adels

Adels refers to the noble class in German-language contexts. The word Adel denotes the nobility, while Adels appears mainly in compounds such as Adelsgeschlecht (noble family) or Adelsprivilegien, and in the genitive construction des Adels meaning “of the nobility.” The Adels historically comprised hereditary elites who held land, titles, and certain legal privileges within feudal and early modern states. Their influence varied by region, but they typically had seats in governing bodies, exemptions from some taxes, and the right to bear arms or hold offices.

Throughout medieval and early modern Europe, the nobility served as a ruling class subordinate to monarchs or central authorities, often providing military command, administrative leadership, and counsel to rulers. The rise of centralized states and constitutional reforms from the 18th to the 20th century reduced or ended many of these privileges. In Germany and Austria, legal privileges for the nobility were largely abolished after World War I (1918–1919), though noble titles continued to be used in surnames in some cases.

In modern times, Adels is primarily a historical and genealogical term. It covers numerous noble houses and lineages, referred to as Adelsgeschlechter, with varying levels of cultural influence. Today references to the Adels focus on history, heraldry, and the study of aristocratic families rather than political power. Some families retain estates or ceremonial roles, but without formal legal privileges.