Ritter

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Ritter is the second lowest-ranking title of nobility in German-speaking areas, just above an Edler, considered roughly equal to the title Knight or Baronet. It is a hereditary title. The German knightly families, indicated by the designation "von" before their names, often acquired baronial rank. This would be indicated heraldically by the use of a coronet with either seven or five points (as opposed to counts, who have nine points on the coronet). As a result, most German Barons would not call themselves such, unless they held an allodial title (in which case they would be designated Freiherr and would refer to themselves as part of the "knightly" class).

[edit] See also

• Graf
• Royal and noble ranks