Thuringia was the first „Ballei“ of the German Order in Germany. Hermann of Salza joined this order. In 1198 this order became the German Knight Order. Hermann of Salza was elected the fourth Grand Master in 1210.

Together with the king of Hungary and the king of Jerusalem Hermann went to war against the heathens in 1212. Hermann of Salza was elected as the referee in quarrels by the emperor Friedrich II and Pope Honorius III in 1222. The emperor appointed Hermann of Salza a prince. In the years 1228 to 1229 Hermann of Salza participated in the fifth crusade. In 1235 he accompanied emperor Friedrich II in the campaign against his rebellious son Heinrich. In 1237 Hermann of Salza united the sword brothers with the German Order. He died in 1239 in Apulia. His grave is supposed to be in the order church San Augustino in Andria.