der Kurfürst
Translation
prince-elector, elector
Examples
Die Kurfürsten wählten den deutschen Kaiser.
The prince-electors elected the German Emperor.
Der Kurfürst von Sachsen war sehr mächtig.
The Elector of Saxony was very powerful.
Grammar Patterns
der Kurfürst von ((sth.dat)) the Elector of ... The Elector of Brandenburg was an important figure.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Herzog (duke), König (king), Kaiser (emperor)
Etymology
Compounded from 'Kur' (choice, election, from the old verb 'küren') and 'Fürst' (prince). Literally a 'choosing prince'.
Memory Tips
Remember it as a 'Fürst' (prince) who could 'küren' (elect) the emperor.