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''For information about records for non-Christian religions in Germany, go to the [[Germany Religious Records|Religious Records]] page.''
''For information about records for non-Christian religions in Germany, go to the [[Germany Religious Records|Religious Records]] page.''


==Overview==
== Overview ==
Church records (parish registers, church books) are an important source for genealogical research in Germany before civil registration began.  They recorded details of baptisms, marriages, deaths and burials. The vast majority of the population was mentioned. In addition, church records can contain financial account books, (the record charges for toll bells, fees for masses for the dead, and so on), lists of confirmation, penance register communion lists, lists of members and the family register.  
Church records (parish registers, church books) are an important source for genealogical research in Germany before civil registration began.  They recorded details of baptisms, marriages, deaths and burials. The vast majority of the population was mentioned. In addition, church records can contain financial account books, (the record charges for toll bells, fees for masses for the dead, and so on), lists of confirmation, penance register communion lists, lists of members and the family register.  


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In many regions, it was also common for the local church records to function in the role of Civil Registries. This is especially true in the further Eastern regions (ie. West Prussia, East Prussia).  
In many regions, it was also common for the local church records to function in the role of Civil Registries. This is especially true in the further Eastern regions (ie. West Prussia, East Prussia).  
===History===
===History===
*The practice of keeping parish registers evolved slowly.  
*The practice of keeping parish registers evolved slowly.  
**Lutheran churches in general began requiring records around 1540.
**Lutheran churches in general began requiring records around 1540.  
**Catholics began in 1563.
**Catholics began in 1563.  
**By 1650 most Reformed parishes began keeping records.
**By 1650 most Reformed parishes began keeping records.  
*Many church records were destroyed in the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648).
*Many church records were destroyed in the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648).  
*In addition, records for some parishes in the Pfalz and Rheinland were interrupted for several years when the French controlled those areas of Germany from 1792 to 1815 and introduced civil registration.
*In addition, records for some parishes in the Pfalz and Rheinland were interrupted for several years when the French controlled those areas of Germany from 1792 to 1815 and introduced civil registration.  


For more information, see [[Germany Church History|Germany Church History]] and [[Germany History|Germany History]].
For more information, see [[Germany Church History|Germany Church History]] and [[Germany History|Germany History]].


===Duplicate Church Records (''Kirchenbuchduplikate'')===
=== Duplicate Church Records (''Kirchenbuchduplikate'') ===
'''Use duplicates, where available, to supplement parish registers that are missing or illegible. '''
'''Use duplicates, where available, to supplement parish registers that are missing or illegible. '''
 
*Concerns about war or fire destruction led authorities in some areas to require the pastor to create a copy of each year's baptism-, marriage-, and burial entries. Most begin in the late 18th century.  
*Concerns about war or fire destruction led authorities in some areas to require the pastor to create a copy of each year's baptism-, marriage-, and burial entries. Most begin in the late 18th century.
*After the defeat of Napoleon in 1812, local governments often found it helpful to have access to the birth-, marriage-, and death records kept by the clergy. Soon local pastors were required to provide the town administration with a yearly copy of these records.  
*After the defeat of Napoleon in 1812, local governments often found it helpful to have access to the birth-, marriage-, and death records kept by the clergy. Soon local pastors were required to provide the town administration with a yearly copy of these records.
*Most are housed in '''central church archives or state archives''', not at the local church.  
*Most are housed in '''central church archives or state archives''', not at the local church.


Keep in mind that duplicates often differ slightly from the originals.
Keep in mind that duplicates often differ slightly from the originals.
 
