"Braunschweig" was modernized in 1919–1920 and served in the Reichsmarine from 1921 to 1926, at which point she was withdrawn from active duty. During this period, she served as the flagship of the "Marinestation der Nordsee" (Naval Station of the North Sea) and later the "Linienschiffsdivision" (Battleship Division). "Elsass" was also rebuilt in the early 1920s and thereafter saw active duty in the fleet from 1924 until 25 February 1930, at which point she was removed from active service. "Hessen" returned to service in 1925. Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, the fleet conducted a similar training routine to that of the pre-war period, including cruises into the Atlantic in the 1920s. On 31 May 1931, "Braunschweig", "Elsass", and "Lothringen" were stricken from the naval register. The first two vessels were converted into hulks at Wilhelmshaven and eventually scrapped, while "Lothringen" was simply broken up immediately. "Hessen" remained in service until late 1934, by which time the new of "panzerschiffe" (armored ships) had begun to enter service.