If you were not born into the noble class, you can acquire a highly prestigious German nobility title by adoption, marriage or, for your firm or product, licensing by a legal title-holder. Members of former royal rank (Members of Germany's historical nobility up to the Royal Rank as Count, Earl, Duke, Prince, Royal Prince, etc.) offer the unique opportunity to acquire a genuine title of nobility.

Since 1919 the German aristocracy in consequence of the legislation does not exist any longer as a legal entity. The noble title was not abolished. They can be legally carried as part of the regular Familyname. For me as German Count, which family is known since 1180 are called Graf von ... (Count of...).
The title of nobility is now part of the surname. Today's valid law permits the guidance of the noble name to everyone, which is adopted or married by an aristocrat person / a noble family.
The title is considered part of the name.