Denmark Probate Records

Probate records are court records that describe the distribution of a person's estate after death. Information in the records may include the death date, names of heirs and guardians, relationships, residences, an inventory of the estate, and names of witnesses.

These records are very helpful for research because in many areas the authorities began recording probate actions before birth and death records.

Probate records were not created for every person who died. The probate law of 1683 stated that probate was necessary if a parent died and left children that were not of age (age 25). Often an estate was probated even if the children were of age.

Although probate records are one of the most accurate sources of genealogical information, the relationships noted in the records may not always have the same meaning today. For instance, a brother-in-law may be recorded as a brother, because legally that made no difference.

From the fourteenth century in Denmark, the foged (bailiff) was responsible for law enforcement in his bailiwick. Late in the sixteenth century the sorenskriver (scribe) in the bailiff's office was appointed to take care of probate cases and prepare the legal documents in connection with the probate. Later the title of sorenskriver took on the meaning of probate judge.

The Probate Process
Before 1683, probate records were often part of the general court records. The probate process began when the authorities were notified of a death. Thirty days after notification, the authorities held a registration of the estate at the home of the deceased. If the deceased was a parent, the surviving spouse and all children still living at home were to be present. All heirs not living in the parish were allowed a certain time to present themselves to the court. The time allowed was based on how far they had to travel. If a widow was pregnant when her husband died, she had the right to keep possession until after the child's birth. All guardians had to be present when the estate was divided.

The probate document was signed by all heirs or their guardians and by the probating authority.

No widower or widow could remarry before the estate had been settled in probate. However, a surviving spouse could receive permission from the court to live in an unprobated estate [uskiftet bo]. Under this provision, there could be no distribution of inheritance to the heirs unless the surviving spouse remarried, died, or requested a distribution.

All legal heirs who could not manage their own affairs were to have a guardian appointed in their behalf. The law stated that the child's closest relatives were to be appointed guardian, the father's relatives first, then the mother's. If no relatives were available, then the court appointed a guardian. A widow could choose her own guardian subject to the court's approval.

Records of guardianship may be kept separately from other probate papers, or a different court may have jurisdiction over guardianship.

To view records examples of skifteprotokollerne (administrations of estates) with translations click here.

Wills and Indexes [Testamentprotokoller med Indexer]
Research use: These records are useful linkage sources for the upper and middle classes. They give family relationships. They are difficult to use without the indexes; The indexes are needed to effectively locate individuals in the wills.

Record type: Legal declarations of a person's desires for the disposition of his property or estate after his death. Generally only the upper and middle classes had wills. The peasant classes are most often found only in the probate records. Most original will books include indexes. Transcripts of wills were sent to the Chancery to be confirmed. After 1848, the Ministry of Justice [Justitsministeriet] kept copies of all wills.

Time period: 1500 to present.

Contents: Name and age of testator, residence, heirs, relationships, description of land and property, date of will, signature, witnesses. Indexes.

Location: There is a large collection of original will books (including indexes) in the National Archives that goes up to 1925. Many original wills are in the provincial archives, under the “amts” jurisdiction up to 1933.

Percentage in Family History Library: Overall about 45%. The library has already acquired about 90% of will transcripts (1750-1848) as part of chancery records. Although most of the probate records of Denmark have been filmed, the Family History Library has not filmed any original wills.

Population coverage: 10%.

Reliability: Very good.

For more information about wills, see this article.

The Availability of Probate Records
Before the 1683 law, probate was held only when there were problems in dividing an estate. After 1683 the probate records are separate from the other court records and handled by the probate judge.

Probate records for clergy, schoolteachers, and military officers were often kept separate from the regular probate jurisdiction. Church officials would conduct probate for a priest or a schoolteacher, and a commanding officer for a military officer.

The Family History Library has an excellent collection of probate records from many areas of Denmark. These are listed in the catalog under DENMARK, COUNTY, PARISH - PROBATE RECORDS. Most records have separate name indexes in either the beginning or the end of the record. Also check the catalog under DENMARK, [COUNTY], [HERRED] - PROBATE RECORDS.

Guardianship Records [Overformynderiprotokoller]
Guardianship records are a good supplement to the probate records. Their use is twofold. First, they replace missing probate records. Second, they provide information concerning a minor's later destiny.

The guardianship record usually has the following information:


 * Name of the ward or minor.
 * Sometimes age or birth date.
 * Date on which the inheritance was paid to the court and the estate reference involved. (If the inheritance comes from one or several sources, each document is referred to with the amount.)
 * Name of guardian and residence.
 * Date on which the inheritance is paid to the ward or minor.
 * Status of the ward at the time the inheritance is paid, indicating a place of residence if different from the original probate record.

Research use: Very useful lineage-linking source. Relationship information is given so that blood lines of adoptees and orphans can be identified.

Record type: Records of those who have care of underaged heirs after the death of parents.

Time period: 1570 to present.

Contents: Information about the ward and when and from whom (family member or other person) inheritance was received; information about the guardian and his relationship to the ward, and expenses charged to the estate. At times two generations are mentioned, when both parents and grandparents passed away during the ward's minor state. Dates of birth or christening may be given.

