
         of the GPVSC Chair. AM portfolio managers, AM research analysts and
         sub-advisers also may bring a particular proxy vote to the attention of
         the GPVSC Chair, as a result of their ongoing monitoring of portfolio
         securities held by advisory clients and/or their review of the periodic
         proxy voting record reports that the GPVSC Chair distributes to AM
         portfolio managers and AM research analysts.

If the Proxy Vendor Oversight refers a proxy proposal to the GPVSC or the GPVSC
determines that voting a particular proxy in accordance with the Guidelines is
not in the best economic interests of clients, the GPVSC will evaluate and vote
the proxy, subject to the procedures below regarding conflicts.

The GPVSC endeavors to hold meetings to decide how to vote particular proxies
sufficiently before the voting deadline so that the procedures below regarding
conflicts can be completed before the GPVSC's voting determination.

3.       Certain proxy votes may not be cast

In some cases, the GPVSC may determine that it is in the best economic interests
of its clients not to vote certain proxies. If the conditions below are met with
regard to a proxy proposal, AM will abstain from voting:

o        Neither the Guidelines nor specific client instructions cover an issue;

o        ISS does not make a recommendation on the issue;

o        The GPVSC cannot convene on the proxy proposal at issue to make a
         determination as to what would be in the client's best interest. (This
         could happen, for example, if the Conflicts of Interest Management
         Sub-committee found that there was a material conflict or if despite
         all best efforts being made, the GPVSC quorum requirement could not be
         met).

In addition, it is AM's policy not to vote proxies of issuers subject to laws of
those jurisdictions that impose restrictions upon selling shares after proxies
are voted, in order to preserve liquidity. In other cases, it may not be
possible to vote certain proxies, despite good faith efforts to do so. For
example, some jurisdictions do not provide adequate notice to shareholders so
that proxies may be voted on a timely basis. Voting rights on securities that
have been loaned to third-parties transfer to those third-parties, with loan
termination often being the only way to attempt to vote proxies on the loaned
securities. Lastly, the GPVSC may determine that the costs to the client(s)
associated with voting a particular proxy or group of proxies outweighs the
economic benefits expected from voting the proxy or group of proxies.

The Proxy Vendor Oversight will coordinate with the GPVSC Chair regarding any
specific proxies and any categories of proxies that will not or cannot be voted.
The reasons for not voting any proxy shall be documented.

4.       Conflict of Interest Procedures

A. Procedures to Address Conflicts of Interest and Improper Influence

Overriding Principle. In the limited circumstances where the GPVSC votes
proxies,(3) the GPVSC will vote those proxies in accordance with what it, in
good faith, determines to be the best economic interests of AM's clients.(4)

_____________________

(3)      As mentioned above, the GPVSC votes proxies (i) where neither a
         specific client instruction nor a Guideline directs how the proxy
         should be voted, (ii) where the Guidelines specify that an issue is to
         be determined on a case by case basis or (iii) where voting in
         accordance with the Guidelines may not be in the best economic
         interests of clients.

(4)      The Proxy Vendor Oversight, who serves as the non-voting secretary of
         the GPVSC, may receive routine calls from proxy solicitors and other
         parties interested in a particular proxy vote. Any contact that
         attempts to exert improper pressure or influence shall be reported to
         the Conflicts of Interest Management Sub-Committee.

Independence of the GPVSC. As a matter of Compliance policy, the GPVSC and the
Proxy Vendor Oversight are structured to be independent from other parts of
Deutsche Bank. Members of the GPVSC and the employee responsible for Proxy
Vendor Oversight are employees of AM. As such, they may not be subject to the
supervision or control of any employees of Deutsche Bank Corporate and
Investment Banking division ("CIB"). Their compensation cannot be based upon
their contribution to any business activity outside of AM without prior approval
of Legal and Compliance. They can have no contact with employees of Deutsche
Bank outside of the Private Client and Asset Management division ("PCAM")
regarding specific clients, business matters or initiatives without the prior
approval of Legal and Compliance. They furthermore may not discuss proxy votes
with any person outside of AM (and within AM only on a need to know basis).

Conflict Review Procedures. There will be a committee (the "Conflicts of
Interest Management Sub-Committee") established within AM that will monitor for
potential material conflicts of interest in connection with proxy proposals that
are to be evaluated by the GPVSC. Promptly upon a determination that a vote
shall be presented to the GPVSC, the GPVSC Chair shall notify the Conflicts of
Interest Management Sub-Committee. The Conflicts of Interest Management
Sub-Committee shall promptly collect and review any information deemed
reasonably appropriate to evaluate, in its reasonable judgment, if AM or any
person participating in the proxy voting process has, or has the appearance of,
a material conflict of interest. For the purposes of this policy, a conflict of
interest shall be considered "material" to the extent that a reasonable person
could expect the conflict to influence, or appear to influence, the GPVSC's
decision on the particular vote at issue. GPVSC should provide the Conflicts of
Interest Management Sub-Committee a reasonable amount of time (no less than 24
hours) to perform all necessary and appropriate reviews. To the extent that a
conflicts review can not be sufficiently completed by the Conflicts of Interest
Management Sub-Committee the proxies will be voted in accordance with the
standard guidelines.

The information considered by the Conflicts of Interest Management Sub-Committee
may include without limitation information regarding (i) AM client
relationships; (ii) any relevant personal conflict known by the Conflicts of
Interest Management Sub-Committee or brought to the attention of that
sub-committee; (iii) and any communications with members of the GPVSC (or anyone
participating or providing information to the GPVSC) and any person outside of
the AM organization (but within Deutsche Bank and its affiliates) or any entity
that identifies itself as a AM advisory client regarding the vote at issue. In
the context of any determination, the Conflicts of Interest Management
Sub-Committee may consult with, and shall be entitled to rely upon, all
applicable outside experts, including legal counsel.

Upon completion of the investigation, the Conflicts of Interest Management
Sub-Committee will document its findings and conclusions. If the Conflicts of
Interest Management Sub-Committee determines that (i) AM has a material conflict
of interest that would prevent it from deciding how to vote the proxies
concerned without further client consent or (ii) certain individuals should be
recused from participating in the proxy vote at issue, the Conflicts of Interest
Management Sub-Committee will so inform the GPVSC chair.

If notified that AM has a material conflict of interest as described above, the
GPVSC chair will obtain instructions as to how the proxies should be voted
either from (i) if time permits, the effected clients, or (ii) in accordance
with the standard guidelines. If notified that certain individuals should be
recused from the proxy vote at issue, the GPVSC Chair shall do so in accordance
with the procedures set forth below.

Note: Any AM employee who becomes aware of a potential, material conflict of
interest in respect of any proxy vote to be made on behalf of clients shall
notify Compliance. Compliance shall call a meeting of the conflict review
committee to evaluate such conflict and determine a recommended course of
action.

Procedures to be followed by the GPVSC. At the beginning of any discussion
regarding how to vote any proxy, the GPVSC Chair (or his or her delegate) will
inquire as to whether any GPVSC member (whether voting or ex officio) or any
person participating in the proxy voting process has a personal conflict of
interest or has actual knowledge of an actual or apparent conflict that has not
been reported to the Conflicts of Interest Management Sub-Committee.

The GPVSC Chair also will inquire of these same parties whether they have actual
knowledge regarding whether any director, officer or employee outside of the AM
organization (but within Deutsche Bank and its affiliates) or any entity that
identifies itself as a AM advisory client, has: (i) requested that AM, the Proxy
Vendor Oversight (or any member thereof) or a GPVSC member vote a particular
proxy in a certain manner; (ii) attempted to influence AM, the Proxy Vendor
Oversight (or any member thereof), a GPVSC member or any other person in
connection with proxy voting activities; or (iii) otherwise communicated with a
GPVSC member or any other person participating or providing information to the
GPVSC regarding the particular proxy vote at issue, and which incident has not
yet been reported to the Conflicts of Interest Management Sub- Committee.

If any such incidents are reported to the GPVSC Chair, the Chair will promptly
notify the Conflicts of Interest Management Sub-Committee and, if possible, will
delay the vote until the Conflicts of Interest Management Sub-Committee can
complete the conflicts report. If a delay is not possible, the Conflicts of
Interest Management Sub-Committee will instruct the GPVSC whether anyone should
be recused from the proxy voting process, or whether AM should vote the proxy in
accordance with the standard guidelines, seek instructions as to how to vote the
proxy at issue from ISS or, if time permits, the effected clients. These
inquiries and discussions will be properly reflected in the GPVSC's minutes.

Duty to Report. Any AM employee, including any GPVSC member (whether voting or
ex officio), that is aware of any actual or apparent conflict of interest
relevant to, or any attempt by any person outside of the AM organization (but
within Deutsche Bank and its affiliates) or any entity that identifies itself as
a AM advisory client to influence, how AM votes its proxies has a duty to
disclose the existence of the situation to the GPVSC Chair (or his or her
designee) and the details of the matter to the Conflicts of Interest Management
Sub-Committee. In the case of any person participating in the deliberations on a
specific vote, such disclosure should be made before engaging in any activities
or participating in any discussion pertaining to that vote.

Recusal of Members. The GPVSC will recuse from participating in a specific proxy
vote any GPVSC members (whether voting or ex officio) and/or any other person
who (i) are personally involved in a material conflict of interest; or (ii) who,
as determined by the Conflicts of Interest Management Sub-Committee, have actual
knowledge of a circumstance or fact that could effect their independent
judgment, in respect of such vote. The GPVSC will also exclude from
consideration the views of any person (whether requested or volunteered) if the
GPVSC or any member thereof knows, or if the Conflicts of Interest Management
Sub-Committee has determined, that such other person has a material conflict of
interest with respect to the particular proxy, or has attempted to influence the
vote in any manner prohibited by these policies.

If, after excluding all relevant GPVSC voting members pursuant to the paragraph
above, there are three or more GPVSC voting members remaining, those remaining
GPVSC members will determine how to vote the proxy in accordance with these
Policies and Procedures. If there are fewer than three GPVSC voting members
remaining, the GPVSC Chair will vote the proxy in accordance with the standard
guidelines, will obtain instructions as to how to have the proxy voted from, if
time permits, the effected clients and otherwise from ISS.

