Identifying Place Names in German documents: Difference between revisions

m
Text replacement - "    " to " "
m (correct typos, spacing)
m (Text replacement - "    " to " ")
Line 10: Line 10:
==== Introduction  ====
==== Introduction  ====


&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What do these place names have in common: ''Geminipontis''? ''Duobus Pontibus''? ''Biponte''? ''Deuxponts''? ''2brücken''? ''Czweynbrucken''? ''Tzweinbrucken''?&nbsp; &nbsp; Each place refers to the locality name ''Zweibrücken ''as found in original German documents.&nbsp; Interpreting place names in German documents can be challenging, even for experienced researchers.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When you find two or three German family researchers huddled around one microfilm reader in animated conversation, with puzzled looks on their faces, they may&nbsp;be trying to determine the correct spelling of a place name [or surname]. Place names as they occur in German documents are not really misspelled. They reflect the language, dialect, the education, and sometimes even the frugality of the scribe. The location [place] where the document was written must also be taken into consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What do these place names have in common: ''Geminipontis''? ''Duobus Pontibus''? ''Biponte''? ''Deuxponts''? ''2brücken''? ''Czweynbrucken''? ''Tzweinbrucken''?&nbsp; &nbsp; Each place refers to the locality name ''Zweibrücken ''as found in original German documents.&nbsp; Interpreting place names in German documents can be challenging, even for experienced researchers.<br>     When you find two or three German family researchers huddled around one microfilm reader in animated conversation, with puzzled looks on their faces, they may&nbsp;be trying to determine the correct spelling of a place name [or surname]. Place names as they occur in German documents are not really misspelled. They reflect the language, dialect, the education, and sometimes even the frugality of the scribe. The location [place] where the document was written must also be taken into consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  


Researchers should ask these questions:  
Researchers should ask these questions:  
Line 25: Line 25:
Answering these questions will help you determine the spelling of a given name so you can locate the place name on modern maps and in modern gazetteers. Luckily, modern resources, like "reverse-sort indexes" and gazetteers available on the Internet, can help simplify the&nbsp;search.  
Answering these questions will help you determine the spelling of a given name so you can locate the place name on modern maps and in modern gazetteers. Luckily, modern resources, like "reverse-sort indexes" and gazetteers available on the Internet, can help simplify the&nbsp;search.  


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; German research is first of all "locality" research, then surname research. To begin genealogical research in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other German-speaking areas, it is necessary to know the exact place of origin. Researchers all too often discover, especially in early American pedigrees, that a search in an incorrect locality for someone with the same name has produced a pedigree of incorrect lineage! &nbsp;Verify the location in gazetteers and on maps, search for complete family units, analyze the names of associates and witnesses of your ancestor, search specific time periods, and search all available records pertinent to your research question to build a correct pedigree.  
    German research is first of all "locality" research, then surname research. To begin genealogical research in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other German-speaking areas, it is necessary to know the exact place of origin. Researchers all too often discover, especially in early American pedigrees, that a search in an incorrect locality for someone with the same name has produced a pedigree of incorrect lineage! &nbsp;Verify the location in gazetteers and on maps, search for complete family units, analyze the names of associates and witnesses of your ancestor, search specific time periods, and search all available records pertinent to your research question to build a correct pedigree.  


==== Phonetic Spellings  ====
==== Phonetic Spellings  ====


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When a phonetic spelling of a place name is given, it can mislead the researcher to the extent that it is impossible to proceed with the research on a certain ancestral line. Gerhard Jeske, retired reference consultant at the Family History Library once recounted an interesting account of a perplexing German place name brought to the library by a patron. It shows how misleading a phonetic spelling can be.  
    When a phonetic spelling of a place name is given, it can mislead the researcher to the extent that it is impossible to proceed with the research on a certain ancestral line. Gerhard Jeske, retired reference consultant at the Family History Library once recounted an interesting account of a perplexing German place name brought to the library by a patron. It shows how misleading a phonetic spelling can be.  


&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The patron was looking for a place in Germany by the name of "Viceneck." When the reference consultant looked at the given spelling of this place name, he knew immediately that this was a phonetic spelling. He was sure that a place with such spelling would not be listed in any of the German gazetteers, but he checked the gazetteers anyway to satisfy the patron.  
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The patron was looking for a place in Germany by the name of "Viceneck." When the reference consultant looked at the given spelling of this place name, he knew immediately that this was a phonetic spelling. He was sure that a place with such spelling would not be listed in any of the German gazetteers, but he checked the gazetteers anyway to satisfy the patron.  
Line 41: Line 41:
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Another difficulty occurs when there are several places by the same spelling in the same province or canton of a German-speaking country. More often there are places by the same spelling found in different provinces or cantons of a certain country. It is also possible that the place name could refer to a place name in a German-speaking area outside of Germany. Problems of this nature are often difficult but not uncommon. <br>The gazetteer of the 1871 Empire of Germany is titled {{FHL|325694|title-id|disp=Meyers Orts- und Verkehrs- Lexikon}}. This gazetteer lists:  
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Another difficulty occurs when there are several places by the same spelling in the same province or canton of a German-speaking country. More often there are places by the same spelling found in different provinces or cantons of a certain country. It is also possible that the place name could refer to a place name in a German-speaking area outside of Germany. Problems of this nature are often difficult but not uncommon. <br>The gazetteer of the 1871 Empire of Germany is titled {{FHL|325694|title-id|disp=Meyers Orts- und Verkehrs- Lexikon}}. This gazetteer lists:  


