Denmark Census

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Denmark Census

A census is a count and description of the population. Censuses have been taken by the Danish government primarily for population studies and taxation purposes.

You Can Use this Record to Find...
Birth Information Marriage Information Death Information

Census records can provide personal information about family relationships, age, year of birth, description of property, religion, birthplace, and so forth. Census records are especially valuable because they list a large portion of the population. They can provide information where all or portions of other records are missing. Generally, you will find more complete family information in more recent censuses. Use the information with caution since some information may be incorrect.

The first census in Denmark with genealogical information was taken during the summer of 1787. Unfortunately, this meant that most seamen and seasonal workers were away. The next census was taken in 1801, and then again in 1834. Beginning in 1840, a census was taken every five years until 1860. After 1860, the census was taken every ten years until the end of the century. Beginning in 1901, censuses were again taken every five years.

List of Danish Census Records: 

Censuses have been held in Denmark at various intervals. The first census of interest to the Genealogist was held in 1787, and thereafter in 1801, 1834, 1840, 1845, 1850, 1855, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1890, 1901, 1911, 1916, 1921, 1925, 1930, 1940, 1950, 1960, 1965 and 1970.
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The census of 1845 is of particular interest, since this was the first census to provide place of birth.

The most recent Danish census at the Family History Library is for 1911. Census records less than sixty-five years old are confidential and may not be searched by individuals. The most recent census which has been released is the 1916 census. The government will make limited searches in the 1920 and 1925 censuses. Census records less than 75 years old are confidential and not available to private individuals. The most recent census which has been released is 1940, which will be fully scanned and available during 2016.

The Danish government has been working to index the Danish Census records.  Accordingly, the Danish Census records have been digitized and made available online. These images can be viewed page by page.  An effort is being made to index all of these digitized census records.  Although indexing has not been completed, many Danish censuses have been indexed.  This index is available at Danish Demographic Database census search page. A description of the information available is found at Records and Registries. SeeOnline Census Strategy below for more tips on how to use these websites.

Census taking was also conducted in the other provinces and territories under Danish rule: Greenland, since 1834; , the Faroe Islands, since1801; , the West Indies, (now US Virgin Islands), 1841-1916; Trankebar, India in 1835; and Frederiksnagor (now Serampore), India in 1840

Northern Schleswig (the counties Aabenraa, Haderslev, Sønderborg and Tønder) were under German rule 1864-1920, and no censuses were held in this period in the region. For Southern Schleswig, which remained under German rule in 1920, there are census records from 1801/1803, 1834/1835, 1845, 1855 and 1860, but they are not complete.

Information in Danish Census Records

You will find the following types of information in census records:

1787, 1801, 1834, and 1840. These censuses give the names of all members of the household, their ages, sexes, occupations, relationships to the head of the household and marital statuses.

1845 and later. These censuses list the names, ages, occupations, relationships to the head of the household, religious affiliations, and birthplaces (county and parish) of all members of the household.

Searching Census Records.

When searching census records, it is important to remember the following:

• Accept the ages with caution.
• Women are usually listed by their maiden surnames until the beginning of 20th century.
• Read here about Danish naming practice: Denmark_Names,_Personal.
• Given names Names of persons may not always be spelled exactly the same or be as complete as those recorded in vital church records, which should be consulted when in doubt.
• Information may be incorrect.
• Spelling for names and places varies.
• Search the surrounding area if you do not find a family at the expected address.
• When you find your family in one census, be sure to search that same location in the earlier and later census records for additional family members.

Searching in Big Cities

Finding your ancestors' family in the census records of a large city can be time consuming. It is helpful to know the street address. Beginning in 1870, the census is arranged alphabetically by street for the large cities in Denmark. Sometimes you can find the street address in the church records at the time of a birth, marriage, or death in the family. Other sources for street address are business directories; civil certificates of birth, marriage, or death; probate records; or court records.