B.       Investment Companies and Affiliated Public Companies

Investment Companies. As reflected in the Guidelines, all proxies solicited by
open-end and closed-end investment companies are voted in accordance with the
pre-determined guidelines of ISS, unless the investment company client directs
AM to vote differently on a specific proxy or specific categories of proxies.
However, regarding investment companies for which AM or an affiliate serves as
investment adviser or principal underwriter, such proxies are voted in the same
proportion as the vote of all other shareholders (i.e., "mirror" or "echo"
voting). Master fund proxies solicited from feeder funds are voted in accordance
with applicable provisions of Section 12 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Subject to participation agreements with certain Exchange Traded Funds ("ETF")
issuers that have received exemptive orders from the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission allowing investing DWS funds to exceed the limits set forth
in Section 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, DeAM will
echo vote proxies for ETFs in which Deutsche Bank holds more than 25% of
outstanding voting shares globally when required to do so by participation
agreements and SEC orders.

Affiliated Public Companies. For proxies solicited by non-investment company
issuers of or within the Deutsche Bank organization, e.g., Deutsche bank itself,
these proxies will be voted in the same proportion as the vote of other
shareholders (i.e., "mirror" or "echo" voting).

Note: With respect to the QP Trust (not registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940), the Fund is not required to engage in echo voting and the
investment adviser will use these Guidelines, and may determine, with respect to
the QP Trust, to vote contrary to the positions in the Guidelines, consistent
with the Fund's best interest.

C.       Other Procedures That Limit Conflicts of Interest

AM and other entities in the Deutsche Bank organization have adopted a number of
policies, procedures and internal controls that are designed to avoid various
conflicts of interest, including those that may arise in connection with proxy
voting, including:

o        Deutsche Bank Americas Restricted Activities Policy. This policy
         provides for, among other things, independence of AM employees from
         CIB, and information barriers between AM and other affiliates.
         Specifically, no AM employee may be subject to the supervision or
         control of any employee of CIB. No AM employee shall have his or her
         compensation based upon his or her contribution to any business
         activity within the Bank outside of the business of AM, without the
         prior approval of Legal or Compliance. Further, no employee of CIB
         shall have any input into the compensation of a AM employee without the
         prior approval of Legal or Compliance. Under the information barriers
         section of this policy, as a general rule, AM employees who are
         associated with the investment process should have no contact with
         employees of Deutsche Bank or its affiliates, outside of PCAM,
         regarding specific clients, business matters, or initiatives. Further,
         under no circumstances should proxy votes be discussed with any
         Deutsche Bank employee outside of AM (and should only be discussed on a
         need-to-know basis within AM).

Other relevant internal policies include the Deutsche Bank Americas Code of
Professional Conduct, the Deutsche Asset Management Information Sharing
Procedures, the Deutsche Asset Management Code of Ethics, the Sarbanes-Oxley
Senior Officer Code of Ethics, and the Deutsche Bank Group Code of Conduct. The
GPVSC expects that these policies, procedures and internal controls will greatly
reduce the chance that the GPVSC (or, its members) would be involved in, aware
of or influenced by, an actual or apparent conflict of interest.


V.       RECORDKEEPING

At a minimum, the following types of records must be properly maintained and
readily accessible in order to evidence compliance with this policy.

o        AM will maintain a record of each vote cast by AM that includes among
         other things, company name, meeting date, proposals presented, vote
         cast and shares voted.

o        The Proxy Vendor Oversight maintains records for each of the proxy
         ballots it votes. Specifically, the records include, but are not
         limited to:

         -        The proxy statement (and any additional solicitation
                  materials) and relevant portions of annual statements.

         -        Any additional information considered in the voting process
                  that may be obtained from an issuing company, its agents or
                  proxy research firms.

         -        Analyst worksheets created for stock option plan and share
                  increase analyses.

         -        Proxy Edge print-screen of actual vote election.

o        AM will retain these Policies and Procedures and the Guidelines; will
         maintain records of client requests for proxy voting information; and
         will retain any documents the Proxy Vendor Oversight or the GPVSC
         prepared that were material to making a voting decision or that
         memorialized the basis for a proxy voting decision.

o        The GPVSC also will create and maintain appropriate records documenting
         its compliance with these Policies and Procedures, including records of
         its deliberations and decisions regarding conflicts of interest and
         their resolution.

o        With respect to AM's investment company clients, ISS will create and
         maintain records of each company's proxy voting record for 12-month
         periods ended June 30. AM will compile the following information for
         each matter relating to a portfolio security considered at any
         shareholder meeting held during the period covered by the report and
         with respect to which the company was entitled to vote:

         -        The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;

         -        The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security (if
                  symbol is available through reasonably practicable means);

         -        The Council on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures
                  number for the portfolio security (if the number is available
                  through reasonably practicable means);

         -        The shareholder meeting date;

         -        A brief identification of the matter voted on;

         -        Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security
                  holder;

         -        Whether the company cast its vote on the matter;

         -        How the company cast its vote (e.g., for or against proposal,
                  or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors);
                  and

         -        Whether the company cast its vote for or against management.

Note: This list is intended to provide guidance only in terms of the records
that must be maintained in accordance with this policy. In addition, please note
that records must be maintained in accordance with the applicable AM Records
Management Policy.

With respect to electronically stored records, "properly maintained" is defined
as complete, authentic (unalterable) usable and backed-up. At a minimum, records
should be retained for a period of not less than six years (or longer, if
necessary to comply with applicable regulatory requirements), the first three
years in an appropriate AM office.


VI.      THE GPVSC'S OVERSIGHT ROLE

In addition to adopting the Guidelines and making proxy voting decisions on
matters referred to it as set forth above, the GPVSC will monitor the proxy
voting process by reviewing summary proxy information presented by ISS. The
GPVSC will use this review process to determine, among other things, whether any
changes should be made to the Guidelines. This review will take place at least
quarterly and will be documented in the GPVSC's minutes.


Attachment A - Global Proxy Voting Guidelines







                            Deutsche Asset Management

                         Global Proxy Voting Guidelines



                             As Amended October 2008


                                [GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Table of contents

I        Board Of Directors And Executives

         A        Election Of Directors

         B        Classified Boards Of Directors

         C        Board And Committee Independence

         D        Liability And Indemnification Of Directors

         E        Qualifications Of Directors

         F        Removal Of Directors And Filling Of Vacancies

         G        Proposals To Fix The Size Of The Board

         H        Proposals to Restrict Chief Executive Officer's Service on

                  Multiple Boards

         I        Proposals to Restrict Supervisory Board Members Service on

                  Multiple Boards

         J        Proposals to Establish Audit Committees

II       Capital Structure

         A        Authorization Of Additional Shares

         B        Authorization Of "Blank Check" Preferred Stock

         C        Stock Splits/Reverse Stock Splits

         D        Dual Class/Supervoting Stock

         E        Large Block Issuance

         F        Recapitalization Into A Single Class Of Stock

         G        Share Repurchases

         H        Reductions In Par Value

III      Corporate Governance Issues

         A        Confidential Voting

         B        Cumulative Voting

         C        Supermajority Voting Requirements

         D        Shareholder Right To Vote

IV       Compensation

         A        Establishment of a Remuneration Committee

         B        Executive And Director Stock Option Plans

         C        Employee Stock Option/Purchase Plans

         D        Golden Parachutes

         E        Proposals To Limit Benefits Or Executive Compensation

         F        Option Expensing

         G        Management board election and motion

         H        Remuneration (variable pay)

         I        Long-term incentive plans

         J        Shareholder Proposals Concerning "Pay For Superior
                  Performance"

         K        Executive Compensation Advisory

V        Anti-Takeover Related Issues

         A        Shareholder Rights Plans ("Poison Pills")

         B        Reincorporation

         C        Fair-Price Proposals

         D        Exemption From State Takeover Laws

         E        Non-Financial Effects Of Takeover Bids

VI       Mergers & Acquisitions

VII      Social & Political Issues

         A        Labor & Human Rights

         B        Diversity & Equality

         C        Health & Safety

         D        Government/Military

         E        Tobacco

VIII     Environmental Issues

IX       Miscellaneous Items

         A        Ratification Of Auditors

         B        Limitation Of Non-Audit Services Provided By Independent
                  Auditor

         C        Audit Firm Rotation

         D        Transaction Of Other Business

         E        Motions To Adjourn The Meeting

         F        Bundled Proposals

         G        Change Of Company Name

         H        Proposals Related To The Annual Meeting

         I        Reimbursement Of Expenses Incurred From Candidate Nomination

         J        Investment Company Proxies

         K        International Proxy Voting


These Guidelines may reflect a voting position that differs from the actual
practices of the public company (ies) within the Deutsche Bank organization or
of the investment companies for which AM or an affiliate serves as investment
adviser or sponsor.

NOTE: Because of the unique structure and regulatory scheme applicable to
closed-end investment companies, the voting guidelines (particularly those
related to governance issues) generally will be inapplicable to holdings of
closed-end investment companies. As a result, determinations on the appropriate
voting recommendation for closed-end investment company shares will be made on a
case-by-case basis.


I.       Board of Directors and Executives

A.       Election of Directors

Routine: AM Policy is to vote "for" the uncontested election of directors. Votes
for a director in an uncontested election will be withheld in cases where a
director has shown an inability to perform his/her duties in the best interests
of the shareholders.

Proxy contest: In a proxy contest involving election of directors, a
case-by-case voting decision will be made based upon analysis of the issues
involved and the merits of the incumbent and dissident slates of directors. AM
will incorporate the decisions of a third party proxy research vendor,
currently, Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") subject to review by the
Proxy Voting Sub-Committee (GPVSC) as set forth in the AM's Proxy Voting
Policies and Procedures.

Rationale: The large majority of corporate directors fulfill their fiduciary
obligation and in most cases support for management's nominees is warranted. As
the issues relevant to a contested election differ in each instance, those cases
must be addressed as they arise.