Location: National and provincial archives.

Percentage in Family History Library: 90%.

Population coverage: 10%.

Probate Word List
Following is a list of common words, phrases, and abbreviations used in probate records. For other Danish probate vocabulary lists, click here or here.

A. A.D. in the year of our Lord Aar- year Ad- at Advokat- attorney Af, av- of, at, by, from Afdøde- deceased Afg., afgange- deceased Afgift- fee, charge Afholdelse- conduct, organization Afholdt- held, incurred, organized Afgaa, afgaaet- die, died Afkald- waiver Afkom- offspirng Afsælle- sell Aftale- aggreement Aftos- last night Aftægtsfolk- retired people Aftægtskone- retired woman Aftægtsmand- retired man Agent- agent Agt(en)- intention, purpose Aldeles- absolutely, totally, quite, entirely Alder- age Aldrig- never Alle- all Allerhøjest- most highest Allordere- allocate Alt- all, universe, already Amt- county Amtets- the county's Amtmand- chief county administrator Amtsforratter- county commissioners Anden- other, second Andunldt- amount Anføre- indicate, state, also retired Anført- listed, stated, specified Anmeld, Anmeldelse- report, notification, review Annus (Latin)- year Anordnet- ordered, arranged, set apart Anpart- share Antage- accept, take on, assume Antagelse,- assumption, acceptance Antagelig- presumably, probably, likely Antal- number Ar, en- are Arbejdshold- work team Arbejdsperiode- employment period or schedule Arv-.inheritance Arvedel, Arvadeling- inheritance, portion or share of the inheritance Arvelader- testator Arvinger, Arfvinger- heirs At- that, to At være- as, being Avle- beget, grow Avlet- begotten, produced Avlet med afdøde - begotten with the deceased Av- of, from Ægteskab- marriage B Baade- both Barn, børn- child, children Barnedåb- grandchild Barnefader- the child’s father Bedstefader- grandfather Bedstemoder- grandmother Befal, Befale- command, order Befalede- commanded, ordered Befindes- found to be Begjæring, Begæring- petition, request, application, motion Behøver at- require, have to, need to Bekendtgørelse- official announcement Bekentgjort- announced Bekost, Bekostning- expense, the cost Bekræft- confirm, verify, affirm Beløb- amount Bemeldte- aforesaid Bemidlet- well off Benævnte- named Beregne- calculate Bero- be, remain Beroer- depends Beskikket- appointed Beskriven- description Betaler- pay Betaling- payment Betalt- paid Betegne- description Betjente, Betiente- official Betydeligt- significantly, considerablely Birchedomer, Birkedommer- birke judge Blandt- among Blev, blef- was, become Blive, Blivet, Bliver- be, being, becoming, getting Boede, Boet,- lived Boe- live, reside Boelsmand- farmer Boet- estate, the estate; also live, living Bog- book Bonde- farmer Bondegaard- farm Bopæl- resident, residence Bor- live, living, lives Borgmester- Mayor Bortdøde- deceased Bortfalder- void, repeal Bortsolgt- sold Bouppteckning- probate Brev- letter Broder- brother Broderdatter- brother’s daughter Broderlod- brother's share Brodersøn- brother’s son Brække- break Brødre- brothers By, bye- town, village Børn- children Børnebørn- grandchildren Børnene- the children

C Comite, kommite- committee Come, komme- come Curator- curator

D Da- as, since, when Danske- Danish Darværende- former Datter, Døttre- daughter, daughters Datterdatter- daughter’s daughter, granddaughter Dattersøn- daughter’s son De- they, those, the Deling, deeling- division, distribution Derfor- therefore Deg- you Dend- it, that, the, other Den- of, the, it, of the Denne- this Dennes- his, its, thereof, latter Der- who, there, which, that Dere- you Derefter- after that, then, afterwards Deres- theirs, yours, its Deret- theirs, which, who, that Derhjemme -at home Deriblandt- including, among Dermed- there by, thus Dernæst- next Dertil- there, thereof, therefore, thereto Derudover- additional Det- it, that Dette- this Did- you, yourself, there Disse- these Dit- your Dog- however, though Dokket- docked Dom- sentence, judgement, verdict Dommer- judge Drager- porter, carrier Dranker- drunkard Dreng, dr.- male, boy Drengebarn- male child Dronning- queen Død, Døden- death, the death Dødsanmeldelse- death announcement Dødsfald- death Døtre- daughter

E Eder- you Edle- noble Een- one Efter- after, behind Efterdi- because Efterlade- leave Efterlade sig en formue- leave a fortune Efterladenskaber- remainder, the rest Efterladte- survivors, remaining Efterladende- left behind, surviving Eftersom- since, as Eg, Ege, Egne, Egen, Eget- own, on one's own Egenskab- capacity, property, attribute, characteristic Egstra- see ekstra Egteskab- marriage Ei, Ej- not Eje- own Ejendom, Ejendele- property, posessions Ejen- property Ejer- owner Ekstra- extra Ekstradere- extract Embede- office En- the, a, an, one End- than, end, over Endelig- final, finally Endvidere- also, furthermore Enebarn- only child Enes- agree Enhver- each, everyone Enke- widow Enkekone- widow Enkemand- widower Ensker- wishes, wants Er, Ere- is, are, the, has, have Erholde- assume, get, obtain, receive Erhverv- profession, trade Erhverver- acquire, gain Erkendtlig- grateful Erkend, Erkende- acknowledge, own, admit, recognize, realize Erklære- declare, declaring, proclaim Et- a, an, one