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 35 places by the name of Rosenberg<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 44 places by the name of Kirchberg<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 60 places by the name of Bruch<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 32 places by the name of Bruck<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 48 places by the name of Bühl<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 75 places by the name of Holzhausen<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 81 places by the name of Grünhof<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 96 places by the name of Weinberg<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 100 places by the name of Moos<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 308 places by the name of Neuhof<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 347 places by the name of Neumühle  
    35 places by the name of Rosenberg<br>     44 places by the name of Kirchberg<br>     60 places by the name of Bruch<br>     32 places by the name of Bruck<br>     48 places by the name of Bühl<br>     75 places by the name of Holzhausen<br>     81 places by the name of Grünhof<br>     96 places by the name of Weinberg<br>     100 places by the name of Moos<br>     308 places by the name of Neuhof<br>     347 places by the name of Neumühle  


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In a recent article in the German periodical ''Saarländische Familienkunde ''Bernd Gölzer discusses some of the common errors that can occur in family history research. Focusing on place names, he identifies some of the problems that have occurred in the compilation of local family books and family histories when the wrong assumptions have been made by the authors. He illustrates with the place name "Brücken," denoting the word "bridge." He notes that in the church books of Niederkirchen, "Brücken" stands for "Osterbrücken," in the church registers of Mimbach, it stands for "Ohmbachbrücken," and in the court records of Blieskastel, it stands for "Bliesbrücken." He also questions why researchers only search records of Kutzenhausen by Augsburg or Herbitzheim an der Blies when they find these names listed in a family book, when the same place names can be found in the bordering areas of France. He suggests that authors compiling local family books and family histories should clearly identify small localities, such as mills and farms to make searching easier for other researchers.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In another example from this same article, Gölzer mentions the entry of the marriage of Georg Pitz of Biernbach and Anna Gitinger from Kirkel. The author of one town family book has assumed Biernbach is the same as Birnbach im Rottal. This false assumption has misled many researchers. He explains that "Biernbach" is generally known as "Bierbach bei Blieskastel," and there the marriage entry Bietz-Gutdücken will be found, noting the spelling variation of the surnames.  
    In a recent article in the German periodical ''Saarländische Familienkunde ''Bernd Gölzer discusses some of the common errors that can occur in family history research. Focusing on place names, he identifies some of the problems that have occurred in the compilation of local family books and family histories when the wrong assumptions have been made by the authors. He illustrates with the place name "Brücken," denoting the word "bridge." He notes that in the church books of Niederkirchen, "Brücken" stands for "Osterbrücken," in the church registers of Mimbach, it stands for "Ohmbachbrücken," and in the court records of Blieskastel, it stands for "Bliesbrücken." He also questions why researchers only search records of Kutzenhausen by Augsburg or Herbitzheim an der Blies when they find these names listed in a family book, when the same place names can be found in the bordering areas of France. He suggests that authors compiling local family books and family histories should clearly identify small localities, such as mills and farms to make searching easier for other researchers.<br>     In another example from this same article, Gölzer mentions the entry of the marriage of Georg Pitz of Biernbach and Anna Gitinger from Kirkel. The author of one town family book has assumed Biernbach is the same as Birnbach im Rottal. This false assumption has misled many researchers. He explains that "Biernbach" is generally known as "Bierbach bei Blieskastel," and there the marriage entry Bietz-Gutdücken will be found, noting the spelling variation of the surnames.  


<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In "Place Names in German-Speaking countries", Gerhard Jeske gives this research example:  
<br>     In "Place Names in German-Speaking countries", Gerhard Jeske gives this research example:  


Family Tradition might say that an ancestor who spoke German came to the United States from Europe in 1825 from a place by the name of Baden. If this ancestor came from Germany, there are at least three possibilities as to the place of origin.  
Family Tradition might say that an ancestor who spoke German came to the United States from Europe in 1825 from a place by the name of Baden. If this ancestor came from Germany, there are at least three possibilities as to the place of origin.  
Line 59: Line 59:
==== Gazetteers and Place Name Dictionaries  ====
==== Gazetteers and Place Name Dictionaries  ====


