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Optional Print Course Material: Research: German Ancestors
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
This genealogical helper is intended for North American English-speaking beginners, who want to find their German ancestors. In order to do successful family research in Germany, you need a basic understanding of the various parts of Germany during the time of your ancestors' lives. A brief examination of sources and repositories including the FamilySearch website will point the researcher in the right direction. It will be helpful to have some knowledge of the German or Latin languages since many of the documents have been complied in these languages, and with a flared script so resources for translation are discussed. A sample letter written in German, along with an English translation will assist you in case you need to correspond with an institution in Germany.
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION TO GERMAN RESEARCH
Introduction
Identifying Your Immigrant Ancestor
Immigration Information
Key Elements of German Research
Accessing Records
Published Sources
Advanced Sources & Techniques
MODULE 2
GERMAN HISTORY
Introduction
Sources for German History
Historical Timelines
PLACES, MAPS & MIGRATIONS
Introduction
Finding the Place
German Genealogy Covers Much More Than Germany
The German Core
Neighboring Countries
German Enclaves
More Distant Countries
MODULE 3
READING THE RECORDS
Learn to Read the Lettering
German Gothic Script
Spelling
German Genealogy Word Lists
Headings Used in Church Records in General
Online Translation Tools
MODULE 4
FAMILYSEARCH FOR GERMAN RESEARCH
Introduction
Using FamilySearch
German Church Records at FamilySearch
FamilySearch Research Wiki
MODULE 5
GERMAN GENEALOGY ON THE INTERNET AND BEYOND
Introduction
Civil Registrations / Standesamt/Standesämter
Basic Letter Writing in German Made Easy
Genealogical Records
When No Location in Germany is Known
Further Research
Parish Registers
Online Resources
Finding Archives and Libraries
Recommended Reading & Resources