F Faa- get, receive Fadder- godfather, sponsor Faaet- received, got, obtained Fader- father Fadderne- godparents Fallit- bankrupt, bankruptcy Fandt, Fantes- found, was found Far- father Farbroder- father’s brother, uncle Farfader- paternal grandfather Farfar- grandfather Far- father Farmoder- grandmother, father’s mother Farmor- grandmother, father’s mother Faset- receive Faste- real Faster- aunt, father’s sister Fastsætte- assign, appoint Fat- got, hold, summarize, understand, comprehend Fattes- lacking, wanting Fik- get, receive Fil- file Findes- found Firer- four Foged- bailiff, official Folgende- as follows, thus Folio- page For- in, for, in order, for the For endelig skifte- for final probate Foranførte- above mentioned Foranmeldte- above reported, previously announced Forat- to, in order to Forandre, forandring- change, vary, shift, reverse Fordeling- distribution, allocation Fordring- claim, debt, receivable Fordre, fordrede- demand, require Fordrukken- drunken Forefandtes- were present Foregaænde- earlier, previous, former Foregaaet- occurred, took place Forestage- make, do, perform Foretagelse- making, performing Foretage, foretagne- transact, perform, conduct, make, distribute Foretager- makes, performs, carries out Forevise- show Forfald- absence Forgået- occurred, took place Forfeiglet- previous Forhen, førhen- in the past, formerly Forhentiltagne- previously appointed Forkarlen- foreman Forloveren- sponsors, bondsmen at marriage Forladefoged- baliff of the manor Formedelst- due to, because of Formode- assuming, supposing Formue- assets, property, wealth Formynder- guardian Fornyelig- recently Forordningen- regulation, statutes Forpagter- tenant Forpligte- oblige, commit Forpligtelse- obligation, commitment Forpligtet- committed, obliged Forrentning- interest, return, rate Forreste- front, foremost Forresten- incidentally, by the way, anyway Forrætte og afslutte- transact and conclude Forretning- business, transaction, proceeding Forretning tilstede- present at the proceeding Forretninger- transactions Forretningen- business administration Forrevist kjøb- bill of sale Forrige- previous Forsamle- meet, assemble, gather Forsamlingen- meeting, assembly, gathering, committee Forsegle- seal up Forsende- seal up Forsige- to say Forskel- difference Fortfare- conduct, carry out Fortfarende- continually, ongoing Fortil- before Foruden- besides, in addition to Forud- previous, prior Forudgående- previous Forudsiger- predicts Forvalter- administrator, agent, manager Forvære- make worse Forældre- parents Forældreløs- orphan Forældrene- the parents Fosterbarn- foster child Fosterbørn- foster children Fosterdatter- foster daughter Fostersøn- foster son Fra- from Fraværende- absent Frembragt- reveal, disclose Fremfor- before, above, beyond Fremføre- advance, forward Fremfærd- conduct Fremgang- proceed, progress Fremlagt, fremlagde- submitted, presented, provided, produced Fremme- to go forth Fremsat- submitted, made, delivered, presented Fremstille, Fremstillet- create, make, produce, present to be judged Fremviste- presented, showed, displayed Fri- free Frille- mistress Frue- Mrs., wife, lady, not a peasant women Fruentimmer- unmarried mother Frugtsommelig- pregnant Frøken- miss, not a peasant girl Fudt- completely Fuldkommen- complete, perfect Fuldkomns- fulfilled Fuldmagt- proxy, power of attorney Fuldmægtig- attorney, advocate, head clerk Fulgt- followed Fuldkommen- complete, perfect Fælled, Fælles- common, mutual, joint Fæstebonde- copyholder, leaseholder, farmer Fæstegårdmand- copyholder, leaseholder, farmer Fæste- copyhold, lease Fæstebonde-leaseholder on a farm Fæstemand- betrothed Fæster- person who is leasing Fæstprotokol- land lease Fætter- cousin Fødtes (Føde) værger- family guardian Følge- result of (i følge- as a result of) Følger- as follows Før die unmyndige vegen- in behalf of the minors Før- before Førhen- previously Første- first Får- gets, will, have Fået- received, got

G Gaardmand- farmer Gammel- old Gave- gift, present Gavn- benefit Gift, givt- married Gik- went, walked, did, was, were Gjeld- debts Gjort, Gjorde- made, done, been Godfather- godfather Gudfrygtige- godfearing Gudmoder- godmother Gæld, gjold, gjæld- debt, payables Gå- go, walk, do Gårdbruger, gaardbruger- farmer Gårdejer, gaardejer- farm owner Gaard- farm Gårdfæster, gaardfæster- farm leaseholder, tenant Gårdmand, gaardmand- farmer

