The four ships of the Königsberg II class were part of the constant development of small cruisers in Germany. Like their half sisters, the Pillau class (which original was build for Russia after modified plans of the Königsberg II class) they were equipped with 15 cm guns, giving them a much higher offensive potential than the older cruisers, only equipped with 10,5 cm guns.

Like other German small cruisers, they had a mixed coal/oil fires boiler system. They were maneuverable ships, but their stern tended to take over much water at high speed.

Nürnberg II had a similar operational history than the other ships of its class. The scuttling at Scapa Flow failed too, and it was sunk near the Isle of Wight on 07.02.1922.