An unimportant little note (but one day I might start collecting these under "things I learned"

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If anyone other than a medical doctor, bishop, or minister signs (EDITED IN a book or an article as) "Dr." so and so, you may safely conclude that s/he is a jumped-up ignoramus, and probably a snake oil salesman. Of course, plenty of bishops and ministers - and the odd medical doctor - also qualify, but in their case that is independent of their being called "Dr.".

Comments

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I am not familiar enough with German usage to answer. It certainly does not in Italian, because Italians prefer acquired titles. An Italian is only called "Signor" so and so if he cannot be called "Dottore/ Avvocato/ Professore/ Presidente/ Ingegnere/ Cavaliere" etc. etc. Inherited titles are out of fashion, but acquired ones are wildly popular.