The Ladies Merit Cross (Frauenverdienstkreuz) was founded on 22 October 1907 by King William II of Prussia as a two-class Ladies Order and to reward women and young women, who worked in the field of charity, or in a religious or social field, who rendered outstanding had personal self-sacrificing service.

The medallion is framed by a string of pearls and is surmounted by a crown.

On the edge of the medallion is the blue enameled inscription FÜR VERDIENSTE (For Merit).

On the lower half of the edge are laurel branches flanking the intertwined letters AV (Augusta Victoria).

The insignia of the order was worn on a white bow on the left chest.