Correct Form - German Prince
 

I thought all titles in Germany had been abolished. I have been invited to an event where I know I shall be introduced to a German Prince. Can anyone tell me how he should be adressed both verbally and in writing.

cimabue, I'm tempted to suggest a simple "Herr", but why not phone the German embassy? Someone there would be au fait with whatever protocol may apply to the scion of a dead aristocracy.

Do they still use these titles? I worked with someone the equivalent of a German Earl passed through his family but he never spoke of it. I was told by another colleague. I wuld use Herr if you do not find out as maybe his title is not used??

Could you not just ask him when you're introduced? What's wrong with saying 'I'm sorry, but I'm not sure how I should call you'?

Unless he's actually living in a castle with a moat I suggest the term "Herr" would be how he is usually addressed and anything otherwise might just make you seem woefully out of touch.

By the way, I suspect he may be even more "overwhelmed" at the prospect of meeting you as you are of him.

Castle or one-roomed apartment: I thought Germany made all those nobility things illegal in 1917.

But they didn't stop Germany's obsession with titles. It isn't whether he's called Prinz or Furst you should worry about, but whether he's called Herr Doktor, Ingenieur or whatever. And whether his wife gets his title (as in Frau Professor)

Now that does matter.

All of these titles were officially abolished long ago. there is no "official" protocol since there is no official title. Just call him Herr.

(I have a friend who is a Hungarian count - althouth he never tells anyone until you have known him a while - and who makes fun of these "princes" - says if they bother to use the title it's usually because they are up to some sort of scam.)

Hi cima,

I suggest that you ask the event organizers how to address Herr Prinz and inform them of how he is to address you.

LOL ira :)

They call me Rufe.

It all depends, of course, on whether your prince is a Prinz or a Fuerst, to say nothing of a Kronprinz or a Kurfuerst (if there are any left), which you can determine by consulting the Almanach de Gotha.

On the other hand, you could simply say, "How ya doin' Prince" and plead ignorance of the intricate rules of the European ex-nobility.

The rules on form of address are remarkably complicated and known only by specialists in protocol or heraldry. According to a Web search I just did, non-mediatized German Fürsten are addressed as Serene Highness, Princely Grace (fürstliche Gnaden), or High Born. If you're concerned about this, check with the people who are issuing the invitation. Otherwise, use Herr. And if you're American--don't worry. The prince will be satisfied if you avoid giving him a nickname.

But what about the mediatized Fürsten? Do they get to be addressed as Serene Highness or only Highness, and High Born or only Well Born?

Here, Prince.

Here, Prince.

Good boy.

As in so many threads, Ira richly deserves the last word.

Hi Fritz (whatever is the name)! How you doin'?

ira,
you are batting a thousand today =D>

I think you should call him mein Prinzchen.

While all titles in Germany were abolished by the Weimar Constitution in 1919, the titles were kept as part of the legal name. Let's say you meet Friedrich Wilhelm Prinz von Preussen, the correct way to address him verbally and in writing would be "Prinz von Preussen". One would never address him as Herr Prinz.

Since you are to be introduced, could you not follow the lead of the person making the introductions?

Joelle

If the introduction is done correctly, you can follow the lead.

Yes, Germany retained the royal names as the legal surnames of everyone who had one. A friend of mine is normally 'John' "von der X", even though his official ID states his proper name is 'John' "Graf von der X von Y". In Austria it is where there are no more royal titles of any kind.

Reminds me of the true story of when the late Alan King was introduced to Queen Elizabeth II.

"How do you do, Mr. King," the Queen said.

"And how do you do, Mrs. Queen," the comedian replied.

It's said that when the young Queen Elizabeth first visited Australia in 1954 her consort, the dashing Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, managed some furtive dalliances with local debutantes while HM was otherwise engaged. As, apparently, was his wont.

During a more recent visit a few years ago, the usual gaggle of Sydney socialites was lined up to meet the royal couple. Half-way down the line the Duke came to one of his former conquests, whom of course he failed to recognise. She curtsied, then smiled sweetly and in a stage whisper said one word: "Bastard!" For once the Duke had nothing to say.