*Baptisms, marriages, deaths, and sometimes confirmations for each year are '''grouped together year by year,''' instead of being grouped by record type over a longer time period.  
*Baptisms, marriages, deaths, and sometimes confirmations for each year are '''grouped together year by year,''' instead of being grouped by record type over a longer time period.
*Community members belonging to a '''minority religion''' may not be recorded in the majority faith's original church books. Instead they may only be included in the Kirchenbuchduplikat, labelled as "birth register" rather than "baptism book."  
*Community members belonging to a '''minority religion''' may not be recorded in the majority faith's original church books. Instead they may only be included in the Kirchenbuchduplikat, labelled as "birth register" rather than "baptism book."
*A parish may have kept separate books for affiliated villages, both in the original and as duplicates. The parish in question may have included several villages, but only the book for one village has survived.
*A parish may have kept separate books for affiliated villages, both in the original and as duplicates. The parish in question may have included several villages, but only the book for one village has survived.


==Information Recorded in Church Records==
== Information Recorded in Church Records ==


Later records usually give more complete information than earlier ones. The most important church records for genealogical research are baptism, marriage, and burial registers. Other helpful church records may include confirmation lists, family registers, lists of pastors, lists of members, account books, receipt books, and communion records.  
Later records usually give more complete information than earlier ones. The most important church records for genealogical research are baptism, marriage, and burial registers. Other helpful church records may include confirmation lists, family registers, lists of pastors, lists of members, account books, receipt books, and communion records.  
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Early records were usually written in paragraph form. As record keeping improved, columns were often used in the entries. Some areas used preprinted forms that required specific information. This format is usually easier to read because the vital information is in the same place in each entry.  
Early records were usually written in paragraph form. As record keeping improved, columns were often used in the entries. Some areas used preprinted forms that required specific information. This format is usually easier to read because the vital information is in the same place in each entry.  


===Baptisms (Taufen)===
=== Baptisms (Taufen)===


Children were usually baptized a few days after birth. Baptism registers usually give:
Children were usually baptized a few days after birth. Baptism registers usually give:
 
*the infant's name,  
*the infant's name,
*parents' names,  
*parents' names,
*status of legitimacy, (sometimes by a note in the margin or an upside-down or sideways entry)
*status of legitimacy, (sometimes by a note in the margin or an upside-down or sideways entry)
*names of witnesses or godparents (''taufzeugen, gevattern, paten''), who may be relatives, and
*names of witnesses or godparents (''taufzeugen, gevattern, paten''), who may be relatives, and  
*baptism date. <br>
*baptism date. <br>
You may also find:
You may also find:
 
*the child's birth date,  
*the child's birth date,
*the father's occupation, and  
*the father's occupation, and
*the family's place of residence,  
*the family's place of residence,
*death information, as an added note or signified by a cross. The cross alone does NOT imply that the individual died as a young child.
*death information, as an added note or signified by a cross. The cross alone does NOT imply that the individual died as a young child.


<br>
<br>


===Marriages (Heiraten)===
=== Marriages (Heiraten) ===


Marriage registers give:
Marriage registers give:
 
*the marriage date and  
*the marriage date and
*the names of the bride and groom. <br>
*the names of the bride and groom. <br>
The registers may also:  
The registers may also:  
 
*indicate whether they were single or widowed and  
*indicate whether they were single or widowed and
*give the names of witnesses.  
*give the names of witnesses.
*include other information about the bride and groom is often included, such as
*include other information about the bride and groom is often included, such as
**their ages,
**their ages,  
**their birth dates and places
**their birth dates and places
**residences,
**residences,  
**occupations,
**occupations,  
**birthplaces, and
**birthplaces, and  
**parents' names (after 1800)
**parents' names (after 1800)  
**the names of previous spouses and their death dates.
**the names of previous spouses and their death dates.  


The earliest marriage records may give only the names of the bride and groom and have little or no information about the couple's parents.  Couples were often married in the bride's home parish. If there were no marriage restrictions, girls typically married for the first time between ages 18 and 25. Men typically married for the first time in their mid-twenties.
The earliest marriage records may give only the names of the bride and groom and have little or no information about the couple's parents.  Couples were often married in the bride's home parish. If there were no marriage restrictions, girls typically married for the first time between ages 18 and 25. Men typically married for the first time in their mid-twenties.


