 "Grosser Kurfürst" was armed with ten guns in five twin turrets and could steam at a top speed of .Along with her three sister ships, , , and , "Grosser Kurfürst" took part in most of the fleet actions during the war, including the Battle of Jutland on 31 May and 1 June 1916.The ship was subjected to heavy fire at Jutland, but was not seriously damaged.