H H.(abbreviation for "hustrue"- wife Halde- hold, maintain, keep, continue Halvbrodre, Halvbroder- half brother Halvdelen- half, a portion Ham- he, his, him Han- he, his, him Hannen- male Hans- his Har- has, have Hartkorn- unit of land valuation Havde- had Have- have, be Havender- debtors Heder- honor Hederlige- honorable Hederlige och wellærde- honorable and well-learned Helbroder- whole brother Hele- all, entire Hellere- rather, better, prefer Hellig- holy Hende, Hendes- her, hers Henhold- according, accordance with, belong to Henhøre til- refer to Hensidde- live, exist Hensyn- respect, regard Her- here Heraf- of this, thereof, these, which Herom- accordingly, thereof, thereon Herremand- lord of the manor Herrets ting- district court Herskerinde- mistress Hidtil- previously, up until now Hjemme, Hiemme- at home Hjemmedødt- home christening, home baptism Hmd, Hm. (abbreviation for Husmand)- cottager Holde- hold, holding, keep, keeping, stay, staying Holden- keeping, stopping; also rich, prosperous Holdelse- proceeding Holdte- held Hor- adultery, fornication Hos- at, with, in, by, from Hovedperson- head of house Hr.- Mr. Hun- she Hus, Huus- house Husbonde- husband, head of house Husejer- owner of house Husfader- head of house Husfolk- small farmers Husholderske- housekeeper Husmand med jord- farmer with land Husmand- cottager, small farmer Husmoder, huusmoder- wife, homemaker Hustrue, hustru, kone-wife Huus afgift- rent Hvad- what Hvem- who Hver, hvert- every Hvidebøger- "white books" or a record of those deceased in Copenhagen who did not have an official probate Hvilke, hvilken, hvilket- which, what Hvil- rest Hvor- where, which, when, how, there Hvorefter- whereafter, then Hvornaar- when is, when will, when does, where once, where when Hvorved- wherewith Hvortil- plus, in additon, which should be added Høj Ædle, Højædle- noble, high

I  I- in, of, the, at, you I dag- today Iagttage- watch, observe Iberegne- include Idet- as, because, with, since, taking Ifald- if, in case Ifolge, Ifølge- according, according to Ikke- not Imellem- between Imod- against, accepted, opposed Inderste- tenant, renter Indfandt- appeared, met Indgaa- conclude Indgaaet- entered into, concluded, reached, received Indlæg- contribution, pleading, plea, letter, article, speech, submission, observation Inddrage- include, involve Indfandt- materialize Indsidder- tenant, renter Indtage- take, adopt Indtægt- income, revenue, proceeds Ingen- no, not, none Interesse- interest Intet- no, nothing Intægt- asset, income

J  Jeg- I Jer- you, yourselves Jeres- your, yours Jomfru- maiden, miss, not a peasant girl, virgin Jord(e)- earth, land, property Jordlig- earthly Jordseddel- certificate from the probate authority to the deceased's priest, verifying that they had recorded the death. The priest was then allowed to bury the dead.

K  Karl- young man, farmhand Kendelse- decision, judgement, verdict, order, ruling Kidre- dear Kiste- coffin Kl., Kng., Kong.(abbreviation for Kongelig) - Royal, government Kongelig- royal Kom- come Kommer- come, coming, comes Kommis- commission, commissioner Kommitterede- nominee, commissioner Kommunemand- city official Kone- wife, married woman Kongelige (Kl.)- Royal, government Kost, Kostet- cost, the cost Kravede- required Kun- just, only, only the Kunde- could, might, would; also client, patron Kundskab- knowledge Kundgjørelse- announcement, notification Kusine- cousin Kvinde, Qvinde- woman Kvindefadder, Qvindefadder- godmother Kvindemenneske- woman Køb, Kjøb- purchase

L Lagte- pay Laugværge- widow's guardian, chosen by her and usually her brother Lærte hederlige- learned and honorable Lejer- tenant Leve- live Levende- living Leveret- suppied, delivered, provided Lig- equal, similar to Ligel- ditto Ligeledes- likewise, also, equally Ligesom- like, somewhat, as Ligkiste- coffin Likvidere- liquidate Livsarvinger- living heirs Lod- lot, share Logerende- tenant, lodger Lov- law Lovlig- legal Lyder saaledes- reads thus Løbende- current, continuous, standing Løse- resolve, solve