B.       Classified Boards of Directors

AM policy is to vote against proposals to classify the board and for proposals
to repeal classified boards and elect directors annually.

Rationale: Directors should be held accountable on an annual basis. By
entrenching the incumbent board, a classified board may be used as an
anti-takeover device to the detriment of the shareholders in a hostile take-over
situation.

C.       Board and Committee Independence

AM policy is to vote:

1.       "For" proposals that require that a certain percentage (majority up to
         66 2/3%) of members of a board of directors be comprised of independent
         or unaffiliated directors.

2.       "For" proposals that require all members of a company's compensation,
         audit, nominating, or other similar committees be comprised of
         independent or unaffiliated directors.

3.       "Against" shareholder proposals to require the addition of special
         interest, or constituency, representatives to boards of directors.

4.       "For" separation of the Chairman and CEO positions.

5.       "Against" proposals that require a company to appoint a Chairman who is
         an independent director.

Rationale: Board independence is a cornerstone of effective governance and
accountability. A board that is sufficiently independent from management assures
that shareholders' interests are adequately represented. However, the Chairman
of the board must have sufficient involvement in and experience with the
operations of the company to perform the functions required of that position and
lead the company.

No director qualifies as 'independent' unless the board of directors
affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the
listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an
organization that has a relationship with the company).

Whether a director is in fact not "independent" will depend on the laws and
regulations of the primary market for the security and the exchanges, if any, on
which the security trades.

D.       Liability and Indemnification of Directors

AM policy is to vote "for" management proposals to limit directors' liability
and to broaden the indemnification of directors, unless broader indemnification
or limitations on directors' liability would effect shareholders' interests in
pending litigation.

Rationale: While shareholders want directors and officers to be responsible for
their actions, it is not in the best interests of the shareholders for them to
be to risk averse. If the risk of personal liability is too great, companies may
not be able to find capable directors willing to serve. We support expanding
coverage only for actions taken in good faith and not for serious violations of
fiduciary obligation or negligence.

E.       Qualifications of Directors

AM policy is to follow management's recommended vote on either management or
shareholder proposals that set retirement ages for directors or require specific
levels of stock ownership by directors.

Rationale: As a general rule, the board of directors, and not the shareholders,
is most qualified to establish qualification policies.

F.       Removal of Directors and Filling of Vacancies

AM policy is to vote "against" proposals that include provisions that directors
may be removed only for cause or proposals that include provisions that only
continuing directors may fill board vacancies.

Rationale: Differing state statutes permit removal of directors with or without
cause. Removal of directors for cause usually requires proof of self-dealing,
fraud or misappropriation of corporate assets, limiting shareholders' ability to
remove directors except under extreme circumstances. Removal without cause
requires no such showing.

Allowing only incumbent directors to fill vacancies can serve as an
anti-takeover device, precluding shareholders from filling the board until the
next regular election.

G.       Proposals to Fix the Size of the Board

AM policy is to vote:

1.       "For" proposals to fix the size of the board unless: (a) no specific
         reason for the proposed change is given; or (b) the proposal is part of
         a package of takeover defenses.

2.       "Against" proposals allowing management to fix the size of the board
         without shareholder approval.

Rationale: Absent danger of anti-takeover use, companies should be granted a
reasonable amount of flexibility in fixing the size of its board.

H.       Proposals to Restrict Chief Executive Officer's Service on Multiple
         Boards

AM policy is to vote "For" proposals to restrict a Chief Executive Officer from
serving on more than three outside boards of directors.

Rationale: Chief Executive Officer must have sufficient time to ensure that
shareholders' interests are represented adequately.

Note: A director's service on multiple closed-end fund boards within a fund
complex are treated as service on a single Board for the purpose of the proxy
voting guidelines.

I.       Proposals to Restrict Supervisory Board Members Service on Multiple
         Boards (For FFT Securities)

AM policy is to vote "for" proposals to restrict a Supervisory Board Member from
serving on more than five supervisory boards.

Rationale: We consider a strong, independent and knowledgeable supervisory board
as important counter-balance to executive management to ensure that the
interests of shareholders are fully reflected by the company.

Full information should be disclosed in the annual reports and accounts to allow
all shareholders to judge the success of the supervisory board controlling their
company.

Supervisory Board Member must have sufficient time to ensure that shareholders'
interests are represented adequately.

Note: A director's service on multiple closed-end fund boards within a fund
complex are treated as service on a single Board for the purpose of the proxy
voting guidelines.

J.       Proposals to Establish Audit Committees (For FFT and U.S. Securities)
         AM policy is to vote "for" proposals that require the establishment of
         audit committees.

Rationale: The audit committee should deal with accounting and risk management
related questions, verifies the independence of the auditor with due regard to
possible conflicts of interest. It also should determine the procedure of the
audit process.


II.      Capital Structure

A.       Authorization of Additional Shares (For U.S. Securities)

AM policy is to vote "for" proposals to increase the authorization of existing
classes of stock that do not exceed a 3:1 ratio of shares authorized to shares
outstanding for a large cap company, and do not exceed a 4:1 ratio of shares
authorized to shares outstanding for a small-midcap company (companies having a
market capitalization under one billion U.S. dollars.).

Rationale: While companies need an adequate number of shares in order to carry
on business, increases requested for general financial flexibility must be
limited to protect shareholders from their potential use as an anti-takeover
device. Requested increases for specifically designated, reasonable business
purposes (stock split, merger, etc.) will be considered in light of those
purposes and the number of shares required.

B.       Authorization of "Blank Check" Preferred Stock (For U.S. Securities)

AM policy is to vote:

1.   "Against" proposals to create blank check preferred stock or to increase
     the number of authorized shares of blank check preferred stock unless the
     company expressly states that the stock will not be used for anti-takeover
     purposes and will not be issued without shareholder approval.

2.   "For" proposals mandating shareholder approval of blank check stock
     placement.

Rationale: Shareholders should be permitted to monitor the issuance of classes
of preferred stock in which the board of directors is given unfettered
discretion to set voting, dividend, conversion and other rights for the shares
issued.

C.       Stock Splits/Reverse Stock Splits

AM policy is to vote "for" stock splits if a legitimate business purpose is set
forth and the split is in the shareholders' best interests. A vote is cast "for"
a reverse stock split only if the number of shares authorized is reduced in the
same proportion as the reverse split or if the effective increase in authorized
shares (relative to outstanding shares) complies with the proxy guidelines for
common stock increases (see, Section II.A, above.)

Rationale: Generally, stock splits do not detrimentally effect shareholders.
Reverse stock splits, however, may have the same result as an increase in
authorized shares and should be analyzed accordingly.

D.       Dual Class/Supervoting Stock

AM policy is to vote "against" proposals to create or authorize additional
shares of super-voting stock or stock with unequal voting rights.

Rationale: The "one share, one vote" principal ensures that no shareholder
maintains a voting interest exceeding their equity interest in the company.

E.       Large Block Issuance (For U.S. Securities)

AM policy is to address large block issuances of stock on a case-by-case basis,
incorporating the recommendation of an independent third party proxy research
firm (currently ISS) subject to review by the GPVSC as set forth in AM's Proxy
Policies and Procedures.

Additionally, AM supports proposals requiring shareholder approval of large
block issuances.

Rationale: Stock issuances must be reviewed in light of the business
circumstances leading to the request and the potential impact on shareholder
value.

F.       Recapitalization into a Single Class of Stock

AM policy is to vote "for" recapitalization plans to provide for a single class
of common stock, provided the terms are fair, with no class of stock being
unduly disadvantaged.

Rationale: Consolidation of multiple classes of stock is a business decision
that may be left to the board and/management if there is no adverse effect on
shareholders.

G.       Share Repurchases

AM policy is to vote "for" share repurchase plans provided all shareholders are
able to participate on equal terms.

Rationale: Buybacks are generally considered beneficial to shareholders because
they tend to increase returns to the remaining shareholders.

H.       Reductions in Par Value

AM policy is to vote "for" proposals to reduce par value, provided a legitimate
business purpose is stated (e.g., the reduction of corporate tax
responsibility.)

Rationale: Usually, adjustments to par value are a routine financial decision
with no substantial impact on shareholders.


III.     Corporate Governance Issues

A.       Confidential Voting

AM policy is to vote "for" proposals to provide for confidential voting and
independent tabulation of voting results and to vote "against" proposals to
repeal such provisions.

Rationale: Confidential voting protects the privacy rights of all shareholders.
This is particularly important for employee-shareholders or shareholders with
business or other affiliations with the company, who may be vulnerable to
coercion or retaliation when opposing management. Confidential voting does not
interfere with the ability of corporations to communicate with all shareholders,
nor does it prohibit shareholders from making their views known directly to
management.

B.       Cumulative Voting (For U.S. Securities)

AM policy is to vote "against" shareholder proposals requesting cumulative
voting and "for"management proposals to eliminate it. The protections afforded
shareholders by cumulative voting are not necessary when a company has a history
of good performance and does not have a concentrated ownership interest.
Accordingly, a vote is cast "against" cumulative voting and "for" proposals to
eliminate it if:

a)       The company has a five year return on investment greater than the
         relevant industry index,

b)       All directors and executive officers as a group beneficially own less
         than 10% of the outstanding stock, and

c)       No shareholder (or voting block) beneficially owns 15% or more of the
         company.

Thus, failure of any one of the three criteria results in a vote for cumulative
voting in accordance with the general policy.

Rationale: Cumulative voting is a tool that should be used to ensure that
holders of a significant number of shares may have board representation;
however, the presence of other safeguards may make their use unnecessary.

C.       Supermajority Voting Requirements

AM policy is to vote "against" management proposals to require a supermajority
vote to amend the charter or bylaws and to vote "for" shareholder proposals to
modify or rescind existing supermajority requirements.

*Exception made when company holds a controlling position and seeks to lower
threshold to maintain control and/or make changes to corporate by-laws.

Rationale: Supermajority voting provisions violate the democratic principle that
a simple majority should carry the vote. Setting supermajority requirements may
make it difficult or impossible for shareholders to remove egregious by-law or
charter provisions. Occasionally, a company with a significant insider held
position might attempt to lower a supermajority threshold to make it easier for
management to approve provisions that may be detrimental to shareholders. In
that case, it may not be in the shareholders interests to lower the
supermajority provision.

