Zweihänder swords developed from the longswords of the Late Middle Ages and became the hallmark weapon of the German Landsknechte from the time of Maximilian I (d. 1519) and during the Italian Wars of 1494–1559.

In its developed form, the Zweihänder acquired the handling characteristics of a polearm, rather than a sword due to their increased size and weight, therefore adding to its striking power and longer reach.

Frisian hero Pier Gerlofs Donia is reputed to have wielded a Zweihänder with such skill, strength and efficiency that he managed to behead several people with it in a single blow.

[4] Some modern historical European martial arts groups, specifically ones focusing on the German longsword styles, use some Zweihänders with less pronounced Parierhaken for training and tournament purposes.

These less pronounced parrying hooks are sometimes colloquially referred to as "Schilden", or literally "shields" in German, as they are used to catch incoming opposing blades.