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Did your ancestor come from Hog village [''Schweindorf'']; Black Cat [''Schwarze Katze'', Pomerania]; ''Sumatra ''[in Brandenburg]; Over-seas [''Übersee'', Bavaria]; White Flea [''Weisse Floh'']; Yorkstown [Brandenburg]; ''Pommern ''[in Rhineland]; To the Seven Electors [''zu den sieben Kurfürsten'', Silesia]; or did he live in one of the 20 places in Germany called ''Amerika''? These are just a few of the unusual place names found in German gazetteers. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A "gazetteer" is a geographic dictionary. Genealogists use gazetteers to obtain information such as, where, in a certain country, their research is centered, where a given place is found, how its name is spelled, or, if the place is small, where, in a nearby town or village, parish, court, or civil records can be located. Place name dictionaries provide examples from documents showing the evolution of a place name and its many spelling variations. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When an exact place of origin is known and the researcher wants to find it, gazetteers must be checked. Gerhard Jeske identifies some of the important gazetteers for Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and German settlements in other European countries. Many others are available in print and many are also available on the internet.  
    Did your ancestor come from Hog village [''Schweindorf'']; Black Cat [''Schwarze Katze'', Pomerania]; ''Sumatra ''[in Brandenburg]; Over-seas [''Übersee'', Bavaria]; White Flea [''Weisse Floh'']; Yorkstown [Brandenburg]; ''Pommern ''[in Rhineland]; To the Seven Electors [''zu den sieben Kurfürsten'', Silesia]; or did he live in one of the 20 places in Germany called ''Amerika''? These are just a few of the unusual place names found in German gazetteers. <br>     A "gazetteer" is a geographic dictionary. Genealogists use gazetteers to obtain information such as, where, in a certain country, their research is centered, where a given place is found, how its name is spelled, or, if the place is small, where, in a nearby town or village, parish, court, or civil records can be located. Place name dictionaries provide examples from documents showing the evolution of a place name and its many spelling variations. <br>     When an exact place of origin is known and the researcher wants to find it, gazetteers must be checked. Gerhard Jeske identifies some of the important gazetteers for Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and German settlements in other European countries. Many others are available in print and many are also available on the internet.  


'''Gazetteers - Germany'''<br>''Meyers Orts- und Verkehrs- Lexikon des Deutschen Reichs ''[FHL 943 E5mo; Film 496,640 and 496,641; fiche 6000001 to 6000029). This gazetteer is available on the internet.<br>''Müllers Grosses Deutsches Ortsbuch ''[FHL 943 E5m]<br>''Gemeinde und Ortslexikon des Deutschen Reichs ''[FHL 599,563].<br>''Amtliches Gemeinde- und Ortsnamenverzeichnis der Deutschen Ostgebiete under fremder Verwaltung ''[FHL 943.8 E5b; film 824,243].<br>''Kleiner historischer Städtenamen-Schlüssel für Deutschland und die ehemaligen deutschen Gebiete ''[FHL 943 E5ve].  
'''Gazetteers - Germany'''<br>''Meyers Orts- und Verkehrs- Lexikon des Deutschen Reichs ''[FHL 943 E5mo; Film 496,640 and 496,641; fiche 6000001 to 6000029). This gazetteer is available on the internet.<br>''Müllers Grosses Deutsches Ortsbuch ''[FHL 943 E5m]<br>''Gemeinde und Ortslexikon des Deutschen Reichs ''[FHL 599,563].<br>''Amtliches Gemeinde- und Ortsnamenverzeichnis der Deutschen Ostgebiete under fremder Verwaltung ''[FHL 943.8 E5b; film 824,243].<br>''Kleiner historischer Städtenamen-Schlüssel für Deutschland und die ehemaligen deutschen Gebiete ''[FHL 943 E5ve].  
Line 69: Line 69:
'''German Settlements in other European Countries'''<br>''Deutsch-fremdsprachiges (fremdsprachig-deutsches) Ortsnamenverzeichnis ''[FHL 940 E5kt; film 583,457 and 590,387]<br>''Gemeindeverzeichnis für Mittel- und Ostdeutschland und die früheren deutschen Siedlungsgebiete im Ausland''. [FHL 940 E5g].  
'''German Settlements in other European Countries'''<br>''Deutsch-fremdsprachiges (fremdsprachig-deutsches) Ortsnamenverzeichnis ''[FHL 940 E5kt; film 583,457 and 590,387]<br>''Gemeindeverzeichnis für Mittel- und Ostdeutschland und die früheren deutschen Siedlungsgebiete im Ausland''. [FHL 940 E5g].  


'''Place Name Dictionaries'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The following are examples of place name dictionaries available for German areas. Many others are available.  
'''Place Name Dictionaries'''<br>     The following are examples of place name dictionaries available for German areas. Many others are available.  