====Marriage Banns or Proclamations (Aufgebote)====
==== Marriage Banns or Proclamations (Aufgebote)====


The marriage registers of some churches give the dates on which the '''marriage banns were announced.''' For two or three weeks before the marriage, marriage banns (announcements of the intention to marry) were read and/or posted in church. This gave community members a chance to object to the marriage. Most proclamations took place on consecutive Sundays.  
The marriage registers of some churches give the dates on which the '''marriage banns were announced.''' For two or three weeks before the marriage, marriage banns (announcements of the intention to marry) were read and/or posted in church. This gave community members a chance to object to the marriage. Most proclamations took place on consecutive Sundays.  
 
*If the future spouses were from different parishes, the banns were read in each church. Before the marriage ceremony could take place, the non-local party was required to present the officiating pastor with a paper stating that the proclamations had been read, and there were no objections. A note stating that this person had been '''"dismissed" to marry elsewhere''' may be found in the marriage register.  
*If the future spouses were from different parishes, the banns were read in each church. Before the marriage ceremony could take place, the non-local party was required to present the officiating pastor with a paper stating that the proclamations had been read, and there were no objections. A note stating that this person had been '''"dismissed" to marry elsewhere''' may be found in the marriage register.
*The marriage banns themselves may exist in a separate record. Some parishes kept the marriage banns and other marriage information instead of marriage registers.  
*The marriage banns themselves may exist in a separate record. Some parishes kept the marriage banns and other marriage information instead of marriage registers.
*If a couple needed to get married quickly, permission to skip the proclamations could be obtained for a fee. This special permission is called a '''dispensation.''' Common reasons for a hasty marriage include pregnancy and imminent emigration.  
*If a couple needed to get married quickly, permission to skip the proclamations could be obtained for a fee. This special permission is called a '''dispensation.''' Common reasons for a hasty marriage include pregnancy and imminent emigration.
*Formal engagements were often associated with a celebration that required the families to purchase a certain amount of alcoholic beverages from the local pub. This custom was known as the "Weinkauf". Engagement dates may be given in the parish register as '''" der Weinkauf" or "weinkaeuflich ".'''
*Formal engagements were often associated with a celebration that required the families to purchase a certain amount of alcoholic beverages from the local pub. This custom was known as the "Weinkauf". Engagement dates may be given in the parish register as '''" der Weinkauf" or "weinkaeuflich ".'''


===Burials (Begräbnisse)===
=== Burials (Begräbnisse)===


Burial registers may give
Burial registers may give
*the name of the deceased and
*the name of the deceased and
*the date and place of death or burial.
* the date and place of death or burial.  
*the deceased's age,
*the deceased's age,  
*place of residence, and
*place of residence, and  
*cause of death ([http://www.genealogienetz.de/reg/MEC/ratzeburg/deutsch/krankheiten/krankheit.html list of old German causes of death], and
*cause of death ([http://www.genealogienetz.de/reg/MEC/ratzeburg/deutsch/krankheiten/krankheit.html list of old German causes of death], and  
*the names of survivors
*the names of survivors  
*deceased's birth date and place and
*deceased's birth date and place and  
*parents' names
*parents' names
Information about parents, birth dates, and birthplaces may be inaccurate, depending on the informant's knowledge.
Information about parents, birth dates, and birthplaces may be inaccurate, depending on the informant's knowledge.


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'''Stillbirths''' were not recorded the same way in all churches. The pastor or priest often determined how to record stillbirths in his parish. In some areas, stillbirths were recorded in birth records. In other areas, stillbirths were recorded in death records. Some parishes listed stillbirths in both birth and death records. You should check both birth and death records if you suspect that a child was stillborn.
'''Stillbirths''' were not recorded the same way in all churches. The pastor or priest often determined how to record stillbirths in his parish. In some areas, stillbirths were recorded in birth records. In other areas, stillbirths were recorded in death records. Some parishes listed stillbirths in both birth and death records. You should check both birth and death records if you suspect that a child was stillborn.


