Thuringia Language and Handwriting

Germany Thuringia Maps

Reading the Records

• It's easier than you think! You do not have to be fluent in German to use these records, as there is only a limited vocabulary used in them. By learning a few key phrases, you will be able to read them adequately. Here are some resources for learning to read German records.

German Genealogical Word List

German Handwriting

• These video webinars will teach you to read German handwriting:

• Old German Script Part 1
• Old German Script Part 2
• Old German Script (German Church and Civil Records) Part 3

• Also online interactive slideshow lessons are available to help you learn to read these records:

• Reading German Handwritten Records Lesson 1: Kurrent Letters
• Reading German Handwritten Records Lesson 2: Making Words in Kurrent
• Reading German Handwritten Records Lesson 3: Reading Kurrent Documents. In this lesson, you will explore several types of German genealogical records, including birth, baptismal, marriage, and death records.
• German Script Tutorial

This converter will show you how any phrase or name might look in German script:

• Kurrentschrift Converter (enter German genealogical word, click on "convert", view your word in Kurrentschrift (Gothic handwriting)

Latin Records

Records of the Catholic church will usually be written in Latin:

• Latin Genealogical Word List