D.       Shareholder Right to Vote

AM policy is to vote "against" proposals that restrict the right of shareholders
to call special meetings, amend the bylaws, or act by written consent. Policy is
to vote "for" proposals that remove such restrictions.

Rationale: Any reasonable means whereby shareholders can make their views known
to management or effect the governance process should be supported.


IV.      Compensation

Annual Incentive Plans or Bonus Plans are often submitted to shareholders for
approval. These plans typically award cash to executives based on company
performance. Deutsche Bank believes that the responsibility for executive
compensation decisions rest with the board of directors and/or the compensation
committee, and its policy is not to second-guess the board's award of cash
compensation amounts to executives unless a particular award or series of awards
is deemed excessive. If stock options are awarded as part of these bonus or
incentive plans, the provisions must meet Deutsche Bank's criteria regarding
stock option plans, or similar stock-based incentive compensation schemes, as
set forth below.

A.       Establishment of a Remuneration Committee (For FFT Securities)

AM policy is to vote "for" proposals that require the establishment of a
remuneration committee.

Rationale: Corporations should disclose in each annual report or proxy statement
their policies on remuneration. Essential details regarding executive
remuneration including share options, long-term incentive plans and bonuses,
should be disclosed in the annual report, so that investors can judge whether
corporate pay policies and practices meet the standard.

The remuneration committee shall not comprise any board members and should be
sensitive to the wider scene on executive pay. It should ensure that
performance-based elements of executive pay are designed to align the interests
of shareholders.

B.       Executive and Director Stock Option Plans

AM policy is to vote "for" stock option plans that meet the following criteria:

(1)      The resulting dilution of existing shares is less than (a) 15 percent
         of outstanding shares for large capital corporations or (b) 20 percent
         of outstanding shares for small-mid capital companies (companies having
         a market capitalization under one billion U.S. dollars.)

(2)      The transfer of equity resulting from granting options at less than FMV
         is no greater than 3% of the over-all market capitalization of large
         capital corporations, or 5% of market cap for small-mid capital
         companies.

(3)      The plan does not contain express repricing provisions and, in the
         absence of an express statement that options will not be repriced; the
         company does not have a history of repricing options.

(4)      The plan does not grant options on super-voting stock.

AM will support performance-based option proposals as long as a) they do not
mandate that all options granted by the company must be performance based, and
b) only certain high-level executives are subject to receive the performance
based options.

AM will support proposals to eliminate the payment of outside director pensions.

Rationale: Determining the cost to the company and to shareholders of
stock-based incentive plans raises significant issues not encountered with
cash-based compensation plans. These include the potential dilution of existing
shareholders' voting power, the transfer of equity out of the company resulting
from the grant and execution of options at less than FMV and the authority to
reprice or replace underwater options. Our stock option plan analysis model
seeks to allow reasonable levels of flexibility for a company yet still protect
shareholders from the negative impact of excessive stock compensation.
Acknowledging that small mid-capital corporations often rely more heavily on
stock option plans as their main source of executive compensation and may not be
able to compete with their large capital competitors with cash compensation, we
provide slightly more flexibility for those companies.

C.       Employee Stock Option/Purchase Plans

AM policy is to vote for employee stock purchase plans (ESPP's) when the plan
complies with Internal Revenue Code 423, allowing non-management employees to
purchase stock at 85% of FMV.

AM policy is to vote "for" employee stock option plans (ESOPs) provided they
meet the standards for stock option plans in general. However, when computing
dilution and transfer of equity, ESOPs are considered independently from
executive and director option plans.

Rationale: ESOPs and ESPP's encourage rank-and-file employees to acquire an
ownership stake in the companies they work for and have been shown to promote
employee loyalty and improve productivity.

D.       Golden Parachutes

AM policy is to vote "for" proposals to require shareholder approval of golden
parachutes and for proposals that would limit golden parachutes to no more than
three times base compensation. Policy is to vote "against" more restrictive
shareholder proposals to limit golden parachutes.

Rationale: In setting a reasonable limitation, AM considers that an effective
parachute should be less attractive than continued employment and that the IRS
has opined that amounts greater than three times annual salary, are excessive.

E.       Proposals to Limit Benefits or Executive Compensation

AM policy is to vote "against"

1.   Proposals to limit benefits, pensions or compensation and

2.   Proposals that request or require disclosure of executive compensation
     greater than the disclosure required by Securities and Exchange Commission
     (SEC) regulations.

Rationale: Levels of compensation and benefits are generally considered to be
day-to-day operations of the company, and are best left unrestricted by
arbitrary limitations proposed by shareholders.

F.       Option Expensing

AM policy is to support proposals requesting companies to expense stock options.

Rationale: Although companies can choose to expense options voluntarily, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) does not yet require it, instead
allowing companies to disclose the theoretical value of options as a footnote.
Because the expensing of stock options lowers earnings, most companies elect not
to do so. Given the fact that options have become an integral component of
compensation and their exercise results in a transfer of shareholder value, AM
agrees that their value should not be ignored and treated as "no cost"
compensation. The expensing of stock options would promote more modest and
appropriate use of stock options in executive compensation plans and present a
more accurate picture of company operational earnings.

G.        Management board election and motion (For FFT Securities)

AM policy is to vote "against":

o        the election of board members with positions on either remuneration or
         audit committees;

o        the election of supervisory board members with too many supervisory
         board mandates;

o        "automatic" election of former board members into the supervisory
         board.

Rationale: Management as an entity, and each of its members, are responsible for
all actions of the company, and are - subject to applicable laws and regulations
- accountable to the shareholders as a whole for their actions.

Sufficient information should be disclosed in the annual company report and
account to allow shareholders to judge the success of the company.

H.       Remuneration (variable pay): (For FFT Securities)

Executive remuneration for Management Board

AM policy is to vote "for" remuneration for Management Board that is transparent
and linked to results.

Rationale: Executive compensation should motivate management and align the
interests of management with the shareholders. The focus should be on criteria
that prevent excessive remuneration; but enable the company to hire and retain
first-class professionals.

Shareholder interests are normally best served when management is remunerated to
optimise long-term returns. Criteria should include suitable measurements like
return on capital employed or economic value added.

Interests should generally also be correctly aligned when management own shares
in the company - even more so if these shares represent a substantial portion of
their own wealth.

Its disclosure shall differentiate between fixed pay, variable (performance
related) pay and long-term incentives, including stock option plans with
valuation ranges as well as pension and any other significant arrangements.

Executive remuneration for Supervisory Board

AM policy is to vote "for" remuneration for Supervisory Board that is at least
50% in fixed form.

Rationale: It would normally be preferable if performance linked compensation
were not based on dividend payments, but linked to suitable result based
parameters. Consulting and procurement services should also be published in the
company report.

I.       Long-term incentive plans (For FFT Securities)

AM policy is to vote "for" long-term incentive plans for members of a management
board that reward for above average company performance.

Rationale: Incentive plans will normally be supported if they:

o        directly align the interests of members of management boards with those
         of shareholders;

o        establish challenging performance criteria to reward only above average
         performance;

o        measure performance by total shareholder return in relation to the
         market or a range of comparable companies;

o        are long-term in nature and encourage long-term ownership of the shares
         once exercised through minimum holding periods;

o        do not allow a repricing of the exercise price in stock option plans.

J.       Shareholder Proposals Concerning "Pay for Superior Performance"

AM policy is to address pay for superior performance proposals on a case-by-case
basis, incorporating the recommendation of an independent third party proxy
research firm (currently ISS) subject to review by the GPVSC as set forth in
AM's Proxy Policies and Procedures.

Rationale: While AM agrees that compensation issues are better left to the
discretion of management, they appreciate the need to monitor for excessive
compensation practices on a case by case basis. If, after a review of the ISS
metrics, AM is comfortable with ISS's applying this calculation and will vote
according to their recommendation.

K.       Executive Compensation Advisory

AM policy is to follow management's recommended vote on shareholder proposals to
propose an advisory resolution seeking to ratify the compensation of the
company's named executive officers (NEOs) on an annual basis.

Rationale: AM believes that controls exist within senior management and
corporate compensation committees, ensuring fair compensation to executives.
This might allow shareholders to require approval for all levels of management's
compensation.

V.       Anti-Takeover Related Issues

A.       Shareholder Rights Plans ("Poison Pills")

AM policy is to vote "for" proposals to require shareholder ratification of
poison pills or that request boards to redeem poison pills, and to vote
"against" the adoption of poison pills if they are submitted for shareholder
ratification.

Rationale: Poison pills are the most prevalent form of corporate takeover
defenses and can be (and usually are) adopted without shareholder review or
consent. The potential cost of poison pills to shareholders during an attempted
takeover outweighs the benefits.

B.       Reincorporation

AM policy is to examine reincorporation proposals on a case-by-case basis. The
voting decision is based on: (1) differences in state law between the existing
state of incorporation and the proposed state of incorporation; and (2)
differences between the existing and the proposed charter/bylaws/articles of
incorporation and their effect on shareholder rights. If changes resulting from
the proposed reincorporation violate the corporate governance principles set
forth in these guidelines, the reincorporation will be deemed contrary to
shareholder's interests and a vote cast "against."

Rationale: Reincorporations can be properly analyzed only by looking at the
advantages and disadvantages to their shareholders. Care must be taken that
anti-takeover protection is not the sole or primary result of a proposed change.

C.       Fair-Price Proposals

AM policy is to vote "for" management fair-price proposals, provided that: (1)
the proposal applies only to two-tier offers; (2) the proposal sets an objective
fair-price test based on the highest price that the acquirer has paid for a
company's shares; (3) the supermajority requirement for bids that fail the
fair-price test is no higher than two-thirds of the outstanding shares; (4) the
proposal contains no other anti-takeover provisions or provisions that restrict
shareholders rights.

A vote is cast for shareholder proposals that would modify or repeal existing
fair-price requirements that do not meet these standards.

