The Nobility of Germany refers to the social class of aristocrats who held privileges and titles in the German states, particularly before the unification of Germany in 1871. This class included various ranks such as dukes, counts, and barons, who often owned large estates and had significant political influence. Their status was typically hereditary, passed down through generations. With the rise of democracy and the decline of monarchies in the 19th and 20th centuries, the power of the German nobility diminished. Many noble families adapted to the changing social landscape, while some retained their titles and properties, continuing to play a role in cultural and social life in modern Germany.