Walter Zöllner was not one of the DDR’s first squad medieval historians. Nevertheless, his research, especially in the field of charters, is of lasting importance for the scientific community. However, less is known about his research into the history of the crusades. This article aims to take a closer look at the „Geschichte der Kreuzzüge“, published by Zöllner in 1977. How did he manage to realise the predetermined interpretation of the crusades as a feudal movement? He certainly succeeds in setting his own accents and leaving traditional interpretations and restrictions behind him.