Career
Bernhard was the second son from the first marriage of Margrave Ernest of Baden-Profzheim with Elisabeth of Brandenburg-Ansbach-Kulmbach. In 1537, he opposed the proposed division of his father"s territory among his father"s sons, and in particular against the rights of his half-brother Charles II, arguing that his father"s second marriage had been Morganatic. In 1540 he acquired the citizenship of the city Basel.
He also owed a debt to the city.
He ruled Lower Baden, with the cities of Pforzheim and Durlach from 26 September 1552 until his death, while his half-brother Charles II ruled Upper Baden. However, his rule lasted only a few months, as he died unexpectedly on 20 January 1553.
He was buried in the Collegiate Church in Pforzheim.