Rationale: While fair price provisions may be used as anti-takeover devices, if
adequate provisions are included, they provide some protection to shareholders
who have some say in their application and the ability to reject those
protections if desired.

D.       Exemption from state takeover laws

AM policy is to vote "for" shareholder proposals to opt out of state takeover
laws and to vote "against" management proposals requesting to opt out of state
takeover laws.

Rationale: Control share statutes, enacted at the state level, may harm
long-term share value by entrenching management. They also unfairly deny certain
shares their inherent voting rights.

E.       Non-financial Effects of Takeover Bids

Policy is to vote "against" shareholder proposals to require consideration of
non-financial effects of merger or acquisition proposals.

Rationale: Non-financial effects may often be subjective and are secondary to
AM's stated purpose of acting in its client's best economic interest.


VI.      Mergers & Acquisitions

Evaluation of mergers, acquisitions and other special corporate transactions
(i.e., takeovers, spin-offs, sales of assets, reorganizations, restructurings
and recapitalizations) are performed on a case-by-case basis incorporating
information from an independent proxy research source (currently ISS.)
Additional resources including portfolio management and research analysts may be
considered as set forth in AM's Policies and Procedures.


VII.     Social, Environmental & Political Issues

Social and environmental issues are becoming increasingly important to corporate
success. We incorporate social and environmental considerations into both our
investment decisions and our proxy voting decisions - particularly if the
financial performance of the company could be impacted.

With increasing frequency, shareholder proposals are submitted relating to
social and political responsibility issues. Almost universally, the company
management will recommend a vote "against" these proposals. These types of
proposals cover an extremely wide range of issues. Many of the issues tend to be
controversial and are subject to more than one reasonable, yet opposing, theory
of support. More so than with other types of proxy proposals, social and
political responsibility issues may not have a connection to the economic and
corporate governance principles effecting shareholders' interests. AM's policy
regarding social and political responsibility issues, as with any other issue,
is designed to protect our client shareholders' economic interests.

Occasionally, a distinction is made between a shareholder proposal requesting
direct action on behalf of the board and a request for a report on (or
disclosure of) some information. In order to avoid unduly burdening any company
with reporting requirements, AM's policy is to vote against shareholder
proposals that demand additional disclosure or reporting than is required by the
Securities and Exchange Commission unless it appears there is a legitimate issue
and the company has not adequately addressed shareholders' concerns.

A.       Labor & Human Rights

AM policy is to vote "against" adopting global codes of conduct or workplace
standards exceeding those mandated by law.

Rationale: Additional requirements beyond those mandated by law are deemed
unnecessary and potentially burdensome to companies

B.       Diversity & Equality

1.       AM policy is to vote "against" shareholder proposals to force equal
         employment opportunity, affirmative action or board diversity.

Rationale: Compliance with State and Federal legislation along with information
made available through filings with the EEOC provides sufficient assurance that
companies act responsibly and make information public.

2.       AM policy is also to vote "against" proposals to adopt the Mac Bride
         Principles. The Mac Bride Principles promote fair employment,
         specifically regarding religious discrimination.

Rationale: Compliance with the Fair Employment Act of 1989 makes adoption of the
Mac Bride Principles redundant. Their adoption could potentially lead to charges
of reverse discrimination.

C.       Health & Safety

1.       AM policy is to vote "against" adopting a pharmaceutical price
         restraint policy or reporting pricing policy changes.

Rationale: Pricing is an integral part of business for pharmaceutical companies
and should not be dictated by shareholders (particularly pursuant to an
arbitrary formula.) Disclosing pricing policies may also jeopardize a company's
competitive position in the marketplace.

2.       AM policy is to vote "against" shareholder proposals to control the use
         or labeling of and reporting on genetically engineered products.

Rationale: Additional requirements beyond those mandated by law are deemed
unnecessary and potentially burdensome to companies.

D.       Government/Military

1.       AM policy is to vote against shareholder proposals regarding the
         production or sale of military arms or nuclear or space-based weapons,
         including proposals seeking to dictate a company's interaction with a
         particular foreign country or agency.

Rationale: Generally, management is in a better position to determine what
products or industries a company can and should participate in. Regulation of
the production or distribution of military supplies is, or should be, a matter
of government policy.

2.       AM policy is to vote "against" shareholder proposals regarding
         political contributions and donations.

Rationale: The Board of Directors and Management, not shareholders, should
evaluate and determine the recipients of any contributions made by the company.

3.       AM policy is to vote "against" shareholder proposals regarding
         charitable contributions and donations.

Rationale: The Board of Directors and Management, not shareholders, should
evaluate and determine the recipients of any contributions made by the company.

E.       Tobacco

1.       AM policy is to vote "against" shareholder proposals requesting
         additional standards or reporting requirements for tobacco companies as
         well as "against" requesting companies to report on the intentional
         manipulation of nicotine content.

Rationale: Where a tobacco company's actions meet the requirements of legal and
industry standards, imposing additional burdens may detrimentally effect a
company's ability to compete. The disclosure of nicotine content information
could affect the company's rights in any pending or future litigation.

2.       Shareholder requests to spin-off or restructure tobacco businesses will
         be opposed.

Rationale: These decisions are more appropriately left to the Board and
management, and not to shareholder mandate.


VIII.    Environmental Issues

AM policy is to follow management's recommended vote on CERES Principles or
other similar environmental mandates (e.g., those relating to Greenhouse gas
emissions or the use of nuclear power).

Rationale: Environmental issues are extensively regulated by outside agencies
and compliance with additional requirements often involves significant cost to
companies.


IX.      Miscellaneous Items

A.       Ratification of Auditors

AM policy is to vote "for" a) the management recommended selection of auditors
and b) proposals to require shareholder approval of auditors.

Rationale: Absent evidence that auditors have not performed their duties
adequately, support for management's nomination is warranted.

B.       Limitation of non-audit services provided by independent auditor

AM policy is to support proposals limiting non-audit fees to 50% of the
aggregate annual fees earned by the firm retained as a company's independent
auditor.

Rationale: In the wake of financial reporting problems and alleged audit
failures at a number of companies, AM supports the general principle that
companies should retain separate firms for audit and consulting services to
avoid potential conflicts of interest. However, given the protections afforded
by the recently enacted Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (which requires Audit
Committee pre-approval for non-audit services and prohibits auditors from
providing specific types of services), and the fact that some non-audit services
are legitimate audit-related services, complete separation of audit and
consulting fees may not be warranted. A reasonable limitation is appropriate to
help ensure auditor independence and it is reasonable to expect that audit fees
exceed non-audit fees.

C.       Audit firm rotation

AM policy is to support proposals seeking audit firm rotation unless the
rotation period sought is less than five years.

Rationale: While the Sarbanes-Oxley Act mandates that the lead audit partner be
switched every five years, AM believes that rotation of the actual audit firm
would provide an even stronger system of checks and balances on the audit
function.

D.       Transaction of Other Business

AM policy is to vote against "transaction of other business" proposals.

Rationale: This is a routine item to allow shareholders to raise other issues
and discuss them at the meeting. As the nature of these issues may not be
disclosed prior to the meeting, we recommend a vote against these proposals.
This protects shareholders voting by proxy (and not physically present at a
meeting) from having action taken at the meeting that they did not receive
proper notification of or sufficient opportunity to consider.

E.       Motions to Adjourn the Meeting

AM Policy is to vote against proposals to adjourn the meeting.

Rationale: Management may seek authority to adjourn the meeting if a favorable
outcome is not secured. Shareholders should already have had enough information
to make a decision. Once votes have been cast, there is no justification for
management to continue spending time and money to press shareholders for
support.

F.       Bundled Proposals

AM policy is to vote against bundled proposals if any bundled issue would
require a vote against it if proposed individually.

Rationale: Shareholders should not be forced to "take the good with the bad" in
cases where the proposals could reasonably have been submitted separately.

G.       Change of Company Name

AM policy is to support management on proposals to change the company name.

Rationale: This is generally considered a business decision for a company.

H.       Proposals Related to the Annual Meeting

AM Policy is to vote in favor of management for proposals related to the conduct
of the annual meeting (meeting time, place, etc.)

Rationale: These are considered routine administrative proposals.

I.       Reimbursement of Expenses Incurred from Candidate Nomination

AM policy is to follow management's recommended vote on shareholder proposals
related to the amending of company bylaws to provide for the reimbursement of
reasonable expenses incurred in connection with nominating one or more
candidates in a contested election of directors to the corporation's board of
directors.

Rationale: Corporations should not be liable for costs associated with
shareholder proposals for directors.

J.       Investment Company Proxies

Proxies solicited by investment companies are voted in accordance with the
recommendations of an independent third party, currently ISS. However, regarding
investment companies for which AM or an affiliate serves as investment adviser
or principal underwriter, such proxies are voted in the same proportion as the
vote of all other shareholders. Proxies solicited by master funds from feeder
funds will be voted in accordance with applicable provisions of Section 12 of
the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Investment companies, particularly closed-end investment companies, are
different from traditional operating companies. These differences may call for
differences in voting positions on the same matter. For example, AM could vote
"for" staggered boards of closed-end investment companies, although AM generally
votes "against" staggered boards for operating companies. Further, the manner in
which AM votes investment company proxies may differ from proposals for which a
AM-advised investment company solicits proxies from its shareholders. As
reflected in the Guidelines, proxies solicited by closed-end (and open-end)
investment companies are voted in accordance with the pre-determined guidelines
of an independent third-party.

Subject to participation agreements with certain Exchange Traded Funds ("ETF")
issuers that have received exemptive orders from the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission allowing investing DWS funds to exceed the limits set forth
in Section 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, DeAM will
echo vote proxies for ETFs in which Deutsche Bank holds more than 25% of
outstanding voting shares globally when required to do so by participation
agreements and SEC orders.

Note: With respect to the QP Trust (not registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940), the Fund is not required to engage in echo voting and the
investment adviser will use these Guidelines, and may determine, with respect to
the QP Trust, to vote contrary to the positions in the Guidelines, consistent
with the Fund's best interest.


