Germany, German Lutheran Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Germany Westphalia

What is in This Collection?
This collection includes records from German Lutheran parishes from the years 1701 to 1883. It includes births, marriages, and deaths. The Evangelical, or Lutheran, Church was formally established by 1531. Despite persecution by both the Catholic Church and some governments, the Lutheran Church spread throughout Germany and became a prominent religion. Lutherans are more predominant in northern Germany than in southern Germany.

Reading These Records
These records are in German. For help reading these records see the following guides:
 * German Genealogical Word List
 * German Language and Languages
 * Germany Handwriting
 * FamilySearch Learning Center videos:
 * German Handwritten Records

Sample Images
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How Do I Search This Collection?
It is helpful to know:
 * Your ancestor's name
 * Residence
 * Age or birth date
 * Names of family members

View the Images
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 * 1) Select State or Province
 * 2) Select District
 * 3) Select Parish: Town
 * 4) Select Record type, Year range, and volume to view the images

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
Look at each image or record comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. Keep in mind there may be more than one person in the records with the same name. and you will want to look carefully at dates, places and relations to identify your ancestor from another person.

I Found Who I was Looking for, Now What?

 * Use the age in the marriage records to find an approximate birth year to begin your search in church or civil records.
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have been born, married or died nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify. Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual. This compiled list can help you identify possible relations that can be further verified by researching vital records in the country.
 * Church Records often were kept years before government records were required and are a good source for finding ancestors before 1900. If the officiator of a marriage or death was a minister, you may be able to determine to which religion or congregation your ancestor belonged. Look for church records of the birth, marriage, or death which may provide more information on the family.

I Can't Find Who I'm Looking for, Now What?

 * Switch to a different record collection. Depending on the time period, German Civil Registration records or German Church records may be useful.
 * Standard spelling of names typically did not exist during the periods our ancestors lived in. Try variations of your ancestor’s name while searching the index or browsing through images. Pay special attention to how the name should have been pronounced and try variations on the pronunciation.
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names. Try searching for these names as well.
 * Search the indexes and records of local genealogical societies.

Record Finder
Consult the Germany Record Finder Table to find other records

Citations for This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used. Collection Citation:

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