In 1397 he defeated his uncle William VII of Jülich, 1st Duke of Berg in the battle of Kleverhamm and became Lord of Ravenstein.

From 1409 onwards he faced opposition from his younger brother Gerhard, who claimed the County of Mark.

As a result, Gerhard ruled the largest part of Mark, but was to be succeeded by his nephew John.

Shortly before the year 1400 he married Agnes, daughter of Rupert of Germany and Elisabeth of Nuremberg.

In 1406 Adolf married Marie of Burgundy, daughter of John the Fearless and Margaret of Bavaria.