===Confirmations (Konfirmationen)===
=== Confirmations (Konfirmationen)===


Protestants were usually confirmed around age 14, Catholics about age 12. Some confirmation registers merely list:
Protestants were usually confirmed around age 14, Catholics about age 12. Some confirmation registers merely list:
 
*the names of those being confirmed and  
*the names of those being confirmed and
*the confirmation date.  
*the confirmation date.
 
Other confirmation registers give additional information about those being confirmed, including:
Other confirmation registers give additional information about those being confirmed, including:
*their ages or birth dates,
*their ages or birth dates,
*birthplaces,
* birthplaces,  
*and fathers' names.
*and fathers' names.


===Family Registers (Familienbücher)===
=== Family Registers (Familienbücher) ===


Some parishes kept family registers that give information about each family group in the parish. Family registers are more common in southern Germany, especially in Württemberg and Baden after 1808.  
Some parishes kept family registers that give information about each family group in the parish. Family registers are more common in southern Germany, especially in Württemberg and Baden after 1808.  
These registers list:
These registers list:
*the names of the husband and wife
*the names of the husband and wife
*their birth dates and places,
*their birth dates and places,  
*their marriage date and place,
*their marriage date and place,  
*their parents' names, occupations, and residence.
*their parents' names, occupations, and residence.  


Children are usually listed in chronological order with their:
Children are usually listed in chronological order with their:
 
*names,  
*names,
*birth dates,  
*birth dates,
*confirmation dates,  
*confirmation dates,
*marriage dates, and  
*marriage dates, and
*death dates may be listed.  
*death dates may be listed.


In some registers, when a child married and remained in the same parish, the register gives a “see” reference and a page number where that particular child appears as the head of a household.  Some family registers indicate whether the family moved to another village or emigrated to another country.  
In some registers, when a child married and remained in the same parish, the register gives a “see” reference and a page number where that particular child appears as the head of a household.  Some family registers indicate whether the family moved to another village or emigrated to another country.  
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Pastors or genealogists sometimes compiled a village lineage book (Ortssippenbuch), which included each family in a parish. For details see [[Germany Town Genealogies and Parish Register Inventories on the Internet]].
Pastors or genealogists sometimes compiled a village lineage book (Ortssippenbuch), which included each family in a parish. For details see [[Germany Town Genealogies and Parish Register Inventories on the Internet]].


==Locating Church Records==
== Locating Church Records ==


Church records were kept in the local parish of the church. The term parish refers to the jurisdiction of a church minister. Parishes are local congregations that may have included many neighboring villages in their boundaries. You might find them digitized and available online, or you might have to write to the local church or to a centralized archive where they are stored.
Church records were kept in the local parish of the church. The term parish refers to the jurisdiction of a church minister. Parishes are local congregations that may have included many neighboring villages in their boundaries. You might find them digitized and available online, or you might have to write to the local church or to a centralized archive where they are stored.
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To use church records, you must know both your ancestor's religion and the town where he or she lived. You must also determine in which parish the town was located. Consult [http://www.meyersgaz.com '''the 1871 Meyer's Gazetteer Online''']. This will tell you whether the Catholic or Protestant church is in the town, and give you a list of the closest parish churches to the town.
To use church records, you must know both your ancestor's religion and the town where he or she lived. You must also determine in which parish the town was located. Consult [http://www.meyersgaz.com '''the 1871 Meyer's Gazetteer Online''']. This will tell you whether the Catholic or Protestant church is in the town, and give you a list of the closest parish churches to the town.


===FamilySearch Catalog===
=== FamilySearch Catalog ===
FamilySearch has acquired images of many, though not all, church records from various parts of the former German Empire. These can be found by searching for the '''parish''' in the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/search FamilySearch catalog]. An increasing number have been digitized and are available online. However, some collections must be viewed at a family history center (FHC), affiliate library or may be restricted to members of supporting organizations, including members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please review individual FamilySearch collections "Learn more" Wiki articles for information regarding restrictions.
FamilySearch has acquired images of many, though not all, church records from various parts of the former German Empire. These can be found by searching for the '''parish''' in the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/search FamilySearch catalog]. An increasing number have been digitized and are available online. However, some collections must be viewed at a family history center (FHC), affiliate library or may be restricted to members of supporting organizations, including members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please review individual FamilySearch collections "Learn more" Wiki articles for information regarding restrictions.


