There are earlier instances in which rulers of the HRE would refer to themselves as "Holy Roman Emperor and king of the Germans" as separate titles (usually along with a whole bunch more, as was the way of powerful feudal rulers). When they did this usually depended on who the intended audience was. Speaking to the king of France and don't much like him? Assert your position as heir to the Roman Empire and therefore above him. Trying to get on good terms with the Byzantine emperor, who considers your claim to the Roman Empire to be a usurpation of his own title? Probably call yourself king of the Germans.

[–] Successful_Try543@feddit.org 7 points 3 months ago

These actually were two different titles. The king of the Germans was elected from the twelve Prince-electors (Kurfürsten). After Otto the Great, it became tradition that the current King of the Germans became crowned by the bishop of Rome aka. the pope, as Roman Emperor. However, at least in the beginning this was no automatism. Thus, not all German kings became Roman Emperor.

[–] dharmacurious 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

as was the way of powerful feudal rulers

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