This template provides a standard message explaining the meaning of the German word Ritter as it appears in a person's name. In a biographical article, it should be placed in a footnote after the subject's name in the lead section. The precise status of Ritter depends on when the subject lived.

• If the subject died before 18 March 1919, use the template without any parameters:
  • {{German title Ritter}} produces:
    • Regarding personal names: Ritter is a title, translated approximately as 'Sir' (denoting a knight), not a first or middle name. There is no equivalent female form.
• If the subject was born before 18 March 1919 but died after that date, add |abolished=life:
  • {{German title Ritter|abolished=life}} produces:
    • Regarding personal names: Ritter was originally a title, translated approximately as 'Sir' (denoting a knight). In 1919 all titles of nobility were abolished in Germany and Ritter, together with the noble particles von and zu, became part of the surname.
• If the subject was born on or after 18 March 1919, add |abolished=yes:
  • {{German title Ritter|abolished=yes}} produces:
    • Regarding personal names: Ritter was formerly a title, translated approximately as 'Sir' (denoting a knight). In 1919 all titles of nobility were abolished in Germany and Ritter, together with the noble particles von and zu, became part of the surname.