• Germany - General:<br>Förstemann, E.&nbsp;''Altdeutsches Namenbuch, II Die Ortsnamen'', 3 Aufl. Bonn 1913-16.  
• Germany - General:<br>Förstemann, E.&nbsp;''Altdeutsches Namenbuch, II Die Ortsnamen'', 3 Aufl. Bonn 1913-16.  
Line 91: Line 91:
==== Research Examples Using Gazetteers  ====
==== Research Examples Using Gazetteers  ====


<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Since gazetteers are incomplete it is important to check more than one gazetteer to find certain places. The importance of checking several gazetteers is illustrated in two examples provided by Gerhard Jeske in "Place Names in German-Speaking Countries".  
<br>     Since gazetteers are incomplete it is important to check more than one gazetteer to find certain places. The importance of checking several gazetteers is illustrated in two examples provided by Gerhard Jeske in "Place Names in German-Speaking Countries".  


Example 1:<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A place from which an ancestor came was given as Gellen, Brandenburg, Prussia. Meyers gazetteer did not list a place by this spelling in the former Prussian province of Brandenburg, but there were three places listed by this spelling in other parts of Germany, two of which were in Prussia. These places were:  
Example 1:<br>     A place from which an ancestor came was given as Gellen, Brandenburg, Prussia. Meyers gazetteer did not list a place by this spelling in the former Prussian province of Brandenburg, but there were three places listed by this spelling in other parts of Germany, two of which were in Prussia. These places were:  


1. Gellen, Oldenburg, Germany<br>2. Gellen, Westpreussen (West Prussia), Prussia<br>3. Gellen, Pommern (Pomerania), Prussia  
1. Gellen, Oldenburg, Germany<br>2. Gellen, Westpreussen (West Prussia), Prussia<br>3. Gellen, Pommern (Pomerania), Prussia  


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Other places in connection with this research problem were given as Jädickendorf and Nordhausen, both in Brandenburg, Prussia. When checking Meyers gazetteer for Nordhausen, reference was made to Göllen. Checking the gazetteer for Göllen reference was found to Jädickendorf. According to these findings the given spelling of Gellen was wrong and the correct spelling should be Göllen.<br>Meyers gazetteer indicated that there is no parish in Göllen. Trying to find the parish for Göllen another gazetteer was checked. This gazetteer, Gemeindelexikon für den Freistaat Preussen (Gazetteer for the Free State of Prussia), year 1932, microfilm 806,636 did not list a place by the name of Göllen as given in Meyers, but here it was spelled Gellen, and the parish was given as Nordhausen for Evangelical church records and Königsberg/Neumark for Catholic church records.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Next, maps were checked. The map of the German Empire of 1871 [FHL 068,814] page 246 gave the place as Göllen. Another map (#53) published by GEO Center in Stuttgart, Germany listed it as Gellen. The gazetteer Amtliches Gemeinde- und Ortsnamenverzeichnis der Deutschen Ostgebiete unter fremder Verwaltung was also checked, and here the place was also given as Gellen. However, in part B of this gazetteer on page 813 reference was made that the former spelling of Gellen was Göllen.  
    Other places in connection with this research problem were given as Jädickendorf and Nordhausen, both in Brandenburg, Prussia. When checking Meyers gazetteer for Nordhausen, reference was made to Göllen. Checking the gazetteer for Göllen reference was found to Jädickendorf. According to these findings the given spelling of Gellen was wrong and the correct spelling should be Göllen.<br>Meyers gazetteer indicated that there is no parish in Göllen. Trying to find the parish for Göllen another gazetteer was checked. This gazetteer, Gemeindelexikon für den Freistaat Preussen (Gazetteer for the Free State of Prussia), year 1932, microfilm 806,636 did not list a place by the name of Göllen as given in Meyers, but here it was spelled Gellen, and the parish was given as Nordhausen for Evangelical church records and Königsberg/Neumark for Catholic church records.<br>     Next, maps were checked. The map of the German Empire of 1871 [FHL 068,814] page 246 gave the place as Göllen. Another map (#53) published by GEO Center in Stuttgart, Germany listed it as Gellen. The gazetteer Amtliches Gemeinde- und Ortsnamenverzeichnis der Deutschen Ostgebiete unter fremder Verwaltung was also checked, and here the place was also given as Gellen. However, in part B of this gazetteer on page 813 reference was made that the former spelling of Gellen was Göllen.  


