Hochgeboren (German:[ˈhoːχɡəˌboːɐ̯n̩],lit. "high-born";Latin:illustrissimus)[1] is a form of address for the titled members of theGerman andAustrian nobility, ranking just below thesovereign and mediatised dynasties.
The actual address is"Euer" Hochgeboren.[2] It is the proper form of address forcounts (Grafen)[3] that are neither heirs tomediatised families of theHoly Roman Empire (counts of the Holy Roman Empire orReichsgrafen) nor families who have been bequeathed higher predicate by theEmperor.[4] Bycourtesy,barons (Freiherr) belonging to old houses of theUradel are also addressed in the same way.
The correct term forimmediate counts (Reichsgrafen) isErlaucht ("Illustrious Highness"),[5] while the proper form of address forprinces (Fürsten) anddukes (Herzöge) isDurchlaucht ("Serene Highness").
In the Netherlands,Hooggeboren ("High-born") is used to addressDukes,Margraves,Counts orViscounts. In Belgium,Hooggeboren is used in Dutch andMessire ("Sir") in French.
The title should not be confused with(Euer)Hochwohlgeboren, which ranks lower, and is the correct form of address for Germanbarons (Freiherren) andknights (Ritter); or(Euer)Wohlgeboren, which ranks lower thanHochwohlgeboren, and is the address for aVogt ("reeve") orBüttel (bailiff).
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