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.