Example No. 2<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A patron wanted to find out where the town of Kleinich, now in the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, was formerly located. Meyers gazetteer was checked but a place by the name of Kleinich was not listed. Then Müllers gazetteer was checked and here Kleinich was found. However, this gazetteer does not indicate the former state or province in which the places were located before World War II. Next the German General Atlas (Deutscher General Atlas), [FHL Ref Q 943 E3m] was checked and on page 71 Kleinich was found. In addition a place by the name of Oberkleinich, south of Kleinich, and a place by the name of Thalkleinich, north of Kleinich, were found in the atlas.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All three of these places are listed in Müllers gazetteer, but only one of them, Thalkleinich, is listed in Meyers gazetteer. When the gazetteer of Prussia was checked it was found that Kleinich was formerly spelled with a "C," Cleinich. This was the reason why it was not found in Meyers under "K," Kleinich. Oberkleinich was also spelled with a 'C," Obercleinich, but Thalkleinich was spelled with "k." The spellings of the places as listed in the Prussian gazetteer (on microfilm 475,861) were also found in Meyers gazetteer and the former province in which these three places were located was Rhineland, Prussia.  
Example No. 2<br>     A patron wanted to find out where the town of Kleinich, now in the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, was formerly located. Meyers gazetteer was checked but a place by the name of Kleinich was not listed. Then Müllers gazetteer was checked and here Kleinich was found. However, this gazetteer does not indicate the former state or province in which the places were located before World War II. Next the German General Atlas (Deutscher General Atlas), [FHL Ref Q 943 E3m] was checked and on page 71 Kleinich was found. In addition a place by the name of Oberkleinich, south of Kleinich, and a place by the name of Thalkleinich, north of Kleinich, were found in the atlas.<br>     All three of these places are listed in Müllers gazetteer, but only one of them, Thalkleinich, is listed in Meyers gazetteer. When the gazetteer of Prussia was checked it was found that Kleinich was formerly spelled with a "C," Cleinich. This was the reason why it was not found in Meyers under "K," Kleinich. Oberkleinich was also spelled with a 'C," Obercleinich, but Thalkleinich was spelled with "k." The spellings of the places as listed in the Prussian gazetteer (on microfilm 475,861) were also found in Meyers gazetteer and the former province in which these three places were located was Rhineland, Prussia.  


Listed below are some of the most common reasons why place names cannot be found when the given spelling is wrong:<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Misinterpretation of handwriting.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2. Incorrect spellings given by those recording the information, including official scribes, ministers, and civil registrars.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3. Localities have been absorbed by larger towns.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4. Places are no longer in existence because of destruction by nature or through wars.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5. Place name changes have occurred over the years.<br>  
Listed below are some of the most common reasons why place names cannot be found when the given spelling is wrong:<br>     1. Misinterpretation of handwriting.<br>     2. Incorrect spellings given by those recording the information, including official scribes, ministers, and civil registrars.<br>     3. Localities have been absorbed by larger towns.<br>     4. Places are no longer in existence because of destruction by nature or through wars.<br>     5. Place name changes have occurred over the years.<br>  


An excellent overview of German gazetteers and how to use them can be found in&nbsp;[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/150114 ''A Genealogical Handbook of German Research'']by Larry O. Jensen.  
An excellent overview of German gazetteers and how to use them can be found in&nbsp;[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/150114 ''A Genealogical Handbook of German Research'']by Larry O. Jensen.  
Line 113: Line 113:
==== Place Names in Foreign Languages  ====
==== Place Names in Foreign Languages  ====


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Place names can take a variety of forms when applied to different languages. Note these endings of German place names and the changes that can occur when applied to various languages.  
    Place names can take a variety of forms when applied to different languages. Note these endings of German place names and the changes that can occur when applied to various languages.  


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -dorf = ville [French] = wies [Polish] = village<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -hof = -gaard [Danish] = farm<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -feld = mark [Danish] = field<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -wald = -fôret [French] = forest<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -mühle = mølle [Danish] = mill<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -holz = skov [Danish] = grove  
    -dorf = ville [French] = wies [Polish] = village<br>     -hof = -gaard [Danish] = farm<br>     -feld = mark [Danish] = field<br>     -wald = -fôret [French] = forest<br>     -mühle = mølle [Danish] = mill<br>     -holz = skov [Danish] = grove  


<br>  
<br>  
Line 121: Line 121:
Illustrations:  
Illustrations:  


Below are a few French place names and their German equivalents:<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Aspach le Haut [Upper] = Oberaspach<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Blanche Eglise = Weisskirchen [White church]<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Basse Rentgen = Niederrentgen<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bellefosse = Schöngrund<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Petite Rosselle = Kleinrosseln<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Zabern = Saverne
Below are a few French place names and their German equivalents:<br>     Aspach le Haut [Upper] = Oberaspach<br>     Blanche Eglise = Weisskirchen [White church]<br>     Basse Rentgen = Niederrentgen<br>     Bellefosse = Schöngrund<br>     Petite Rosselle = Kleinrosseln<br>     Zabern = Saverne


==== Slavic Influence  ====
==== Slavic Influence  ====


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Both Polish and Russian are highly inflected languages. This means that endings are added to stems of words to signal changes in meanings. Nouns, adjectives and pronouns can be declined and change the structure of a word. A place name can take on a different look when various endings are added. This can be confusing to researchers even if the Polish or Russian equivalent name of the place is known. Some common place name forms in German and Polish are:<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ober = górny = upper<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unter = dolny = lower<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gross = wielki = large<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Neu = nowy = new  
    Both Polish and Russian are highly inflected languages. This means that endings are added to stems of words to signal changes in meanings. Nouns, adjectives and pronouns can be declined and change the structure of a word. A place name can take on a different look when various endings are added. This can be confusing to researchers even if the Polish or Russian equivalent name of the place is known. Some common place name forms in German and Polish are:<br>     Ober = górny = upper<br>     Unter = dolny = lower<br>     Gross = wielki = large<br>     Neu = nowy = new  