K.       International Proxy Voting

The above guidelines pertain to issuers organized in the United States, Canada
and Germany. Proxies solicited by other issuers are voted in accordance with
international guidelines or the recommendation of ISS and in accordance with
applicable law and regulation.







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT: The information contained herein is the property of Deutsche Bank
Group and may not be copied, used or disclosed in whole or in part, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, reprographic, recording or otherwise) without the prior written
permission of Deutsche Bank Group.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      APPENDIX B -- RATINGS OF INVESTMENTS

BOND AND COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

Set forth below are descriptions of ratings which represent opinions as to the
quality of the securities. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are
relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality.

MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. -- CORPORATE BOND RATINGS

Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt-edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make
the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.

A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper -medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present, but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.

Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safe-guarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.

B: Bonds which are rated B are considered speculative and generally lack
characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal
payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period
of time may be small.

Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.

Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are highly speculative.
Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, typically are in
default and can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
any real investment standing.

Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating
classification from Aa through Caa in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the issue ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.

MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. -- SHORT-TERM RATINGS

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor
short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term
programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations
generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless
explicitly noted. Issuers rated Prime-1 or P-1 (or supporting institutions) have
a superior ability for repayment of short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 or P-1
repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following
characteristics:

o        Leading market positions in well established industries.

o        High rates of return on funds employed.

o        Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt
         and ample asset protection.

o        Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high
         internal cash generation.

o        Well established access to a range of financial markets and assured
         sources of alternate liquidity.

Issuers rated Prime-2 or P-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by
many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends
and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by
external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS SERVICES -- CORPORATE BOND RATINGS

INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P's to a debt
obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differs from the higher rated issues only in small degree.

A: Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.

BBB: Debt rated BBB has an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category
than in higher rated categories.

SPECULATIVE GRADE

Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C has significant speculative characteristics
with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB indicates the
least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt will likely have
some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large
uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB: Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.

The BB rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.

B: Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal.

The B rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BB or BB- rating.

CCC: Debt rated CCC has a current vulnerability to default, and is dependent
upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet timely
payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

The CCC rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied B or B- rating.

CC: Debt rated CC has a current high vulnerability to default, and is dependent
upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet timely
payment of interest and repayment of principal.

The rating CC is also applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which is
assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.

C: The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which
is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be used to
cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service
payments are continued.

C1: The Rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.

D: Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that
such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be
used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are
jeopardized.

Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.

R: Debt rated `R' is under regulatory supervision owing to its financial
condition. During the pendency of the regulatory supervision, the regulators may
have the power to favor one class of obligations over others or pay some
obligations and not others.

N.R.: Bonds may lack a S&P's rating because no public rating has been requested,
because there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or because
S&P's does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.

STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS SERVICES -- SHORT-TERM RATINGS

S&P's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of
timely payment of debt considered short-term in the relevant market.

A-1: This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety
characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) sign designation.

A-2: Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated A-1.

A-3: Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely payment.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely
to lead to a weakened capacity of the issuer to meet its financial commitments.

FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. -- BOND RATINGS

INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality.
The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay
principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.

AA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong, although
not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Bonds rated in the AAA and AA categories
are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

BBB: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of good credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are
more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore, impair timely
payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below
investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.

SPECULATIVE GRADE

BB: Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However,
business or financial alternatives may be available which could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.

B: Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely
payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of
safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the
life of the issue.

CCC: Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may
lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.

CC: Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.

C: Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.

DDD, DD and D: Bonds are in default of interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.

Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to CC may be appended by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to denote the relative status within the rating
category.

NR: Indicates that Fitch Rating does not publicly rate the specific issue.

FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. -- SHORT-TERM RATINGS

Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand
or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment
notes.

F-1+: Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are
regarded as having the strongest capacity for timely payment.

F-1: Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect a capacity
for timely payment only slightly less than issues rated F-1+.

F-2: Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory
capacity for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as the
F-1+ and F-1 categories.

F-3: Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
suggesting that the capacity for timely payment is adequate; however, near-term
adverse changes could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.

B: Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments,
plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
conditions.

C: High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting
financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and
economic environment.

D: Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.




<PAGE>

                              DWS VARIABLE SERIES I

                            PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item 23.          Exhibits
--------          --------

<S>                 <C>         <C>        <C>
                    (a)         (1)        Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated June 27, 2006. (Previously
                                           filed as Exhibit (a)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to this
                                           Registration Statement.)

                                (2)        Establishment and Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interest,
                                           without Par Value.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 1(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)

                                (3)        Establishment and Designation of Series of Beneficial Interest, without
                                           Par Value dated February 9, 1996.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 1(e)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to
                                           this Registration Statement.)

                                (4)        Amended Establishment and Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial
                                           Interest, without Par Value dated April 15, 1988.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 1(f) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)

                                (5)        Redesignation of Series.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 1(g) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)

                                (6)        Abolition of Series.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 1(h) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)

                                (7)        Amended Establishment and Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial
                                           Interest, without Par Value, with respect to the Growth and Income
                                           Portfolio dated February 11, 1994.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 1(i) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)

                                (8)        Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series of Shares of
                                           Beneficial Interest, without Par Value, dated February 22, 2001.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit (a)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)

                                (9)        Establishment and Designation of Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest,
                                           $.01 Par Value, on behalf of Health Sciences Portfolio, dated January 9,
                                           2002 is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to
                                           the Registration Statement filed on April 30, 2003.

                          (b)   (1)        By-Laws of the Registrant, dated June 27, 2006. (Previously filed as
                                           Exhibit (b)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to this Registration
                                           Statement.)

                          (c)              Inapplicable.



                                       2
<PAGE>

                          (d)   (1)        Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement, dated June 1, 2006,
                                           between the Registrant on behalf of DWS Bond VIP, DWS Capital Growth VIP,
                                           DWS Global Opportunities VIP, DWS Growth & Income VIP, DWS Health Care VIP
                                           and DWS International VIP, and Deutsche Investment Management Americas
                                           Inc.  (Previously filed as Exhibit (d)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
                                           42 to this Registration Statement.)

                                (2)        Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 2, 2005, between Deutsche
                                           Investment Management Americas Inc. and Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. on
                                           behalf of DWS Bond VIP.  (Previously filed as Exhibit (d)(2) to
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to this Registration Statement.)

                                (3)        Investment Sub-Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 2, 2005, between
                                           Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. and Aberdeen Asset Management Investment
                                           Services Limited on behalf of DWS Bond VIP. (Previously filed as Exhibit
                                           (d)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to this Registration Statement.)

                          (e)   (1)        Underwriting Agreement between the Registrant and Scudder Investor
                                           Services, Inc. (Previously filed as Exhibit (e)(1) to Post-Effective
                                           Amendment No. 33 to this Registration Statement.)

                                (2)        Underwriting Agreement between the Registrant and Scudder Distributors,
                                           Inc. dated September 30, 2002. (Previously filed as Exhibit (e)(2) to
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to this Registration Statement.)

                                (3)        Participating Contract and Policy Agreement between Scudder Investor
                                           Services, Inc. and Participating Insurance Companies.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 6(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)

                                (4)        Participating Contract and Policy Agreement between Scudder Investor
                                           Services, Inc. and Carillon Investments, Inc. dated February 18, 1992.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 6(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)

                                (5)        Participating Contract and Policy Agreement between Scudder Investor
                                           Services, Inc. and Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company dated
                                           April 27, 1992.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 6(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)

                                (6)        Participating Contract and Policy Agreement between Scudder Investor
                                           Services, Inc. and PNMR Securities, Inc. dated December 1, 1992.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 6(e) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)

                          (f)              Inapplicable.

                          (g)   (1)        Master Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank
                                           and Trust Company, dated March 22, 2007. (Previously filed as Exhibit
                                           (g)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registration Statement.)



                                       3
<PAGE>

                                (2)        Master Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers
                                           Harriman & Co. dated February 1, 2007. (Previously filed as Exhibit (g)(2)
                                           to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registration Statement.)

                          (h)   (1)        Letter of Indemnity to the Scudder Funds dated October 13, 2004 is
                                           incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the
                                           Registration Statement.

                                (2)        Letter of Indemnity to the Scudder Funds dated October 13, 2004 is
                                           incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the
                                           Registration Statement.

                                (3)        Letter of Indemnity to the Independent Trustees dated October 13, 2004 is
                                           incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the
                                           Registration Statement.

                                (4)        Agency Agreement, dated May 1, 2001, between the Registrant and Scudder
                                           Investments Service Company. (Previously filed as Exhibit (h)(29) to
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to this Registration Statement.)

                                (5)        Amendment No. 1, dated June 11, 2002, to the Agency Agreement, dated May
                                           1, 2001. (Previously filed as Exhibit (h)(30) to Post-Effective Amendment
                                           No. 42 to this Registration Statement.)

                                (6)        Amended Administrative Services Agreement, dated June 1, 2006 and revised
                                           as of October 1, 2007, among DWS Variable Series I, on behalf DWS Bond
                                           VIP, DWS Capital Growth VIP, DWS Global Opportunities VIP, DWS Growth &
                                           Income VIP, DWS Health Care VIP and DWS International VIP, and Deutsche
                                           Investment Management Americas Inc.  (Previously filed as Exhibit (h)(31)
                                           to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registration Statement.)

                                (7)        Agency Agreement Fee Schedule, dated October 1, 2006. (Previously filed as
                                           Exhibit (h)(33) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to this Registration
                                           Statement.)

                                (8)        Form of Participation Agreement is filed herein.

                                (9)        Form of Expense Limitation Agreement is filed herein.

                          (i)              Opinion and Consent of Counsel is incorporated by reference to
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registration Statement.

                          (j)              To be filed by amendment.

                          (k)              Inapplicable.

                          (l)              Inapplicable.

                          (m)              Master Distribution Plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 dated
                                           February 9, 1996.
                                           (Previously filed as Exhibit 15(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to
                                           the Registration Statement.)



                                       4
<PAGE>

                          (n)              Form of DWS Funds Amended and Restated Multi-Distribution System Plan,
                                           pursuant to Rule 18f-3, is filed herein.

                          (p)   (1)        Deutsche Asset Management -- U.S. Code of Ethics, effective January 1,
                                           2009, is filed herein.