Census Indexes for Large Cities

Research use: These indexes provide easy-to-use access to the census records of large cities, and greatly improve the accessibility of these records. The references in the census index lead a researcher to families in the actual census. The indexes are essential for locating people in large cities, especially Copenhagen, the largest city in Denmark. In the mid- to late-1800s Denmark experienced a great migration of people from the countryside to the towns and larger cities. About 85% of the Danish population is urban, with 37% of the total population concentrated in the four largest cities (København [Copenhagen], Ålborg, Odense, and Århus).

Record type: Card indexes and typed indexes are available for several cities in Denmark. The following have been identified but others likely exist: (a) 1801 Census Index for Copenhagen city (single alphabetical listing). (b) 1845 Census Index for Copenhagen city. (c) 1845 Census Index for Århus city.

Time period: 1771 to present. There are known indexes for 1801 and 1845. Most years have not yet been indexed but there is significant potential for new indexes being produced in the future.

Contents: Indexes to census records. They provide names of individuals, residence and reference to the actual census (Section of the city, Enumeration district number, page or entry number). Those identified thus far include full names, ages, sex, marital status, and remarks. The 1845 indexes include the birthplace for each person and complete reference to the 1845 census.

Location: Copenhagen indexes are at the National Archives in Copenhagen, the city archive in Copenhagen, Viborg archives.

Population coverage: 98% or more of the population of the cities involved.

To find census records in the FamilySearch Catalog, look in the Place search under—

DENMARK, [COUNTY] - CENSUS RECORDS

You will find the parishes listed in the order they appear on the microfilm.

Kommunal Censuses

Through the years, there have been a few special censuses taken at the kommune (city or parish) level in certain areas throughout Denmark. These kommunal censuses were taken whenever they were needed, usually in the bigger cities. They had the same information as the national census plus extra information (example: ). It is always good to check if there is a kommunal census for the area you are researching, as they can help fill in gaps that national censuses miss.The following are some of the communal censuses available (italicized if available at the Family History Library):

Odense	1645,1660,1672
Randers	1726
Hobro	1727, 1811, 1847
Fredericia	1717
Aalborg	1818
Horsens	1824
Hjørring	1825
Frederikshavn	1827
Store Hedinge	1830
Kalundborg	1874-1922
Ringsted	1888-1933
Nibe	1818, 1875-1899
Nørre Sundby	1896-1954
Viborg	1901-1938
Århus	Every year, 1885-1952
Copenhaven*	1885, 1895

• In Copenhagen the police made records continually 1890-1923 of all adult inhabitants, which have been scanned. It is possible to search for persons here: http://www.politietsregisterblade.dk/en/

Also there are in Copenhagen the police made a kind of census records 1865-1923, which are less easy to search into, unless you know a specific address and year, but then they can be a valuable addition to the census records. They have been scanned and are available here: Poletiets Registerblade (Police Register Leaves)

DANISH CENSUS HEADINGS WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS

Danish censuses have standardized column headings, which allowed the census taker to record the requested information in the correct place. Click on the following links to bring up the census headings. The Danish wording AND the English translations will appear. By knowing what is asked for in the various census years, you will be able to better plan your research strategy.

Danish Census Headings 1787 and 1801 Danish Census Headings 1834 and 1840 Danish Census Headings 1845 Danish Census Headings 1850 Danish Census Headings 1855 Danish Census Headings 1860 Danish Census Headings 1870 Page 1 Danish Census Headings 1870 Page 2 Danish Census Headings 1870 Page 3 Danish Census Headings 1880 Page 1 Danish Census Headings 1880 Page 2 Danish Census Headings 1880 Page 3 Danish Census Headings 1890 Page 1 Danish Census Headings 1890 Page 2 Danish Census Headings 1890 Page 3 Danish Census Headings 1901 Page 1 Danish Census Headings 1901 Page 2 Danish Census Headings 1901 Page 3 Danish Census Headings 1901 Page 4 Danish Census Headings 1906 Page 1 Danish Census Headings 1906 Page 2 Danish Census Headings 1906 Page 3 Danish Census Headings 1911 Page 1 Danish Census Headings 1911 Page 2 Danish Census Headings 1911 Page 3 Danish Census Headings 1911 Page 4

DANISH CENSUS HEADINGS WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS Danish and English texts are not written full, but includes only words which are necesssay to give a correct understanding