German and equivalent Sorbic place names from the German Postal Directory. Wendish (Sorbic) areas of Germany include these:  
German and equivalent Sorbic place names from the German Postal Directory. Wendish (Sorbic) areas of Germany include these:  
Line 133: Line 133:
==== Latinization of Place Names  ====
==== Latinization of Place Names  ====


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Latin names for localities are found frequently in parish register entries. ''Villa nova ''(Latin); ''Villeneuve'' (French); and ''Neuhof'' (German), and Newtown or Newton (English) are names for the same place. &nbsp;Latin or Greek place names are very common in University matriculation records. &nbsp;The Latin prepositions "ex" [from or out of] and "de" [from] often precede the Latin places names. Latinized place names when following a preposition commonly have these endings: -anus, -inus, and -ensis. Examples of Latin places names:<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Parthenopolis = Magdeburg<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Regiomont(i)um or "ex Regiomontanus" = Königsberg or "from Königsberg"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Borussia = Prussia<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Marchia = Mark Brandenburg<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gryphiberga = Greiffenberg, Schlesien, Prussia<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Guelferbytum or Wolfenbuttela = Wolfenbüttel, Braunschweig  
    Latin names for localities are found frequently in parish register entries. ''Villa nova ''(Latin); ''Villeneuve'' (French); and ''Neuhof'' (German), and Newtown or Newton (English) are names for the same place. &nbsp;Latin or Greek place names are very common in University matriculation records. &nbsp;The Latin prepositions "ex" [from or out of] and "de" [from] often precede the Latin places names. Latinized place names when following a preposition commonly have these endings: -anus, -inus, and -ensis. Examples of Latin places names:<br>     Parthenopolis = Magdeburg<br>     Regiomont(i)um or "ex Regiomontanus" = Königsberg or "from Königsberg"<br>     Borussia = Prussia<br>     Marchia = Mark Brandenburg<br>     Gryphiberga = Greiffenberg, Schlesien, Prussia<br>     Guelferbytum or Wolfenbuttela = Wolfenbüttel, Braunschweig  


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thomas Otto Achelis in "Die Bedeutung der Universitätsmatrikeln für den Familienforscher" [The importance of University Registers for the Family Researcher] states that students often gave the name of a larger, more well-known city as their place of origin instead of their native village or birthplace. Place names in Latin can be found on the internet at [http://www.columbia.edu/acis/ets/Graesse/contents.html Orbis Latinus online ].
    Thomas Otto Achelis in "Die Bedeutung der Universitätsmatrikeln für den Familienforscher" [The importance of University Registers for the Family Researcher] states that students often gave the name of a larger, more well-known city as their place of origin instead of their native village or birthplace. Place names in Latin can be found on the internet at [http://www.columbia.edu/acis/ets/Graesse/contents.html Orbis Latinus online ].


==== Key to Locating Place Names  ====
==== Key to Locating Place Names  ====


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Often the first letter of a given spelling for a certain place name is incorrect, but many times other letters in the middle of the place name are also incorrect. Some place names may have additional letters at the end which should not be there, other place names may have letters missing that should be there. The researcher who is familiar with German place names may recognize the correct name of a misspelled town or village, but often it is very difficult and sometimes almost impossible to determine the correct spelling of a given place name. The examples below from actual research problems&nbsp;indicate how&nbsp;certain&nbsp;letters may have been used&nbsp;by the scribe and how they appear in modern gazetteers.&nbsp;  
    Often the first letter of a given spelling for a certain place name is incorrect, but many times other letters in the middle of the place name are also incorrect. Some place names may have additional letters at the end which should not be there, other place names may have letters missing that should be there. The researcher who is familiar with German place names may recognize the correct name of a misspelled town or village, but often it is very difficult and sometimes almost impossible to determine the correct spelling of a given place name. The examples below from actual research problems&nbsp;indicate how&nbsp;certain&nbsp;letters may have been used&nbsp;by the scribe and how they appear in modern gazetteers.&nbsp;  


*'''Letters A and E'''
*'''Letters A and E'''
Line 151: Line 151:
*'''Letters C and K'''
*'''Letters C and K'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>'''C'''</u>albine, Arswaldy, Brandenburg = <u>'''K'''</u>ölpin, Arnswalde, Brandenburg<br>  
    &nbsp;<u>'''C'''</u>albine, Arswaldy, Brandenburg = <u>'''K'''</u>ölpin, Arnswalde, Brandenburg<br>  


*'''Letters C and&nbsp;Z'''
*'''Letters C and&nbsp;Z'''


'''&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''Example''': '''<u>'''C'''</u>yzow was found in the gazetteer as <u>'''Z'''</u>üssow, Pommern.<br>  
'''   &nbsp;&nbsp;'''Example''': '''<u>'''C'''</u>yzow was found in the gazetteer as <u>'''Z'''</u>üssow, Pommern.<br>  


*'''Letters Ch and G'''
*'''Letters Ch and G'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ber<u>'''ch'''</u>eim = Ber<u>'''g'''</u>en  
    &nbsp;&nbsp; Ber<u>'''ch'''</u>eim = Ber<u>'''g'''</u>en  


*'''Letters Ch, Ck &amp;&nbsp;K'''
*'''Letters Ch, Ck &amp;&nbsp;K'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Na<u>'''ch'''</u>e = Na<u>'''ck'''</u>  
    Na<u>'''ch'''</u>e = Na<u>'''ck'''</u>  


*'''Letters Cz and&nbsp;Sch'''
*'''Letters Cz and&nbsp;Sch'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ca<span style="display: none" id="1270245903408S">&nbsp;</span>'''''cz'''''ulin (parish Zirke) Posen = Kat'''sch'''ulin  
    Ca<span style="display: none" id="1270245903408S">&nbsp;</span>'''''cz'''''ulin (parish Zirke) Posen = Kat'''sch'''ulin  


*'''Letters D and T'''
*'''Letters D and T'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bree'''d'''sen = Brie'''t'''zen, Schlesien  
    Bree'''d'''sen = Brie'''t'''zen, Schlesien  


*'''Letters E and A&nbsp;'''
*'''Letters E and A&nbsp;'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gutm'''''e'''''udingen = Gutm'''a'''dingen<br>  
    Gutm'''''e'''''udingen = Gutm'''a'''dingen<br>  


*'''Letters E and I'''
*'''Letters E and I'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Borod'''ee'''no, Bessarabia = Borod'''i'''no, Bessarabia<br>  
    Borod'''ee'''no, Bessarabia = Borod'''i'''no, Bessarabia<br>  


*'''Letters Ei&nbsp;and I'''&nbsp;<br>
*'''Letters Ei&nbsp;and I'''&nbsp;<br>
Line 185: Line 185:
*'''Letters F and V'''
*'''Letters F and V'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Al'''f'''ertissen = Al'''v'''erdissen  
    Al'''f'''ertissen = Al'''v'''erdissen  


*'''Letters F and Pf'''
*'''Letters F and Pf'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rhinefalls = Rheinpfalz<br>  
    Rhinefalls = Rheinpfalz<br>  


*'''Letters F and W <br>'''
*'''Letters F and W <br>'''
Line 197: Line 197:
*'''Letters G and K'''
*'''Letters G and K'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I'''g'''en = E'''ck'''en, Schleswig-Holstein  
    I'''g'''en = E'''ck'''en, Schleswig-Holstein  


*'''Letter H'''&nbsp; (it can be added to a word or omitted).
*'''Letter H'''&nbsp; (it can be added to a word or omitted).


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hoen-Selchow = Ho'''h'''enselchow, Pommern<br>  
    Hoen-Selchow = Ho'''h'''enselchow, Pommern<br>  


*'''Letters I and&nbsp;E'''
*'''Letters I and&nbsp;E'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pos'''i'''n = Pos'''e'''n<br>  
    Pos'''i'''n = Pos'''e'''n<br>  


*'''Letters I and Ei&nbsp;'''
*'''Letters I and Ei&nbsp;'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kr'''i'''s = Kr'''ei'''s [district]<br>  
    Kr'''i'''s = Kr'''ei'''s [district]<br>  


*'''Letters I and Y'''<u></u>
*'''Letters I and Y'''<u></u>


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ba'''i'''ern = Ba'''y'''ern<br>  
    Ba'''i'''ern = Ba'''y'''ern<br>  


*'''Letters I and J'''
*'''Letters I and J'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; G'''i'''errup = G'''j'''errup<br>  
    G'''i'''errup = G'''j'''errup<br>  


*'''Letters J and Y <br>'''
*'''Letters J and Y <br>'''
Line 227: Line 227:
*'''Letters K and Ch'''
*'''Letters K and Ch'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tü'''k'''skov = Tü'''ch'''schau, Schleswig-Holstein<br>  
    Tü'''k'''skov = Tü'''ch'''schau, Schleswig-Holstein<br>  


*'''Letters K and G'''
*'''Letters K and G'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A'''k'''litten, East Prussia = Au'''g'''litten, Ostpreussen<br>  
    A'''k'''litten, East Prussia = Au'''g'''litten, Ostpreussen<br>  


*'''Letters Ks and X'''
*'''Letters Ks and X'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Roc'''ks'''heim = Ro'''x'''heim, Pfalz<br>  
    Roc'''ks'''heim = Ro'''x'''heim, Pfalz<br>  


*'''Letters L and N <br>'''
*'''Letters L and N <br>'''
Line 245: Line 245:
*'''Letters O and U'''
*'''Letters O and U'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; B'''oo'''kheim, Friberg = B'''u'''chheim, Freiburg, Baden<br>  
    B'''oo'''kheim, Friberg = B'''u'''chheim, Freiburg, Baden<br>  


