The enactment  of 28 September 1941 introduced the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords () and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (). At the end of 1944 the final grade, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds (), based on the enactment  of 29 December 1944, became the final variant of the Knight's Cross authorized.
The introduction of 28 September 1941 brought forth the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords () and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (). By the conclusion of 1944, the ultimate grade, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds (), resulting from an enactment on 29 December 1944, became the last variant sanctioned.