Alphabetic Sorting of Noble Names
When sorting noble – as well as non-noble – names in alphabetic sequence, the eventual prepositions, as mentioned above, and the titles, in Germany forming part of the surname since 1919, are ignored. Also name elements which have developed from honorary functions, such as Schenk (short for Mundschenk ), are overlooked. Since the prepositions are not considered relevant when sorting, the prepositions are not capitalised unless they begin a sentence. In this the German language practice differs from Dutch in the Netherlands, where the particle van is usually capitalised when mentioned without preceding given names or initials, or from Dutch in Belgium, where the name particle Van is always capitalised. The above-mentioned exemplary Kasimir von der Recke is thus sorted as:
- Recke, Graf Kasimir von der (for people died before 1919), or
- Recke, Kasimir Graf von der (for people alive, or dead thereafter).
Read more about this topic: German Nobility
Famous quotes containing the words noble and/or names:
“Some crimes get honor and renown by being committed with more pomp, by a greater number, and in a higher degree of wickedness than others. Hence it is that public robberies, plunderings, and sackings have been looked upon as excellencies and noble achievements, and the seizing of whole countries, however unjustly and barbarously, is dignified with the glorious name of gaining conquests.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)
“There are names written in her immortal scroll at which Fame blushes!”
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830)