Ritter (
German for "
knight") is a designation used as
title of
nobility in German-speaking areas. Traditionally it denotes the second lowest rank within the nobility, standing above "
Edler" and below "
Freiherr". For its historical association with warfare and the
gentry in the
Middle Ages, it can be considered roughly equal to the titles of "
Knight" or "
Baronet".
As with most
titles and designations within the
nobility in German-speaking areas, the rank was normally hereditary and would generally be used together with the designation of
von before a family name.
In the
Austrian Empire the title of "Ritter von" would be bestowed upon citizens who deserved more than the plain "von" but were not considered deserving enough as to be given a
barony as "Freiherr von". In addition to the described system, some states like
Württemberg and
Bavaria introduced orders of merit beginning in the late 18th century which also conferred nobility as "Ritter von" but kept the title limited to the recipient's life (see
Military Order of Max Joseph).
In heraldry, a Ritter would since the late 18th century often be indicated by the use of a
coronet with five points, although not everyone who was a Ritter and displayed arms would actually make use of such a coronet.
See also
Category:TitlesCategory:Austrian nobilityCategory:German nobilityCategory:German noble titlesde:Ritterno:Ritter
