German nobility

German nobility refers to the hereditary aristocratic class in Germany, historically characterized by land ownership, titles, and privileges. This class evolved through the medieval feudal system, where nobles held power over territories and were granted special rights by monarchs. Titles such as Duke, Count, or Baron were common, and nobility often played key roles in politics and society. The nobility was significantly affected by the abolition of feudal privileges in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially after World War I. Today, while titles may still exist, their political power is largely symbolic and cultural rather than functional.