                                (2)        Code of Ethics of Northern Trust Investments, N.A. dated August 2007 are
                                           is filed herein.

                                (3)        Consolidated Code of Ethics - All Funds is incorporated by reference to
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registration Statement filed on
                                           April 28, 2006.
</TABLE>

Item 24.          Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant
--------          -------------------------------------------------------------

                  Inapplicable.

Item 25.          Indemnification
--------          ---------------

                  A policy of insurance covering the Advisor, its subsidiaries
                  including DWS Investments Distributors, Inc., and all of the
                  registered investment companies advised by the Advisor insures
                  the Registrant's Trustees and officers and others against
                  liability arising by reason of an alleged breach of duty
                  caused by any negligent act, error or accidental omission in
                  the scope of their duties.

                  Article IV, Sections 4.1 - 4.3 of Registrant's Declaration of
                  Trust provide as follows:

                  Section 4.1. No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees,
                  etc. No Shareholder shall be subject to any personal liability
                  whatsoever to any Person in connection with Fund Property or
                  the acts, obligations or affairs of the Fund. No Trustee,
                  officer, employee or agent of the Fund shall be subject to any
                  personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than to the
                  Fund or its Shareholders, in connection with Fund Property or
                  the affairs of the Fund, save only that arising from bad
                  faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless
                  disregard of his duties with respect to such Person; and all
                  such Persons shall look solely to the Fund Property for
                  satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection
                  with the affairs of the Fund. If any Shareholder, Trustee,
                  officer, employee, or agent, as such, of the Fund, is made a
                  party to any suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability
                  of the Fund, he shall not, on account thereof, be held to any
                  personal liability. The Fund shall indemnify and hold each
                  Shareholder harmless from and against all claims and
                  liabilities, to which such Shareholder may become subject by
                  reason of his being or having been a Shareholder, and shall
                  reimburse such Shareholder for all legal and other expenses
                  reasonably incurred by him in connection with any such claim
                  or liability. The rights accruing to a Shareholder under this
                  Section 4.l shall not exclude any other right to which such
                  Shareholder may be lawfully entitled, nor shall anything
                  herein contained restrict the right of the Fund to indemnify
                  or reimburse a Shareholder in any appropriate situation even
                  though not specifically provided herein.

                  Section 4.2. Non-Liability of Trustees, etc. No Trustee,
                  officer, employee or agent of the Fund shall be liable to the
                  Fund, its Shareholders, or to any Shareholder, Trustee,
                  officer, employee, or agent thereof for any action or failure
                  to act (including without limitation the failure to compel in
                  any way any former or acting Trustee to redress any breach of
                  trust) except for his own bad faith, willful misfeasance,
                  gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved
                  in the conduct of his office.

                  Section 4.3 Mandatory Indemnification. (a) Subject to the
                  exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:

                           (i)      every person who is, or has been, a Trustee
                                    or officer of the Fund shall be indemnified
                                    by the Fund to the fullest extent permitted
                                    by law against all liability and against all
                                    expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him
                                    in connection with any


                                       5
<PAGE>

                                    claim, action, suit or proceeding in which
                                    he becomes involved as a party or otherwise
                                    by virtue of his being or having been a
                                    Trustee or officer and against amounts paid
                                    or incurred by him in the settlement
                                    thereof;

                           (ii)     the words "claim," "action," "suit," or
                                    "proceeding" shall apply to all claims,
                                    actions, suits or proceedings (civil,
                                    criminal, or other, including appeals),
                                    actual or threatened; and the words
                                    "liability" and "expenses" shall include,
                                    without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs,
                                    judgments, amounts paid in settlement,
                                    fines, penalties and other liabilities.

                  (b)      No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a
                           Trustee or officer:

                           (i)      against any liability to the Fund or the
                                    Shareholders by reason of willful
                                    misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
                                    reckless disregard of the duties involved in
                                    the conduct of his office;

                           (ii)     with respect to any matter as to which he
                                    shall have been finally adjudicated not to
                                    have acted in good faith in the reasonable
                                    belief that his action was in the best
                                    interest of the Fund;

                           (iii)    in the event of a settlement or other
                                    disposition not involving a final
                                    adjudication (as provided in paragraph
                                    (b)(i) or (b)(ii)) (whether by compromise
                                    payment, pursuant to a consent decree or
                                    otherwise) resulting in a payment by a
                                    Trustee or officer, unless there has been a
                                    determination that such Trustee or officer
                                    did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad
                                    faith, gross negligence or reckless
                                    disregard of the duties involved in the
                                    conduct of his office:

                                    (A)      by the court or other body
                                             approving the settlement or other
                                             disposition; or

                                    (B)      a reasonable determination, based
                                             upon a review of readily available
                                             facts (as opposed to a full
                                             trial-type inquiry) by (x) a vote
                                             of a majority of the Disinterested
                                             Trustees acting on the matter
                                             (provided that a majority of the
                                             Disinterested Trustees then in
                                             office act on the matter); or (y)
                                             written opinion of legal counsel
                                             chosen by a majority of the
                                             Trustees and determined by them in
                                             their reasonable judgment to be
                                             independent.

                  (c)      The rights of indemnification herein provided may be
                           insured against by policies maintained by the Fund,
                           shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights
                           to which any Trustee or officer may now or hereafter
                           be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has
                           ceased to be such Trustee or officer and shall inure
                           to the benefit of the heirs, executors,
                           administrators and assigns of such a person. Nothing
                           contained herein shall affect any rights to
                           indemnification to which personnel of the Fund other
                           than Trustees and officers may be entitled by
                           contract or otherwise under law.

                  (d)      Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense
                           to any claim, action, suit, or proceeding of the
                           character described in paragraph (a) of this Section
                           4.3 shall be advanced by the Fund prior to final
                           disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by
                           or on behalf of the recipient, to repay such amount
                           if it is ultimately determined that he is not
                           entitled to indemnification under this Section 4.3,
                           provided that either:

                           (i)      such undertaking is secured by a surety bond
                                    or some other appropriate security provided
                                    by the recipient, or the Fund shall be
                                    insured against losses arising out of any
                                    such advances; or

                           (ii)     a majority of the Disinterested Trustees
                                    acting on the matter (provided that a
                                    majority of the Disinterested Trustees act
                                    on the matter) or an independent legal
                                    counsel in a written opinion shall
                                    determine, based upon a review of readily
                                    available facts (as opposed to a full
                                    trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to
                                    believe that the recipient ultimately will
                                    be found entitled to indemnification.



                                       6
<PAGE>

                  As used in this Section 4.3, a "Disinterested Trustee" is one
                  who is not (i) an "Interested Person" of the Trust (including
                  anyone who has been exempted from being an "Interested Person"
                  by any rule, regulation or order of the Commission), or (ii)
                  involved in the claim, action, suit or proceeding.

                  On April 5, 2002, Zurich Scudder Investments, Inc.
                  ("Scudder"), the investment adviser, now known as Deutsche
                  Investment Management Americas Inc., was acquired by Deutsche
                  Bank AG, not including certain U.K. Operations (the
                  "Transaction"). In connection with the Trustees' evaluation of
                  the Transaction, Deutsche Bank agreed to indemnify, defend and
                  hold harmless Registrant and the trustees who were not
                  "interested persons" of Scudder, Deutsche Bank or Registrant
                  (the "Independent Trustees") for and against any liability and
                  claims and expenses based upon or arising from, whether in
                  whole or in part, or directly or indirectly, any untrue
                  statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact made
                  to the Independent Trustees by Deutsche Bank in connection
                  with the Independent Trustees' consideration of the
                  Transaction, or any omission or alleged omission of a material
                  fact necessary in order to make statements made, in light of
                  the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                  Deutsche Investment Management Americas, Inc. (hereafter,
                  "DIMA"), the investment advisor, has agreed, subject to
                  applicable law and regulation, to indemnify and hold harmless
                  the Registrant against any loss, damage, liability and
                  expense, including, without limitation, the advancement and
                  payment, as incurred, of reasonable fees and expenses of
                  counsel (including counsel to the Registrant and counsel to
                  the Independent Trustees) and consultants, whether retained by
                  the Registrant or the Independent Trustees, and other
                  customary costs and expenses incurred by the Registrant in
                  connection with any litigation or regulatory action related to
                  possible improper market timing or other improper trading
                  activity or possible improper marketing and sales activity in
                  the Registrant ("Private Litigation and Enforcement Actions").
                  In the event that this indemnification is unavailable to the
                  Registrant for any reason, then DIMA has agreed to contribute
                  to the amount paid or payable by the Registrant as a result of
                  any loss, damage, liability or expense in such proportion as
                  is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of DIMA and the
                  Registrant with respect to the matters which resulted in such
                  loss, damage, liability or expense, as well as any other
                  relevant equitable considerations; provided, that if no final
                  determination is made in such action or proceeding as to the
                  relative fault of DIMA and the Registrant, then DIMA shall pay
                  the entire amount of such loss, damage, liability or expense.