===FamilySearch Historical Records===
===Online Records ===
 
*[https://www.archion.de/de/archive-in-archion/ Archion] ($), is a website containing church records from many Protestant archives from many areas in Germany.
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/list?fcs=placeId%3A1927074&ec=region%3AEUROPE%2CplaceId%3A1927074 '''Links to Germany church records in FamilySearch Historical Records''']]
*[http://data.matricula-online.eu/de/deutschland/ Matricula] contains images, but no indexes, of Catholic church records from several dioceses.
 
===Other Websites===
 
*[https://www.archion.de/de/archive-in-archion/ Archion] ($), is a website containing church records from many Protestant archives from many areas in Germany.
*[http://data.matricula-online.eu/de/deutschland/ Matricula] contains images, but no indexes, of Catholic church records from several dioceses.
*Ancestry has many German church records, mostly Lutheran, and especially from Württemberg, Baden and Saxony
*Ancestry has many German church records, mostly Lutheran, and especially from Württemberg, Baden and Saxony


===Church Records Tools===
===Church Records Tools===
*[[Finding Parish Registers for Germany Areas Now in Other Countries|'''Finding Parish Registers for Germany Areas Now in Other Countries''']].
*[[Finding Parish Registers for Germany Areas Now in Other Countries|'''Finding Parish Registers for Germany Areas Now in Other Countries''']].
*[[Media:Localities.pdf|Pdf Archive Inventory]] Part 1 of 2: Church records in Archives" - an inventory of localities and the location or archive where the records should be found. The list of archives with addresses which correspond to the localities list are found at this link [https://s3.amazonaws.com/ps-services-us-east-1-914248642252/s3/research-wiki-elasticsearch-prod-s3bucket/images/f/f7/Archive_Add_.pdf Archive Addresses] Please note that in the second column, with the heading of "key" matches the Archive "number" in the first link which contains the database.
*[[Media:Localities.pdf|Pdf Archive Inventory]] Part 1 of 2: Church records in Archives" - an inventory of localities and the location or archive where the records should be found. The list of archives with addresses which correspond to the localities list are found at this link [https://s3.amazonaws.com/ps-services-us-east-1-914248642252/s3/research-wiki-elasticsearch-prod-s3bucket/images/f/f7/Archive_Add_.pdf Archive Addresses] Please note that in the second column, with the heading of "key" matches the Archive "number" in the first link which contains the database.  
*Berlin Evangelical Central Archive Inventory Online - The [http://www.ezab.de/kirchenbuecher/provinzen.html Evangelical Central Archive in Berlin (EZAB)] holds many Lutheran church records from Eastern areas, including Ostpreussen, Schlesien, Posen, Brandenburg, Pommern, and Westpreussen. On the Website the box titled "Familienforschung" (family history research) includes a link to the listing of accessible parish registers under "[http://www.ezab.de/kirchenbuecher/kirchenbuch-suche.php Kirchenbuch-Suche]".
*Berlin Evangelical Central Archive Inventory Online - The [http://www.ezab.de/kirchenbuecher/provinzen.html Evangelical Central Archive in Berlin (EZAB)] holds many Lutheran church records from Eastern areas, including Ostpreussen, Schlesien, Posen, Brandenburg, Pommern, and Westpreussen. On the Website the box titled "Familienforschung" (family history research) includes a link to the listing of accessible parish registers under "[http://www.ezab.de/kirchenbuecher/kirchenbuch-suche.php Kirchenbuch-Suche]".