A. LANDDISTRIKTER RURAL PARISHES

Year and Column No. Danish Text English Text

1916 Folketællings-Skema Nr. … Census Form Nr. … for Befolkningen i … Sogn (Landdistrikt) for the population in … parish (rural district) Amtets Navn … Kommunens Navn … Name of the county … Name of the community … Herredets Navn … Byens Navn … Name of the district … Name of the village …

Hovedliste Main list 1 By eller stednavn og matr. Nr. Name and tax No. of the place 2 Løbenummer Enumeration No. 3 Samtlige personers navne Names of all persons 4 Køn Sex 5 Fødselsdag Birthday (date before month) 6 Ægteskabelig stilling Martial status 7 Handikap ja/nej (kun personer mellem 16 og 65 år) Handicaps yes/no (only people betw. 16 and 65 years) 8 Årsag til do. Reason for the above 9 Stilling i familien Position in the family 10 Erhverv Occupation 11 Erhvervssted Place of occupation 12 Anmærkning Remarks Nedenstående udfylde af ligningsmyndighederne The following to be filled in by the tax authorities Indkomst Income Formue Assets Personlig skat til staten 1916 Personal state tax 1916 Personlig skat til kommunen 1916 Personal community tax 1916

Tillægsliste Supplementary List 1 Adresse Address 2 Navn Name 3 Køn Sex 4 Fødselsdag Birthday (date before month) 5 Erhverv Occupation 6 Anmærkning Remarks 7 Indkomst Income 8 Formue Assets 9 Personlig skat til staten 1916 Personal state tax 1916 10 Personlig skat til kommunen 1916 Personal community tax 1916

1921 Folketællings-Skema Nr. … Census Form Nr. … for Befolkningen d. 1. Februar 1921 for the population on 1st February 1921 Amtets Navn … Byens Navn … Name of the county … Name of the village Herredets Navn … Tællingskommissionærens Navn … Name of the district … Name of the commissioner … Sognets Navn … Name of the parish …

Hovedliste Main list 1 By eller stednavn og matr. Nr. Name and tax No. of the place 2 Løbenummer Enumeration No. 3 Samtlige personers navne Names of all persons 4 Køn Sex 5 Fødselsdag Day of birth (date before month) 6 Fødselsår Year of birth 7 Ægteskabelig stilling Martial status 8 Fødested Place of birth 9 Hvilket år kommet til kommunen Year for arrival to the community 10 Sidste opholdssted Last place of living 11 Trossamfund Religion 12 Stilling i familien Position in the family 13 Erhverv Occupation 14 Erhvervssted Place of occupation 15 Handikaps Handicaps 16 Udfyldes ikke Not to be filled in 17 Bemærkninger Remarks

Tillægslister Supplementary Lists 1 Adresse Address 2 Personernes Navne Persons Names 3 Køn Sex 4 Fødselsdag Day of birth (date before month) 5 Erhverv Occupation 6 Indkomst Income 7 Anmærknnger Remarks

1925 Folketællings-Skema Nr. … Census Form Nr. … for Befolkningen d. 5. November 1925 for the population on 5th November 1925 Amtets Navn … Byens Navn … Name of the county … Name of the village Herredets Navn … Tællingskommissionærens Navn … Name of the district … Name of the commissioner … Sognets Navn … Name of the parish …

Hovedliste Main list 1 By eller stednavn og matr. Nr. Name and tax No. of the place 2 Løbenummer Enumeration No. 3 Samtlige personers navne Names of all persons 4 Køn Sex 5 Fødselsdag Day of birth (date before month) 6 Fødselsår Year of birth 7 Fødested Place of birth 8 Statsborgerskab Citizenship 9 Ægteskabelig stilling Martial status 10 Stilling i familien Position in the family 11 Erhverv Occupation 12 Bopæl 5. November 1924 Address 5th November 1924 13 Udfyldes ikke Not to be filled in 14 Bemærkninger Remarks