M m.f.P. (abbreviation of “med ført Pen")- with guided pen. Usually appears under the signatures of those who could not write. m.p.P. (abbreviation of “med påholden Pen”)- with guided pen (see m.f.P.) M.V., (abbrev. of med videre)- continued, forward Maa- must, may, should, shall, must be Madmoder- woman of the house, housewife Magistrats Gods- magistrate’s estate Maitresse- mistress Maj- May Maj., Majestæts- majesty Man- man, husband, one, you, it Mand- man, men Manden- the man Mandfadder- godfather Mandkjøn- male Med- with, by, of, the Medmindre- unless Meere, Mere- more, further Mellem- between Men- but Mere- more Middel- medium, average, part Mindreårige- minors Moder, Mor- mother Moderens- the mother Modt- appeared, met, was present Modtagen- receive Mor, Moder- mother Morbroder- mother’s brother, uncle Morfader, morfar- mother’s father, grandfather Mormoder, mormor- mother’s mother, grandmother Mortis (Latin)- death Moster- aunt, mother’s sister Mostermand- mother’s sister’s husband Muldseddel- see Jordseddel Myndig- of legal age. The age varied throughout Denmark, but on average 15-18 years (considered mindreårige 18-25 years) for men. Women were never recognized as “of age” until 1857, and always had a guardian appointed to them. After 1857, the “of age” age for single women was the same as men. In 1922, everyone was considered “of age” when they turned 21 years old, and today the age is 18. Mænd- men Mændenes- the men, appraisers Møde- meeting, appointment Mødte, Mødt- met, met with, present, in attendance Mø- maiden, virgin Må or Maa- do, be, must, may, should Maad- goal, way, means Maanad- month

N Naar- where, when Nafnlig- namely Namful- namely Nati, Natiuitas (Latin)- birth Navnlig- namely Navnet- name, the name Nemlig- namely Navn- name Nedlagt- closed, asks, seeks, claims Nej- no Nevø- nephew Niece- niece Noch- also Nogen- any Nogen tid siden- sometime before Noget- something, anything Nok- enough Nu- now Nutid- present Nuværende- current, present, existing Nyfder ophold- of age (legal) Ny, Nyt- new Næmlig, namely- namely, that is Næringsvei- occupation Næst- next Nærværende- present Når- when, where

O O.S.V.-etc. Odel- freehold land Og, Oc, Och- and Ogfolder- live Ogsaa, Også- also Oktober- October Oldefader- great-grandfather Oldemoder- great-grandmother Om- about, in, on Omkostninger- expenses, costs Opdrætte- breed Opfostringshus- orphanage Oplaest- announced, read, spoken Opgiven- stated, studied Opgjort- calculate, estimate Opholde sig- reside, stay Opholder- living, staying Opholdsted- place of residence Opløbe- finish Opmærksom- attentive, mindful, aware Oplysninger- information, data, details Ordre- order Ovenmeldte- above reported Ovenævnte- above mentioned, aforementioned Overformynderi- trustee (someone who needs a guardian) Overformynderiet- Guardianship records Overførende- transferring Overrække- present, give Overskydende- excess Overstige- exceed Overværelse- presence, attendance Overværends- attending

P p., post- after Paa- on, at, in Paa grund- because Paa stedet- at this place Paahvileds, Paahvile- rest with, lie with, be due from, chargeable to Paalagt- order, put on, entrusted Paaløbende- accrued, incidental Pante- mortgage Passere- pass Pastorat- parish Penge- money Personerne- the people Pige- girl, maid, servant Pigebarn- girl child Pigen- the maid, that girl Plejebarn- foster child Plejebørn- foster children Plejeforældre- foster parents Plejemoder- foster mother Plejesøn- foster son Protocol, Protokol- ledger, journal Provst- rural dean Provsti- deanery Provstinde- deans wife Præst, præsten- priest, the priest, clergyman, minister Præstegield- clerical district Pådømmelse- trial, judgment Påhvileds, Påhvile- rest with, lie with, be due from, chargeable to Påløbende- accrued, incidental Påstod- claimed

Q  Qua (Latin)- which, where, what, see, that Qvinde, Qvinden, Kvinde- woman, the woman Qvindekiøn, Kvindekøn- female gender Qvindemenneske- women

R  Raadlighed- command, disposal, available, provided Raadmand, Rådmand- councilman, alderman Rd(l). (abbreviation for Rigsdaler)- a former Danish monetary unit. Realiserede- realized, achieved, actual, recorded Realisation- realization Registrerede- registered Registering- inventory, registration Registrering og Vurdering- inventory and appraisal Renter- interest Resten- the rest Resterende- balance, remainder Resultat- result, profit, earnings Retlige- legal, the legal, justice Retten- court Rigtighed- accuracy, correctness, truthfulness Rime- agree Rimelig- reasonable, fair, fair price Rodemester- tax collector Rådlighed- command, disposal, available, provided Rådmand, Raadmand- councilman, alderman

