The class comprised three ships: , , and . All three of the ships saw active service with the High Seas Fleet during World War I. "Derfflinger" was commissioned shortly after the outbreak of war, and was present at most of the naval actions in the North Sea, including the battles of Dogger Bank and Jutland. "Lützow" was commissioned in August 1915, and participated only in the raid on Yarmouth before being sunk at Jutland. "Hindenburg" was commissioned into the fleet in May 1917, and saw no major action. "Derfflinger" and "Hindenburg" were interned at Scapa Flow following the armistice in November 1918. Rear Admiral Ludwig von Reuter, who was in command of the interned High Seas Fleet, ordered the ships to be scuttled in an attempt to prevent their possible seizure by the Royal Navy.