                  In recognition of its undertaking to indemnify the Registrant,
                  and in light of the rebuttable presumption generally afforded
                  to non-interested board members of an investment company that
                  they have not engaged in disabling conduct, DIMA has also
                  agreed, subject to applicable law and regulation, to indemnify
                  and hold harmless each of the Independent Trustees against any
                  and all loss, damage, liability and expense, including without
                  limitation the advancement and payment as incurred of
                  reasonable fees and expenses of counsel and consultants, and
                  other customary costs and expenses incurred by the Independent
                  Trustees, arising from the matters alleged in any Private
                  Litigation and Enforcement Actions or matters arising from or
                  similar in subject matter to the matters alleged in the
                  Private Litigation and Enforcement Actions (collectively,
                  "Covered Matters"), including without limitation:

                           1. all reasonable legal and other expenses incurred
                           by the Independent Trustees in connection with the
                           Private Litigation and Enforcement Actions, and any
                           actions that may be threatened or commenced in the
                           future by any person (including any governmental
                           authority), arising from or similar to the matters
                           alleged in the Private Litigation and Enforcement
                           Actions, including without limitation expenses
                           related to the defense of, service as a witness in,
                           or monitoring of such proceedings or actions;

                           2. all liabilities and reasonable legal and other
                           expenses incurred by any Independent Trustee in
                           connection with any judgment resulting from, or
                           settlement of, any such proceeding, action or matter;



                                       7
<PAGE>

                           3. any loss or reasonable legal and other expenses
                           incurred by any Independent Trustee as a result of
                           the denial of, or dispute about, any insurance claim
                           under, or actual or purported rescission or
                           termination of, any policy of insurance arranged by
                           DIMA (or by a representative of DIMA acting as such,
                           acting as a representative of the Registrant or of
                           the Independent Trustees or acting otherwise) for the
                           benefit of the Independent Trustee, to the extent
                           that such denial, dispute or rescission is based in
                           whole or in part upon any alleged misrepresentation
                           made in the application for such policy or any other
                           alleged improper conduct on the part of DIMA, any of
                           its corporate affiliates, or any of their directors,
                           officers or employees;

                           4. any loss or reasonable legal and other expenses
                           incurred by any Independent Trustee, whether or not
                           such loss or expense is incurred with respect to a
                           Covered Matter, which is otherwise covered under the
                           terms of any specified policy of insurance, but for
                           which the Independent Trustee is unable to obtain
                           advancement of expenses or indemnification under that
                           policy of insurance, due to the exhaustion of policy
                           limits which is due in whole or in part to DIMA or
                           any affiliate thereof having received advancement of
                           expenses or indemnification under that policy for or
                           with respect to any Covered Matter; provided, that
                           the total amount that DIMA will be obligated to pay
                           under this provision for all loss or expense shall
                           not exceed the amount that DIMA and any of its
                           affiliates actually receive under that policy of
                           insurance for or with respect to any and all Covered
                           Matters; and

                           5. all liabilities and reasonable legal and other
                           expenses incurred by any Independent Trustee in
                           connection with any proceeding or action to enforce
                           his or her rights under the agreement, unless DIMA
                           prevails on the merits of any such dispute in a
                           final, nonappealable court order.

                  DIMA is not required to pay costs or expenses or provide
                  indemnification to or for any individual Independent Trustee
                  (i) with respect to any particular proceeding or action as to
                  which the Board of the Registrant has determined that such
                  Independent Trustee ultimately would not be entitled to
                  indemnification with respect thereto, or (ii) for any
                  liability of the Independent Trustee to the Registrant or its
                  shareholders to which such Independent Trustee would otherwise
                  be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
                  negligence, or reckless disregard of the Independent Trustee's
                  duties as a Trustee of the Registrant as determined in a final
                  adjudication in such proceeding or action. In addition, to the
                  extent that DIMA has paid costs or expenses under the
                  agreement to any individual Independent Trustee with respect
                  to a particular proceeding or action, and there is a final
                  adjudication in such proceeding or action of the Independent
                  Trustee's liability to the Registrant or its shareholders by
                  reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or
                  reckless disregard of the Independent Trustee's duties as a
                  Trustee of the Registrant, such Independent Trustee has
                  undertaken to repay such costs or expenses to DIMA.

Item 26.          Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisor
--------          ----------------------------------------------------

                  During the last two fiscal years, no director or officer of
                  Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc., the investment
                  advisor, has engaged in any other business, profession,
                  vocation or employment of a substantial nature other than that
                  of the business of investment management and, through
                  affiliates, investment banking.

Item 27.          Principal Underwriters
--------          ----------------------

                  (a)

                  DWS Investments Distributors, Inc. acts as principal
                  underwriter of the Registrant's shares and acts as principal
                  underwriter for registered open-end management investment
                  companies other funds managed by Deutsche Investment
                  Management Americas Inc.



                                       8
<PAGE>

                  (b)

                  Information on the officers and directors of DWS Investments
                  Distributors, Inc., principal underwriter for the Registrant,
                  is set forth below. The principal business address is 222
                  South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      (1)                             (2)                                  (3)
          DWS Investments
          Distributors, Inc.
          Name and Principal             Positions and Offices with               Positions and
          Business Address               DWS Investments Distributors, Inc.       Offices with Registrant
          ----------------               ----------------------------------       -----------------------

<S>       <C>                            <C>                                      <C>
          Philipp Hensler                Director, Chairman of the Board and      None
          345 Park Avenue                CEO
          New York, NY 10154

          Michael Colon                  Director and Chief Operating Officer     None
          345 Park Avenue
          New York, NY 10154

          Thomas Winnick                 Director and President                   None
          345 Park Avenue
          New York, NY 10154

          Cliff Goldstein                Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    None
          60 Wall Street
          New York, NY 10005

          Robert Froehlich               Vice President                           None
          222 South Riverside Plaza
          Chicago, IL 60606

          Paul Schubert                  Vice President                           Chief Financial Officer
          345 Park Avenue                                                         and Treasurer
          New York, NY 10154

          Mark Perrelli                  Vice President                           None
          222 South Riverside Plaza
          Chicago, IL 60606

          Donna White                    Chief Compliance Officer                 None
          345 Park Avenue
          New York, NY 10154

          Jason Vazquez                  Vice President and AML Compliance        AML Compliance Officer
          345 Park Avenue                Officer
          New York, NY 10154

          Caroline Pearson               Secretary                                Assistant Secretary
          One Beacon Street
          Boston, MA 02108

          Philip J. Collora              Assistant Secretary                      None
          222 South Riverside Plaza
          Chicago, IL 60606



                                       9
<PAGE>

                      (1)                             (2)                                  (3)
          DWS Investments
          Distributors, Inc.
          Name and Principal             Positions and Offices with               Positions and
          Business Address               DWS Investments Distributors, Inc.       Offices with Registrant
          ----------------               ----------------------------------       -----------------------

          Patricia DeFilippis            Assistant Secretary                       None
          280 Park Avenue
          New York, NY 10017

          Anjie LaRocca                  Assistant Secretary                      None
          345 Park Avenue
          New York, NY 10154
</TABLE>

         (c)      Not applicable

Item 28.          Location of Accounts and Records
--------          --------------------------------

                  Certain accounts, books and other documents required to be
                  maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules
                  promulgated thereunder are maintained by the Advisor, One
                  Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108. Records relating to the
                  duties of the Registrant's custodian are maintained by State
                  Street Bank and Trust Company, Heritage Drive, North Quincy,
                  Massachusetts. Records relating to the duties of the
                  Registrant's transfer agent are maintained by DWS Investments
                  Service Company, 210 West 10th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
                  64105, or DST Systems, Inc., the sub-transfer agent at 127
                  West 10th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.

Item 29.          Management Services
--------          -------------------

                  Inapplicable.

Item 30.          Undertakings
--------          ------------

                  Inapplicable.


                                       10
<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES
                                   ----------

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this amendment to
its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereto duly authorized, in the City of New York and the State of New York on
the 3rd day of April 2009.

                                               DWS VARIABLE SERIES I

                                                By:  /s/Michael G. Clark
                                                    --------------------
                                                    Michael G. Clark*

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration Statement has been signed below by
the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 SIGNATURE                                  TITLE                                        DATE
 ---------                                  -----                                        ----

<S>                                         <C>                                          <C>
 /s/Michael G. Clark
 -------------------------------------
 Michael G. Clark*                          President                                    April 3, 2009

 /s/Paul H. Schubert
 -------------------------------------
 Paul H. Schubert                           Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer        April 3, 2009

 /s/John W. Ballantine
 -------------------------------------
 John W. Ballantine*                        Trustee                                      April 3, 2009

 /s/Henry P. Becton, Jr.
 -------------------------------------
 Henry P. Becton, Jr.*                      Trustee                                      April 3, 2009

  /s/Dawn-Marie Driscoll
 -------------------------------------
 Dawn-Marie Driscoll*                       Chairperson and Trustee                      April 3, 2009

 /s/Keith R. Fox
 -------------------------------------
 Keith R. Fox*                              Trustee                                      April 3, 2009

 /s/Paul K. Freeman
 -------------------------------------
 Paul K. Freeman*                           Vice Chairperson and Trustee                 April 3, 2009

 /s/Kenneth C. Froewiss
 -------------------------------------
 Kenneth C. Froewiss*                       Trustee                                      April 3, 2009

 /s/Richard J. Herring
 -------------------------------------
 Richard J. Herring*                        Trustee                                      April 3, 2009

 /s/William McClayton
 -------------------------------------
 William McClayton*                         Trustee                                      April 3, 2009

 /s/Rebecca W. Rimel
 -------------------------------------
 Rebecca W. Rimel*                          Trustee                                      April 3, 2009

 /s/William N. Searcy, Jr.
 -------------------------------------
 William N. Searcy, Jr.*                    Trustee                                      April 3, 2009

 /s/Jean Gleason Stromberg
 -------------------------------------
 Jean Gleason Stromberg*                    Trustee                                      April 3, 2009

 /s/Robert H. Wadsworth
 -------------------------------------
 Robert H. Wadsworth*                       Trustee                                      April 3, 2009

 /s/Axel Schwarzer
 -------------------------------------
 Axel Schwarzer*                            Trustee                                      April 3, 2009
</TABLE>

*By:     /s/Caroline Pearson
         ------------------------------
         Caroline Pearson**
         Assistant Secretary

**       Attorney-in-fact pursuant to the powers of attorney as filed on April
         28, 2008 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant's
         Registration Statement and as filed on February 19, 2009 in
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to the Registrant's Registration
         Statement.

<PAGE>

                                                                File No. 2-96461
                                                               File No. 811-4257



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



                                    EXHIBITS

                                       TO

                                    FORM N-1A



                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 45

                            TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT

                                      UNDER

                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                                       AND

                                AMENDMENT NO. 49

                            TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT

                                      UNDER

                       THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940



                              DWS VARIABLE SERIES I



                                       11
<PAGE>

                              DWS VARIABLE SERIES I

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
                                  -------------

                                     (h)(8)

                                     (h)(9)

                                       (n)

                                     (p)(1)

                                     (p)(2)



                                       12