VfL Wolfsburg were left frustrated after drawing 1-1 with FC Schalke 04.
Leroy Sané opened the scoring for the visitors against the run of play with a wonderful solo goal, running from his own half.
Chances came frequently for the hosts but found themselves behind until De Bruyne grabbed an equaliser 12 minutes from time with a calm finish.
De Bruyne nearly broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when his cross from the left curled just over the bar.
Wolfsburg had the next good chance 10 minutes later when Luis Gustavo was on the end of a pin-point cross from Vieirinha but headed wide.
De Bruyne had another chance soon after but his shot was straight at Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann.
Sead Kolašinac was lucky to stay on the pitch after a reckless challenge on Gustavo saw him only receive a yellow card.
It was a dominant first half for second place Wolfsburg but were unable to get past Fährmann.
The hosts started the second half brightly when just a minute after the restart, left back Ricardo Rodriguez hit a wonderful long distance strike, but saw it cannon back off the crossbar.
Dieter Hecking's side continued to dominate but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 54th when Leroy Sané picked up the ball in his own half and ran all the way and slotted past Diego Benaglio. He got a bit of luck on the way, but the youngster showed a lot of composure.
Chances continued to fall to the hosts, but couldn't make them count. De Bruyne whipped in a free-kick that no-one managed to get a touch on, but Fährmann pulled off a smart save from it going all the way in.
De Bruyne finally got himself on the scoresheet. A lovely side footed shot from just outside the area made it 1-1. It was a well deserved goal for Hecking's side who had been frustrated by the visitors for the majority of the game.
The Wolves pushed for a winner, but were left disappointed and having to settle for a point. This leaves the side 12 points behind Bayern Munich in second.
Roberto Di Matteo's injury hit Schalke side will be pleased with a point which leaves them still in fifth position in the Bundesliga.
Wolfsburg travel to Borussia-Park next week to face Borussia Mönchengladbach while Schalke head to the Coface Arena to take on 1.FSV Mainz 05.