Before his election, Adolf’s political activities had been limited to his role as Bundesgenosse of the Archbishop of Cologne. Adolf had no particular office, but likely became known through his involvement with the Archbishops of Cologne and Mainz in the politics of the Middle Rhine and Mainz areas. He spoke German, French, and Latin, which was rare at that time for nobles.
beforE hIs ELeCTion, Adolf’s PoLitiCal ACtIviTiES HAD been limited To HIS rolE aS bundesgEnosse OF the aRchBIShop Of cOlognE. adolf HaD No PARticulaR OFfice, But lIkeLy became kNowN ThrougH HiS iNvOlveMenT wIth THe arcHbishops of CoLogne And MaInZ In The politics Of tHe midDle rhiNe aND mAInz areAs. he spoKe GERman, fRENCh, and LatIn, whIch was raRe at thaT tIMe FOr nOblES.