elector
der Kurfürst, die Kurfürsten
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elector
A historical title for one of the highest-ranking princes in the Holy Roman Empire who had the right to elect the Roman-German king and emperor.
August der Starke war Kurfürst von Sachsen und später auch König von Polen.
Augustus the Strong was Elector of Saxony and later also King of Poland.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kurfürsten |
| genitive | des Kurfürsten |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Kurfürst | die Kurfürsten |
| accusative | den Kurfürsten | die Kurfürsten |
| dative | dem Kurfürsten | den Kurfürsten |
| genitive | des Kurfürsten | der Kurfürsten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'Kur' and 'Fürst' (prince). 'Kur' is an old word for 'Wahl' (election) from the verb 'küren' (to choose / to elect). A Kurfürst was therefore literally an 'electing prince' who was allowed to elect the emperor.
Die Fürsten kürten den neuen König.
The princes elected the new king.
'Kurfürst' (elector) is a purely historical title that is no longer used today. It is closely connected with the history of the Holy Roman Empire (ca. 962–1806).
Im Geschichtsunterricht lernen wir über die Rolle der Kurfürsten.
In history class, we learn about the role of the electors.
The title is almost always used in the form 'Kurfürst von [Region]' (Elector of [region]) to identify the prince's territory or rule.
Der Kurfürst von Brandenburg hatte großen politischen Einfluss.
The Elector of Brandenburg had great political influence.
