After the battle, the four surviving ships were removed from front-line service and used for coastal defense through mid-1917. Thereafter,  alone remained on patrol duty, while the rest were used as barracks or training ships. After Germany's defeat, the Treaty of Versailles permitted the postwar navy to retain several old battleships for coastal defense, including the four -class ships.
After the conflict, the four remaining warships were withdrawn from active duty and reassigned to coastal protection until mid-1917. The lone vessel continued to patrol, while the others were converted into barracks or training ships. Following Germany's surrender, the Treaty of Versailles enabled the postwar navy to retain a few vintage battleships for coastal defense, including the four -class vessels.