German nobility refers to the social class of aristocrats in Germany, historically known for their land ownership and political influence. This class emerged during the Middle Ages and included various titles such as Duke, Count, and Baron. Nobles often held significant power in local governance and were granted privileges by the ruling monarchs. The structure of German nobility was complex, with many families maintaining their status over centuries. Following the unification of Germany in 1871, the importance of nobility began to decline, especially after the Weimar Republic abolished noble titles in 1919. However, many noble families still exist today, often involved in cultural and charitable activities.