 The second design, the , was larger than the "Schwalbe" class and mounted newer, quick-firing guns, but was otherwise generally similar in capabilities., the final cruiser of the type, represented an attempt to merge the requirements for a colonial cruiser with those for a fleet scout as a result of Germany's chronically small naval budget; the design was unsatisfactory, and rather than continuing to build unprotected cruisers, German naval designers began work on the , the first modern light cruiser of the German Navy.All nine cruisers served extensively in Germany's colonies and foreign interests, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.