Schleswig-Holstein Census

Census Years
Denmark ruled all of Schleswig-Holstein, including Lübeck and parts of Hamburg and Oldenburg, until 1864. Denmark took several censuses of this area.

Census of 1769 (South Schleswig (Sydslesvig), Dithmarschen, and Holstein. Lauenburg not included.)

Census of 1803 (South Schleswig (Sydslesvig), Dithmarschen, and Holstein. Lauenburg not included.)

Census of 1835 (South Schleswig (Sydslesvig), Dithmarschen, and Holstein. Lauenburg not included.)

Census of 1840 (South Schleswig (Sydslesvig), Dithmarschen, and Holstein. Lauenburg not included.)

Census of 1845 (All included))

Census of 1855 (All included))

Census of 1860 (South Schleswig (Sydslesvig), Dithmarschen, and Holstein. Lauenburg not included.)

Census of 1864 (Holstein and Lauenburg)

Content
The censuses are written in either German or Danish, sometimes with both on the same page. The information contained in the censuses varies according to which year it was taken:


 * 1769. This census names the head of each household and the number of people in the house, grouped by age and sex. It did not take military personnel into account, neither will the researcher find information from estates, monestaries and the Gottorf areas. Most of these lists were lost.
 * 1803-1864. Censuses taken from 1803 to 1864 list each person's name, residence, position in the family, age, marital status, and occupation.
 * 1845 and later censuses. From 1845 on, each census also lists birthplace, the parish of the birthplace, and the length of residency at the census place.

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 1855

Danish Census Headings 1860

Finding Census Records
The original records are in different archives today. The 1769 census information is in different local archives. The records for the 1803, 1860 (Holstein), and 1864 are in the State Archive Schleswig-Holstein. The originals of other censuses are in the State Archive Copenhagen.

It is often difficult to determine which village belongs to what census district. A good source to find jurisdictions are the two volumes v. Schröder and Biernatzki published: "Topographie des Herzogthums Schleswig" (1854) and "Topographie der Herzogthümer Holstein und Lauenburg" (1855) which can also be found online

Online Records

 * Arkivalieronline, images.
 * English guide
 * Dansk Denografisk Database Search Engine
 * Arbeitskreis Volkszahl-Register
 * Information
 * English guide.
 * 1803 census for the Duchy of Schleswig
 * Volkszählung, 1939. Schleswig-Holstein u. Lübeck
 * Danish 1700 Census: males only, index

FamilySearch
The following are available at FamilySearch:

MyHeritage
The following are available at MyHeritage ($):
 * 1835 Denmark Census (Schleswig-Holstein only), index and images, ($).
 * 1840 Denmark Census, index and images, ($).
 * 1845 Denmark Census, index and images, ($).
 * 1855 Denmark Census, index and images, ($).
 * 1860 Denmark Census, index and images, ($).

Research Tutorials at FamilySearch

 * Danish Census Research, Part 1: Using the Danish Demographical Database
 * Danish Census Research, Part 2: Finding Censuses on Arkivalieronline
 * Danish Census Research, Part 3: Extracting Genealogical Information

Searching Census Records
When searching census records, remember the following:


 * Information may be incorrect.
 * The ages listed may not be correct.
 * A given name may not be the same as the name used in vital records.
 * Names may be spelled as they sound.
 * Place-names may be misspelled.
 * Some parts of the census may be illegible.
 * If the family is not at the expected location, you should search the surrounding area.

To understand what is being asked for in Schleswig-Holstein censuses see the three examples below: