How do Germanic court cards differ from the king, queen, and jack in international decks?
In Germanic decks, the court cards differ significantly from the king, queen, and jack found in international decks. While international decks typically feature a king, queen, and jack, Germanic decks utilize ober (over) and unter (under) cards.1
These terms originally referred to the physical position of the suitmark on the card, though they are often interpreted as representing superior and inferior officers. Unlike the courtly flavor associated with Anglo-French decks, Germanic court cards are characterized by a rustic flavor.1
Additionally, while it is a common misconception that the French were the first to replace the upper viceroy with a queen, it was actually the Germans who did so first, though they subsequently reverted to the male upper viceroy.1