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Fürst

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"Fürst" is a uniquely German title of nobility that is best translated to "Prince". The feudal rank of a Fürst is sometimes lesser than that of a "Herzog" (Duke), or "Großherzog" (Grand duke), depending on the particular title's history.

The title Fürst designates the head (the "first") of a princely house, or the head of a branch of such a house. The "first" originates from ancient Germanic times , when the "first" was the leader in battle and thus was the chosen ruler. The heir of a Fürst is an Erbprinz, or Hereditary Prince.

While most people who would be referred to in English as a "Prince" would be called in German "Prinz" the head of a German princely house, or the present-day ruler of Liechtenstein and Monaco, would be a "Fürst". Also the hereditary rulers of Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania were titled Fürst until they gradually were granted the title of king.

Electors of the Holy Roman Empire were termed "Kurfürst, Kurfürstin". Kur (earlier spelling Chur) is derived from kur/küren, to choose.

"Großfürst" is the word used in German for a Magnus Dux and a Russian grand duke (son of a tsar).

The word Fürst is also used to refer to a ruler in the general sense, as in Machiavelli's The Prince.

See also: See also: Grand duchy, Grand duke, Grand duchess, Prince, Feudal rank and Titles of nobility

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