 They were designed to steam at a maximum of 33.5 knots, but were capable of up to 35 knots.The ships had two rudders each.Eight 920 kW diesel generators supplied electrical power for the ships, for a total of 7360 kW, at 220 V.

The ships' main armament batteries were to have consisted of six L/47 SK C/34 quick-firing guns mounted in three twin turrets, the same Drh LC/38 gun turrets as were used on the "Bismarck"-class battleships.