German nobility

Encyclopedia : G : GE : GER : German nobility

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German nobility is the nobility in Germany. The nobility can be differentiated in various subgroups:

• Uradel (very old Nobility): Nobility that dates back to at least 1400, and probably originates from leadership positions during the Migration Period.
• Briefadel: Common people or non-german nobility that received a patent of nobility for Germany. The first known document is from September 30 1360 for Wyker Frosch in Mainz.
• Niederer Adel (gentry): The name was often preceded by von, as for example Manfred von Richthofen or Richard von Weizsäcker, although the prefix von does not necessarily indicate nobility.
• Hochadel (nobility): a colloquial term for Uradel that still existed in 1919, but may also include some Briefadel.

Legally, German nobility ended on August 11 1919 with the Weimar constitution, when all Germans were made equal before the law, and any legal distinction due to nobility ceased to exist. The titles became part of the name of the Family, as for example Otto Graf Lambsdorff. In Society, however, nobility continues to play an important role, with various organizations related to nobility.

See also

• Graf
• Holy Roman Empire
• Junker
• Royal and noble ranks

External links

• [Prosopography of the gentry families in and around the region of Münster (17th/18th century) online]
• [Frequently asked questions from Alt.Talk.Royality]

 

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