Tillægsliste, midlertidigt nærværende personer Supplementary List, temporarily present persons 1 Løbenummer Enumeration No. 2 Navn Name 3 Køn Sex 4 Fødselsdag Day of birth (date before month) 5 Fødselsår Year of birth 6 Fødested Place of birth 7 Statsborgerskab Citizenship 8 Ægteskabelig stilling Martial status 9 Stilling i familien på den faste bopæl Position in the family at the permanent address 10 Erhverv Occupation 11 Kommune og fast adresse Community and permanent address 12 Anmærkninger Remarks d Udfyldes ikke Not to be filled in

1930 Folketællings-Skema Nr. … Census Form Nr. … for Befolkningen d. 5. November 1930 for the population on 5th November 1930 Amtets Navn … Byens Navn … Name of the county … Name of the village Herredets Navn … Tællingskommissionærens Navn … Name of the district … Name of the commissioner … Sognets Navn … Name of the parish …

Hovedliste Main list 1 By eller stednavn og matr. Nr. Name and tax No. of the place 2 Løbenummer Enumeration No. 3 Samtlige personers navne Names of all persons 4 Eventuel fast bopæl andetsteds Possible permanent residence elsewhere 5a Til stede ja/nej Present yes/no 5b Hvis nej, hvor i givet fald If no, where is the person staying 6 Bopæl 5. November 1929 Address 5th November 1929 7 Køn Sex 8 Fødselsdag Day of birth (date before month) 9 Fødselsår Year of birth 10 Fødested Place of birth 11 Statsborgerskab Citizenship 12 Ægteskabelig stilling Martial status 13 Stilling i familien Position in the family 14 Erhverv Occupation 15 Erhvervssted Place of occupation 16 Handikaps Handicaps 17 Hvornår gift (udyldes kun af gifte) When married (only to be filled by married people) 18 Antal levende børn (do.) Number of living children (do.) 19 Antal afdøde børn (do.) Number of deceased childen (do.) 20 Udfyldes ikke Not to be filled in

1940 Folketællings-Skema Nr. … Census Form Nr. … for Befolkningen d. 5. November 1930 for the population on 5th November 1930 … Amt Ejerlav … … County Area … … Herred Matr. Nr. … … District Tax No. … Sogn Gadens Navn ... … Parish Name of the Road … … By Tællingskommissionær ... Village Commissioner ...

Hovedliste Main list 1 Samtlige personers navne Names of all persons 2 Eventuel fast bopæl andetsteds Possible permanent residence elsewhere 3 Evetuelt midlertidgt fravær Possible temporary absence 4 Køn Sex 5a Hvis nej, hvor i givet fald If no, where is the person staying 5a Fødselsdag Day of birth (date before month) 5b Fødselsår Year of birth 6 Fødested Place of birth 7 Statsborgerskab Citizenship 8 Ægteskabelig stilling Martial status 9 Hvornår gift (udyldes kun af gifte) When married (only to be filled by married people) 10 Stilling i familien Position in the family 11 Erhverv Occupation 12 Erhvervssted Place of occupation 13 Hjælper ved familieoverhovedets erhverv Assists in the occupation of the main resident 14 Hjælper ved husgerningen Kun børn under 14 år) Assists in the house keeping (only children under 14) 15 Udfyldes ikke Not to be filled in 16 Handikaps Handicaps 17 Uddannelsei skole (kun personer mellem 14 og 30 år) Education in school (only persons between 24 and 30) 18 Anden uddannelse (do.) Other kinds of education (do.) 19 Faderens (Moderens) Erhverv Father's (Mother's) Occupation

Online Census Extractions

Web pages containing extracted Census records  by Aurelia Clemons.

Danish Family Search - available in English and (mostly) indexed as family groups. Also includes parish church books.

Dansk Demografisk Database

Folketællinger

Online Census Strategy

Danish Demographic Database

Search the Danish Demographic Database at http://www.ddd.dda.dk/ddd_en.htm for census transcriptions of all individuals in a household.

Search the Statens Arkivers Arkivalieronline at http://www.sa.dk/ao/SoegeSider/Folketaelling.aspx for census images.

References

Skaaning, Jytte and Bente Klercke Rasmussen. Find Din Slægt - og Gør den Levende: Håndbog i Slægtshistorie, 2d ed. Syddansk Universitetsforlag, 2006.