The entire new series of German light cruisers was equipped with turbines. The Kolberg class surpassed its predecessors in size and seafaring capability, with enhancements in both speed and gunnery. During World War I, the lead ship of the class participated in raids on Yarmouth and Scarborough, the Battle of Dogger Bank, and then tried to break through into the Gulf of Riga with the main forces of the fleet. Kolberg repeated her attempt at a breakthrough in Operation Albion—successfully this time. After World War I, the ship was handed over to the French Navy and was renamed Colmar.