By the end of the 19th century a new weapon system was seen as an important danger for capital warships - the torpedo boat. With its small size, high speed and deadly weapons they were a very hard target to hit for the gunnery of these days.
Therefore, a fast and well armed ship was required which could protect capital warships and defend them against attacking torpedo boats.

The non armored Aviso Greif was build after this requirements.  With a speed of 19 knots it was fast enough to intercept torpedo boats, but because of the speed requirements, its main armament was restricted to only two 10,5 cm guns and ten  3,7 cm revolver cannons.

The Greif was only a mediocre seagoing ship as it rolled heavily in higher seas. With the improving speed of newer torpedo boats, the Greif was not able to fulfill its original task, therefore it was later used as a training ship and in the torpedo experimental commando. In addition it served as a reconnaissance vessel for the battle fleet.

Because of its age, it was not reactivated during World War I and scrapped after the war.