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, typically 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 (Baron) or five points (knight) (as opposed to counts, who have nine points on the coronet, or a strawberry leaf crown). German (Holy Roman Empire) nobility of that rank is called 'Ritter von [...]' Sypniewski Ritter von Odrowaz. Where an allodial title is held they would also be designated Freiherr or Junker.

[edit] See also

• Graf
• Royal and noble ranks
• Ridder