S Saa- so, as, indeed, that, in behalf, then, such, saw, since Saadan- such Saaledes- namely, for instance, such as, thus, as follows Saavel- both Sabbat- Sabbath Sagen- proceedings Sagfører- lawyer Sal., Salig, Salige- deceased Samling- meeting Sammen- together or same Sammen avlede- together begotten Sammenleje- living together Sammenviede- married together Sammestads- same place Samt- as well, well as Samtikke, samtykke- consent, agree Samtlige- all Sandsynligt- probable, likely Sedler- banknotes, bills Sees- seeing, seen, is seen Self tilhøre- self-owned Selvejer- owner, freeholder Set- viewed, seen Sidste- last Sig- him, her, it's, them, himself, herself, themselves, at, to, out, the Sige god- say good (vouch) Signor (French)- Mr. Sin, Sine- its, his, her, there Sind- mind Sit- its, his, her Skabe- create, generate, provide, also cabinets Skal- do, must, to be, should Skatteopkræver- tax debt, tax charges Skete, Skeed- happened, occurred, did Skifte- probate Skifte forretning- probate proceeding Skiftes foretagelse- probate execution Skifte og Deeling- probate and distribution Skifteforvalter- probate administrator, probate agent Skifteomkostningerne- probate costs Skifteprotokoller- probate records Skifteretten- probate court Skiftesamling- probate meeting of heirs Skifter handling- settlement Skiftet- the probate Skilde- separate Skjønt- though Skilling- monetary unit Skrivelse- letter Skriver- scribe Skriverstue- writing room, office Skulde- should, would, might Skylde- owe Skøn- estimate, assessment Sl.,sal.,-deceased Slagfreds- illegitimate Slagfredsdatter- illegitimate daughter Slagfredssøn- illegitimate son Slutte- finish, end, conclude Slægt- family, relatives Små- small Sognebarn- parishioner Sognefoged- sheriff, constable Solgt- sold Som- as, since, who, which, as, whom, that Soskendebarn- niece, nephew Spurgte- inquired, asked Spædbarn- infant, baby Stads- city Stadboende- city residents Stedbarn- stepchild Stedbørn- stepchildren Steddatter- step daughter Stedfader- step father Stedmoder- step mother Stedsøn- step son Stervbo, Sterfboen- estate, inventory of the deceased Stifbarn- stepchild Stifbørn- stepchildren Stift, Stiftet- diocese, the diocese Stue- ground, room, living room Stærboet- same place Sur- confused Svigerdatter- daughter-in-law Svigerfader- father-in-law Svigerinde- sister-in-law Svigermoder- mother-in-law Svigersøn-son-in-law Svoger- brother-in-law Svogerske- sister-in-law Sødskende(s)- siblings, sisters Søn, Sønnen- son, the son Sønnedatter- son’s daughter Sønnekone- son’s wife Sønnen- the son Sønnerne- sons Sønnesøn- son’s son Søskende- siblings Søskendebarn- cousins Søskendefætter- first cousin Søster- sister Så- so, as, indeed, that, in behalf, then, such, saw, since Sådan- such, how, to, this Således- namely, for instance, such as, thus, as follows Såvel- both T Tagelse- making, admission, aquisition, exemption Tager- takes, taking, out, are, does Taksere- appraise Tarv- best interests Tarveligt- simple, poor, shoddy, menial, frugally Testes- witnesses Tidligere- previously, past Tiener, tjener, tjeneste- servant Til- to, for Tilbud- offer, proposition Tilbød- offered Tidligere- previously, past, earlier Tidligt- early, premature, soon Tilgodehavender- receivables Tilhører- belonging to Tilhørende- belonging, matching, related Tilkendegive- declare, indicate, express, show, inform Tillade- allow, permit, let Tillidsmænd- trustees, representatives Tilladelse- permission Tillige- also, along with, in addition, together Tilligemed- together, preceded by, also Tillynsing- announcement, posting Tilspurgte- inquired, asked Tilstand- condition, state, status Tilstede, til stede- present, in attendance; also permit, grant, allow Tilstedeværende- present Tilstillede- sent, appointed Tilstaa- testify, swear, confirm, acknowledge Tilstaaelse- confession, admission, acknowledgement Tilsvar- chargable amount Tilsvarende- corresponding, equivalent, similar, comparable; also liable, responsible for Tilsværge- swear Tilsynsværge- legal guardian Tiltage- increase, grow Tiltale- prosecute, charge, address, speak to Ting- court Tingmanden- court officer Tjenende- serving Tjener, tiener- serve Troloved, trolovet- engaged Trykt- printed Tømmer- timber Tømrer- carpentry

U Ubetydelig- insignificant Udbetal, udbetaling- cash, cash out, withdraw, payment Udgang- end, exit, output Udelt- undivided, entirely Uden- without Ude- out, away Uden- without Udflytning- moving out Udgift- expense, cost Udi- in, at, of, from Udlagt- laid out, reported Udlæg- costs, outlay, expenses Udnævnte-appointed Udskifteligt- replaceable, removable, interchangable Udøbt- unbaptized Uge- week Uger- weeks Ugift- unmarried Umage, Umagelig- effort, pains, uncomfortable Umindelig- as far as can be remembered, immemorial Umulig, Umuligt- impossible Umyndig- underage, minor Umyndiges vegne- minors behalf Umådelig- extremely, immensely Unde- underage; also give, wish, grant Under- under Underskrevet- undersigned Underskrevne- signed Undertegnede- the undersigned Undgaas- avoided Undladt, Undlod- failed, omited, left undone Undtagen- except Ungk., Ungkarl- bachelor Ugift- unmarried Ung- young Uskiftet bo (boe)- unprobated estate, undivided estate Utlagt, udladt- announced, reported Uægte- illegitimate V and W Vanvittig- retarded Var, Varnede, Værende, Været- was, were, being, been Ved- at or by Ved Døden er afgaaet- with death has departed, who died Vederlag- compensation, renumeration, proceeds Vedgå- admit, own, acknowledge Vedkomme, Vedkommende- person concerned Vegne, Wegen- behalf Velædle- noble Velbegavet- well endowed Vel som- well as (saa vel som- as well as) Velbe., Vel begavet- well endowed Velbyrdige, Vel byrdige- noble lineage Vellærde- well educated Vid- wide, extensive, open; also wit Vide- know Videre- further, forward, continue Vidner- witnesses Vidste- did, knew, know, did not know Vil, Vilde- shall, would, want, will Villig- willing, prepared, ready Vis- show, certain, view, some, degree Vitterlighedsmænd- witnesses, notaries, attestors Vor- our Vurder- rate, assess, evaluate Vurdere- to value, price, appraise Vurderet, Vurderede- assessed, appraised Vurdering- appraisal, evaluation, estimation Vurderingsmand- appraiser Vurderingsmænd- appraisers Værd- worth, value Være- be, have, to be, to Været- been Værge- guardian, typically the father’s eldest brother (if the father had died), or the father himself (if the mother had died). By law, the guardian must be from the father’s side unless there were no living male relatives of the father.