*
===FamilySearch Historical Records ===
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/list?fcs=placeId%3A1927074&ec=region%3AEUROPE%2CplaceId%3A1927074 '''Links to Germany church records in FamilySearch Historical Records]]


===Local Churches and Archives===
=== Local Churches and Archives===


If the records you need are not at the Family History Library, you may find baptism, marriage, and burial records by contacting or visiting German parishes or archives.  
If the records you need are not at the Family History Library, you may find baptism, marriage, and burial records by contacting or visiting German parishes or archives.  
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Germany has no single repository of church records. The present location of a church record depends on several factors, including national borders, religion, and local history. Records may be located in one or more or the following places:  
Germany has no single repository of church records. The present location of a church record depends on several factors, including national borders, religion, and local history. Records may be located in one or more or the following places:  


*'''Local parishes'''. Most church registers are still maintained by the parish. You might obtain information by writing to the parish. Parish employees will usually answer correspondence written in German. Your request may be forwarded if the records have been sent to a central repository.
*'''Local parishes'''. Most church registers are still maintained by the parish. You might obtain information by writing to the parish. Parish employees will usually answer correspondence written in German. Your request may be forwarded if the records have been sent to a central repository.  
*'''State archives'''. Duplicate records from some parishes are in the state archives. Many of these records have been microfilmed and are available at the Family History Library. However, for records that are not microfilmed, you can sometimes write to the state archives to request searches of the duplicates. For more information, see [[Germany Archives and Libraries|Germany Archives and Libraries]].
*'''State archives'''. Duplicate records from some parishes are in the state archives. Many of these records have been microfilmed and are available at the Family History Library. However, for records that are not microfilmed, you can sometimes write to the state archives to request searches of the duplicates. For more information, see [[Germany Archives and Libraries|Germany Archives and Libraries]].  
*'''Central church archives'''. In a few parts of Germany, church records or duplicates have been gathered from the local parishes into central archives. Some gaps in the church records of local parishes could be filled using these records. Church archives are often unable to handle genealogical requests, but they can determine whether they have specific records you need, or they may recommend a researcher who can search the records for you.
*'''Central church archives'''. In a few parts of Germany, church records or duplicates have been gathered from the local parishes into central archives. Some gaps in the church records of local parishes could be filled using these records. Church archives are often unable to handle genealogical requests, but they can determine whether they have specific records you need, or they may recommend a researcher who can search the records for you.


===Church Record Inventories===
=== Church Record Inventories ===
Church record inventories are essential tools for finding German records. They identify what records should be available for a specified parish and where to write for information on these records. They list the church records, their location, and the years they cover. Sometimes inventories explain which parishes served which towns at different periods of time.  
Church record inventories are essential tools for finding German records. They identify what records should be available for a specified parish and where to write for information on these records. They list the church records, their location, and the years they cover. Sometimes inventories explain which parishes served which towns at different periods of time.  


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Church record inventories are available for most areas in Germany. They are listed in the&nbsp;Place Search of the FamilySearch Catalog under:  
Church record inventories are available for most areas in Germany. They are listed in the&nbsp;Place Search of the FamilySearch Catalog under:  


*GERMANY - CHURCH RECORDS - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS
*GERMANY - CHURCH RECORDS - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS  
*GERMANY, [STATE] - CHURCH RECORDS - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS
*GERMANY, [STATE] - CHURCH RECORDS - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS
===Writing a Letter===
===Writing a Letter===
Suggestions about how to write to local parishes for genealogical information are given in the [[German Letter Writing Guide|'''German Letter Writing Guide''']]. For details on finding the address for a parish church, click on the wiki research article for the state where the town is located.  Links to those articles are at [[Germany Genealogy#Jurisdictions - 1945-present|'''Jurisdictions 1945-present''']] (for towns located in present-day Germany), and [[Germany Genealogy#Research Articles on Former States of Germany|'''Research Articles on Former States of Germany.''']]
Suggestions about how to write to local parishes for genealogical information are given in the [[German Letter Writing Guide|'''German Letter Writing Guide''']]. For details on finding the address for a parish church, click on the wiki research article for the state where the town is located.  Links to those articles are at [[Germany Genealogy#Jurisdictions - 1945-present|'''Jurisdictions 1945-present''']] (for towns located in present-day Germany), and [[Germany Genealogy#Research Articles on Former States of Germany|'''Research Articles on Former States of Germany.''']]
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'''You do not have to be fluent in a foreign language to read church records!  Only a limited vocabulary is used.''' Most Catholic records were written in Latin until the 1800s. Protestant records were usually written in German. Local dialects may have affected the spelling of some names and other words in the church records. In German areas under French domination during the early nineteenth century, many church records were kept in French. Sometimes the records combine two languages.  
'''You do not have to be fluent in a foreign language to read church records!  Only a limited vocabulary is used.''' Most Catholic records were written in Latin until the 1800s. Protestant records were usually written in German. Local dialects may have affected the spelling of some names and other words in the church records. In German areas under French domination during the early nineteenth century, many church records were kept in French. Sometimes the records combine two languages.  