*'''Letters Ow and Au'''
*'''Letters Ow and Au'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Schwies'''ow''' = Schwies'''au'''<br>  
    Schwies'''ow''' = Schwies'''au'''<br>  


*'''Letters P and B <br>'''
*'''Letters P and B <br>'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sto'''pp'''en Holstein in United States records is identified as Stu'''bb'''en Kr. Stormarn, <br>  
    Sto'''pp'''en Holstein in United States records is identified as Stu'''bb'''en Kr. Stormarn, <br>  


*'''Letters Ph and F <br>'''
*'''Letters Ph and F <br>'''
Line 259: Line 259:
*'''Letters p and ss '''(Transcriber deciphered ß as p)
*'''Letters p and ss '''(Transcriber deciphered ß as p)


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pru'''p'''ia [Pru'''ß'''ia]= Pru'''ss'''ia  
    Pru'''p'''ia [Pru'''ß'''ia]= Pru'''ss'''ia  


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He'''p'''e [He'''ß'''e]= He'''ss'''en<br>  
    He'''p'''e [He'''ß'''e]= He'''ss'''en<br>  


*'''Letters Qu and Kw or Kv<br>'''
*'''Letters Qu and Kw or Kv<br>'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; '''Qu'''ars [German]&nbsp; is the same as&nbsp;'''Kv'''aers [Danish]<br>  
    '''Qu'''ars [German]&nbsp; is the same as&nbsp;'''Kv'''aers [Danish]<br>  


*'''Letters R and H <br>'''
*'''Letters R and H <br>'''
Line 271: Line 271:
*'''Letters S and Z'''
*'''Letters S and Z'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elsen'''s''' = Elsen'''z''', Pfalz<br>  
    Elsen'''s''' = Elsen'''z''', Pfalz<br>  


*'''Letters Sch and Sz'''
*'''Letters Sch and Sz'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bor'''sch'''ymman, East Prussia = Bor'''sz'''ymmen, Ostpreussen<br>  
    Bor'''sch'''ymman, East Prussia = Bor'''sz'''ymmen, Ostpreussen<br>  


*'''Letters Sch and Ch <br>'''
*'''Letters Sch and Ch <br>'''
Line 281: Line 281:
*'''Letters Sch and S'''
*'''Letters Sch and S'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; '''Sch'''wanstrup = '''S'''vanstrup&nbsp; [Also note that w and v are interchangeable].<br>  
    '''Sch'''wanstrup = '''S'''vanstrup&nbsp; [Also note that w and v are interchangeable].<br>  


*'''Letters Sch and Cz <br>'''
*'''Letters Sch and Cz <br>'''
Line 289: Line 289:
*'''Letters Sch and Sk'''
*'''Letters Sch and Sk'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; '''Sch'''eldegaard [German] is&nbsp;found in Danish gazetteers as '''Sk'''eldegaard.  
    '''Sch'''eldegaard [German] is&nbsp;found in Danish gazetteers as '''Sk'''eldegaard.  


*'''Letters Sh and Sch'''
*'''Letters Sh and Sch'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bame'''sh''' Leebow = Böhmi'''sch''' Liebau<br>  
    Bame'''sh''' Leebow = Böhmi'''sch''' Liebau<br>  


*'''Letters T and D'''
*'''Letters T and D'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alfer'''t'''issen = Alver'''d'''issen<br>  
    Alfer'''t'''issen = Alver'''d'''issen<br>  


*'''Letters Ts and Z <br>'''
*'''Letters Ts and Z <br>'''
Line 307: Line 307:
*'''Letters T and Th'''
*'''Letters T and Th'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; '''T'''edinghaused = '''Th'''edinghausen<br>  
    '''T'''edinghaused = '''Th'''edinghausen<br>  


*'''Letters U and O'''
*'''Letters U and O'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; St'''u'''lp = St'''o'''lp, Pommern<br>  
    St'''u'''lp = St'''o'''lp, Pommern<br>  


*'''Letters U and V <br>'''
*'''Letters U and V <br>'''
Line 319: Line 319:
*'''Letters V and U'''
*'''Letters V and U'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fa'''v'''erby = Fa'''u'''erbye, Schleswig-Holstein<br>  
    Fa'''v'''erby = Fa'''u'''erbye, Schleswig-Holstein<br>  


*'''Letters V and W'''
*'''Letters V and W'''
Line 333: Line 333:
*'''Letters X and Chs'''
*'''Letters X and Chs'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He'''x'''um = He'''chts'''heim<br>  
    He'''x'''um = He'''chts'''heim<br>  


*'''Letters Y and J <br>'''
*'''Letters Y and J <br>'''
Line 339: Line 339:
*'''Letters Y and I'''
*'''Letters Y and I'''


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; B'''y'''levelt = B'''i'''elefeld, Westfalen<br>  
    B'''y'''levelt = B'''i'''elefeld, Westfalen<br>  


*'''Letters Z and C <br>'''
*'''Letters Z and C <br>'''