Y Yderligere- additonal, more Ydre- outer Ygste- youngest Ytre- utter, express, speak

Æ Ægte- real, true, authentic Ægteskab- marriage Ældste- oldest Æta (Latin)- age Ætas (Latin)- age, days, time, period

Ø Øge- increase Ønsker- do, want, wish, need Øvrige- other, additional, remaining

Å År- year

Word List of Household and Farm Items Often Listed in Probates
A aag, åg- shoulder yoke for carrying buckets arbejdsvogn- wagon

B bagetrug- bakers trough for kneading dough baller, baljer, ballie, balge med jernbånd- wooden tub with iron bands band- bands baandknif, båndkniv- small chopping knife becken, bækken- pan containing hot coals to heat the bed beester- beasts bench- bench beholder- container benklæder, beenklæder- trousers beslag- brackets, hardware beslagen vogn- wagon with metal brackets, not entirely of wood besætningen- herd bilægerkakkelovn- stove bismer- small portable scale blaa, blå- blue blaargarns, blårgarns- wool or linen cloth blaastribed- blue striped blick, blech lygte- small portable tin lamp boghylde- bookshelf bor- auger bord- table bornholmer- grandfather clock bryggerkedel- brewing kettle bryggkar, bryggekar- brewing vat brystdug- vest brændevin- alcohol bukser, buxer- trousers bulle, bol- a short top for women bul øxe, buløkse- forest ax bænk- bench bæster- beasts båbdknif- small chopping knife

C carter- cards for carding wool

D degntrug- wooden trough for bread kneading dragkiste- chest of drawers drejels, dreeils- hinge, pivot driftetrug, drøftetrug- low, open basket with handle which was used for cleaning grain dug- cloth, tablecloth dyne- quilt, duvet dørslag- colander dørslag- colander

E ege, eege- oak egebord- oak table egedragkiste- oak chest egekar oak vat egeskrin- keepsake box, sometimes with a lock degntrug- wooden trough for bread kneading dragkiste- chest drægtig- pregnant (livestock) drejels, dreeils- finer type fabric drifte trug, drøfte trug- grain cleaning trough dug- cloth, tablecloth dyne- quilt, duvet

F faar- sheep filtes- felted, made of felt fierding- a tub that can hold 25 kg fleske olle- meat brining vat forklæde- apron fyrre- pine fyrrebord- pine desk føl, følle- foal får- sheep får med grøde- pregnant sheep

G garvinde- yarn reel gestlinge- goslings giæs- geese giæs med grøde- geese with goslings glas- glass graa, grå- gray gravspade, grevespade- grave spade greeb, greb- grip, lever, handle grise, grisse- pigsgryde- piglets gryde- pot gul- yellow grøn- green grøde- pregnant or with eggs (livestock) gæs, giæs- geese gæslinger, geslinge- goslings

H haand qvern, håndkværn- hand mill, often used to grind malt for beer brewing haandøxe, håndøkse- hand ax haankattunsklæder, håndklæder-towels hakkebret, hakkebræt- chopping board halskobbel, halskoppel- horse harness halstørklæde- scarf or muffler hampe- hemp hand qvern- hand mill haspe- type of yarn winder hat- hat hauger, haver- removable wagon sides hempharve, harver- harrow or cultivator hengeskab- hanging cupboard hest, hæst - horse hestføl- very young foal hestplag- colt himmelseng- poster bed hingst- stallion hingsteføl- very young foal hjørneskab- corner cabinet hoppe- mare hose- hose, knitted long stockings hoveddyne- pillow hovedpude, hoved pude- pillow hue- cap huge block, huggeblok- chopping block hvergarns- linsey-woolsey hvid- white hæst, hest- horse høelee, høle- scythe hør- linen hørlærritz, hørlærred- made of linen håndklæder-towels håndkværn, haand qvern- hand mill, often used to grind malt for beer brewing

I ildtag- fire poker

J jakke- jacket jern- iron, stove jernbilæggerkakkelovn- stove jernbaand, jernbånd- iron bands jernbismer- small portable scale made of iron jerngryde- iron pot jernpande- iron pan jern vægge- iron wedge for wood splitting, etc.

