German nobility

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

German nobility was the aristocratic class in Germany. The nobility was divided in various subgroups:

Uradel (ancient Nobility): Nobility that dates back to at least 1400, and originates from leadership positions during the Migration Period.
Briefadel(newer nobility): Nobility by patent. The first known document is from September 30, 1360 for Wyker Frosch in Mainz.
Hochadel (high nobility): Nobility that was sovereign or had a high degree of sovereignty.
Niederer Adel (lower nobility): Nobility that had a lower degree of sovereignty.

The surname were often preceded by von, as for example Manfred von Richthofen or Richard von Weizsäcker, although the prefix von does not necessarily indicate nobility.

Legally, the German aristocracy was abolished 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 some segments of society, however, nobility continues to play an important role, with various organizations related to nobility.