Crossword Genius

Spanish and German articles entitled to respect? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elder

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'spanish' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'german articles entitled to respect?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'german' could be 'de' (language code) and 'de' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elder that I've seen before include "Church leader; tree" , "Tree - wise counsellor" , "Tribal advisor" , "Patriarch" , "comparatively aged" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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