briefadelig

nobility by patent (not hereditary)

English translations

  1. 01

    short-lived

  2. 02

    ephemeral

Word details

German meaning
Adelstitel, der durch einen Brief des Kaisers oder eines anderen Souveräns verliehen wurde, im Gegensatz zu älteren Adelsfamilien.
English meaning
ennobled by patent
German example
Die Familie wurde durch einen kaiserlichen Brief briefadelig.
English example
The family was ennobled by an imperial patent.

Example sentences with “briefadelig”

  1. Er entstammte einer briefadeligen Familie. (He came from a family ennobled by patent.)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'Uradel' and 'Briefadel'?

'Uradel' is ancient nobility, while 'Briefadel' was created by a sovereign through a letter of patent.