Herzlich willkommen! From language guides to websites, everything you need for your German genealogy journey. Plus, research tips on finding Austrian, Prussian and other German-speaking ancestors.
6 Pro Tips for Tracing Your German Genealogy
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German Genealogy Cheat Sheet
The German Genealogy Cheat Sheet is designed to quickly deliver the information you need to understand the records of your German ancestors.
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German Genealogy Fast Facts
Key Dates in History
800
Charlemagne crowned
1517
Martin Luther starts Protestant Reformation
1683
Germantown, Penn. founded
1772
Poland's lands partitioned between Prussia, Austria, and Russia
1882
More than 250,000 German immigrants arrive in the US
1945
Germany divided into
East and West
1990
Germany reunited
2009
Vital records blackout periods relaxed
Vital Records Kept
Varies by state
Best Records for Genealogists
Civil Registration (1792; 1876)
Parish Civil Records (1500s; 1648)
Village Family Histories (varies)
Fraktur Baptismal Certificates (1754–1900)
Newspapers (1732–1918)
Immigration Waves
First Wave: 1600s–1770s
Second Wave: 1800s–1918
Finding Your German Ancestors
German Language and Names
The 12 Best German Genealogy Websites
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German Genealogy Websites Cheat Sheet
Learn more about your German ancestry! This quick-guide download will show you the web’s best resources for German genealogy–and how to use genealogy websites to grow your family tree.
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German Genealogy Websites
German Records and Archives
6 Ways to Find Your German Ancestor’s Place of Origin
Check these six sources for the name of your German immigrant ancestor's home village.
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