*[[German Word List|German Word List]]
*[[German Word List|German Word List]]  
*[[Latin Word List]]
*[[Latin Word List]]
*[[French Word List]]
*[[French Word List]]
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*[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/426 '''Old German Script (German Church and Civil Records) Part 3''']
*[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/426 '''Old German Script (German Church and Civil Records) Part 3''']


===Feast Dates===
=== Feast Dates ===
 
*[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/881 '''Calendar Changes in France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Low Countries''']
*[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/881 '''Calendar Changes in France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Low Countries''']


*Each day of the year had several patron saints and was a feast day to honor those saints. Some vital events are recorded in church records only by the holy day (feast day) on the church calendar. For example, the feast day called “All Saints Day” [Allerheiligentag] is “1 November.” An online feast date calculator may be found at the [http://people.albion.edu/imacinnes/calendar///Ecclesiastical_dates_files/widget1_markup.html Albion College website]. Simply enter the year and click "Calculate."
*Each day of the year had several patron saints and was a feast day to honor those saints. Some vital events are recorded in church records only by the holy day (feast day) on the church calendar. For example, the feast day called “All Saints Day” [Allerheiligentag] is “1 November.” An online feast date calculator may be found at the [http://people.albion.edu/imacinnes/calendar///Ecclesiastical_dates_files/widget1_markup.html Albion College website]. Simply enter the year and click "Calculate."


===Using "Left side-right side" Films===
=== Using "Left side-right side" Films ===


A FamilySearch Catalog entry may indicate that a German record was filmed "l.s.-r.s.", meaning "left-side- right side".  The researcher must be aware that '''two '''sets of records (odd and even pages) must be searched. Sometimes each side of a book is found on a separate microfilm. In that case, it may be helpful to load both films on adjacent readers.  If the entries go across both pages in the book, the side that identifies the key individuals (such as child and parents) must be searched first. Often the child and parents are listed on the left side of the page, and the year and birth/baptism date on the right. Thus it is very important to note the sheet numbers on the tag and identify the relevant entry with its position on the page.
A FamilySearch Catalog entry may indicate that a German record was filmed "l.s.-r.s.", meaning "left-side- right side".  The researcher must be aware that '''two '''sets of records (odd and even pages) must be searched. Sometimes each side of a book is found on a separate microfilm. In that case, it may be helpful to load both films on adjacent readers.  If the entries go across both pages in the book, the side that identifies the key individuals (such as child and parents) must be searched first. Often the child and parents are listed on the left side of the page, and the year and birth/baptism date on the right. Thus it is very important to note the sheet numbers on the tag and identify the relevant entry with its position on the page.
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==Research Tips==
==Research Tips==


