The W.4 was a derivative of the Albatros D.I land-based fighter aircraft, furnished with a new wing and tail section of greater span than the D.I.

The fuselage of the D.I was used as a basis and the two aircraft shared the same basic structural elements of longerons and formers covered by plywood.

[2] Steel was used extensively in the structure of the tail unit, such as bracing struts and the framework of both the elevator and rudder.

The W.4 typically had the upper hand over most enemy seaplanes encountered, particularly in terms of armament, unless the aircraft came up against the heavier flying boats operated by the Royal Navy.

[1] It was ultimately eclipsed by the arrival of faster twin-seat floatplanes produced by rival German aircraft manufacturer Hansa-Brandenburg.