*Large cities have many churches, each serving part of the city. Rural churches often serve several villages and hamlets. Parish boundaries often changed, which affected where church records were kept.
*Large cities have many churches, each serving part of the city. Rural churches often serve several villages and hamlets. Parish boundaries often changed, which affected where church records were kept.  
*Military churches in garrison towns and cities often kept their own records separate from other parishes.
*Military churches in garrison towns and cities often kept their own records separate from other parishes.  
*In some parts of Germany, the death registers began later than the baptism and marriage registers, especially in Catholic records.
*In some parts of Germany, the death registers began later than the baptism and marriage registers, especially in Catholic records.  
*The registers of baptisms, marriages, and deaths from different geographic areas vary considerably in the amount of information they provide. Each jurisdiction had its own record-keeping rules, and each recorder had his own style.
*The registers of baptisms, marriages, and deaths from different geographic areas vary considerably in the amount of information they provide. Each jurisdiction had its own record-keeping rules, and each recorder had his own style.  
*In some areas, the records of people of other faiths were kept by the predominant church. The principal churches in Germany were the Catholic and Evangelical-Lutheran churches. For example, Jewish or Mennonite births were occasionally recorded at Catholic parishes, especially in areas where the church was used as the civil registration office.
*In some areas, the records of people of other faiths were kept by the predominant church. The principal churches in Germany were the Catholic and Evangelical-Lutheran churches. For example, Jewish or Mennonite births were occasionally recorded at Catholic parishes, especially in areas where the church was used as the civil registration office.  
*Parishes occasionally indexed their records. Indexes are usually found at the beginning or end of the record. Moreover, archives sometimes compile indexes of church records. For example, the Lübeck Stadtarchiv has an alphabetical card index of all names in church records of several parishes at their archive. This index is at the Family History Library on 152 reels of microfilm (FHL films 450,475-626). Occasionally private researchers create large indexes of church records. An example is the 764-microfilm Brenner collection described on page 38.
*Parishes occasionally indexed their records. Indexes are usually found at the beginning or end of the record. Moreover, archives sometimes compile indexes of church records. For example, the Lübeck Stadtarchiv has an alphabetical card index of all names in church records of several parishes at their archive. This index is at the Family History Library on 152 reels of microfilm (FHL films 450,475-626). Occasionally private researchers create large indexes of church records. An example is the 764-microfilm Brenner collection described on page 38.


==Search Strategies and Steps==
== Search Strategies and Steps ==


Effective use of church records includes the following strategies:  
Effective use of church records includes the following strategies:  


*Search for the relative or ancestor. When you find his or her birth record, search for the births of brothers and sisters.
*Search for the relative or ancestor. When you find his or her birth record, search for the births of brothers and sisters.  
*Next search for the parents' marriage date and place. The marriage record will often lead to the parents' birth records.
*Next search for the parents' marriage date and place. The marriage record will often lead to the parents' birth records.  
*You can estimate the ages of the parents and determine a birth year to search for their birth records. If more than one possible candidate is found, search confirmation, marriage, and burial records to determine the correct individual. If available, census-type records or family books can be used as well.
*You can estimate the ages of the parents and determine a birth year to search for their birth records. If more than one possible candidate is found, search confirmation, marriage, and burial records to determine the correct individual. If available, census-type records or family books can be used as well.  
*Try to find the parents death/burial entries, since these records may give their age at death.
*Try to find the parents death/burial entries, since these records may give their age at death.


*Use the above strategies for both the father and the mother.
*Use the above strategies for both the father and the mother.  
*If earlier generations are not in the record you are using, search neighboring parishes and other denominations.
*If earlier generations are not in the record you are using, search neighboring parishes and other denominations.  
*Search the burial registers for all family members.
*Search the burial registers for all family members.
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*[http://www.many-roads.com/library/prussia-histories/records-possibilities/ '''Finding Genealogy Records from the former German East''']
*[http://www.many-roads.com/library/prussia-histories/records-possibilities/ '''Finding Genealogy Records from the former German East''']


==References==
== References ==


{{Germany|Germany}} {{H-langs|en=Germany Church Records|pt=Alemanha - Registros da Igreja}}  
{{Germany|Germany}} {{H-langs|en=Germany Church Records|pt=Alemanha - Registros da Igreja}}  


  [[Category:Lutherans]]  
  [[Category:Lutherans]] [[Category:Roman_Catholics]] [[Category:Germany Church Records]]
[[Category:Roman_Catholics]]  
[[Category:Germany Church Records]]
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