K kaabe- cloak kaaber- copper kaarsklæder- light, usually fitted, scarf to put over a woman's hat kakkelovn- stove kalfve, kalve- calf kande- jug kappe- cloak kar- vessel, vat karter- wool carders, a flat brush for straightening wool strands before spinning them into yarn karstol- three-legged stool or stand for holding vats and tubs kasket- cap kartuns, kattuns- made of cotton keddle, kiedel- kettle kedelkrog, kedelskrog, kjedelskrog- kettle hook kierne- churn kiol- mens formal jacket kiør- cows kjedelskrog- kettle hook kjole- men's formal jacket kjole og hvidt- women's formal dress kiste- chest klæde kiste- dress chest klæde skab- wardrobe, upright clothes chest knapper- buttons kniplinger- lace kniv- knife koe, ko- cow komfur- stove konvolut- cap kopper- copper kornharpe- type of upright sieve machine for cleaning grain krave- collar krukke- crock kuvert- hat krave- cows krus- pottery mug kvern- mill kvie, qvie- heifer kviekalve- heifer calf kvæg, qveeg- cattle kærne- churn køer- cows kørekappe- driving jacket, cloak, or cap kåbe- cloak

L

lagen- sheet lam, lamb- lamb lehnestoel, lænestol- armchairs ler- clay leerfad, lerfad- pottery dish, plate, cup, etc. lin, liin- linen lyddæmper- muffler lysesaks, lyse sax- candle snuffer with a scissor-like hinge læder- leather lædersele- leather harness for a horse lænestol, lehnestoel- armchairs løgte- lamp

M madskab- wooden upright food pantry mangle fiel og stok- clothes press that used a wooden roller manglebrædt og stok- clothes press that used a wooden roller malkekande, mælkekande- milk jug malet- painted messing- brass messingbækken- brass pan which held hot coals to heat the bed meye or meje jern, mejetøj, mejered- iron tool for harvesting corn morter- mortar (for use with pestle for grinding) møbler- furniture mønstrede- patterned

N nattrøye- night shirt naur- auger nederdel- skirt

O okse- ox olmerdug, ulmerdug- striped fabric made in Olmer, Germany olle- oil otting- container that held an exact measurement of 12.5 kg overdyne- duvet cover ovn- stove

P pande- pan papir- paper penge- cash peber qvern, peverkværn- pepper mill plag- colt plove- plow plove med behor- plow with accessories porcellæn- porcelain prykket- dotted pude, puude- pillow pudevår- pillowcases pynteærmer- interchangable dress sleeves pyntetørklæde- decorative scarf pyramide- pyramid-shaped shelf

Q qveeg, kvæg- cattle qvern- mill qvie, kvie- heifer qvie kalfe- heifer calf

R rede penge- ready cash redskaber- tools rist- 3-legged grill rack riveiern, rivegern- grater rok- spinning wheel rød- red

S saks, sax- scissors saltkar- small salt container selde- flat straw basket for sifting flour seletøj- harness for a horse seng- bed sengested- bedstead serker, særke- petticoat siebøtte- wooden bowl with a cloth in the bottom for straining milk sigte- sieve sikar- wooden bowl with a cloth in the bottom for straining milk sjal- shawl skab- cabinet ske, skeer- spoon, spoons skieppe, skæppe- 20-liter container skind- skins, pelts, or leather skindbuxor- buckskin pants skiorte, skjorte- shirt skiær, skære bænk- cutting bench, workbench skiære kiiste, skærekiste- "cutting chest", or chest holding mounted tools which were used for cutting animal feed skielderier, skilderier- painting or photgraph sko, skoe- shoes skære (skiær) bænk og kniv- cutting table and knife skørt, skiordt- skirt slagbenk, slagbænk- daybed, bench sliibe steen, slibesten- grindstones slæde- sled småsvin- piglets sold- sieve or screen spade- spade or shovel spand- bucket spejl- mirror spinderok- spinning wheel spisebord- dining table spender, spænder- buckles spæde kalve- infant calf stager- candlesticks, usually with a stand standtønder- food storage barrels stander seng- floor bed steen kruuse med laag- tea mug with lid stegepande- frying pan stettins tallerken- tin-enameled plate stie, stige- laddar stol, stoele, stole- chair, chairs stort- large, high stribet- striped strippe- wooden scoop strygejern- an iron strømber, strømper- stockings stud kalv, studekalv- steer calf studlinge- steer calf stueur, stueuhr- clock støvler- boots sviin, svin- pigs sæde- seat

T tabel- table taburet, taberet- stool taft- taffeta tallerkne, tallerken- plate tavle- table tel økse, tælleøkse- small ax with a broad blade and a shaft that bent slightly outward tengsel- small ax for hollowing out wood ternet- checkered thepotte- teapot tilbehør- attachments, accessories tin- tin or pewter tinkrus, tinkruus- tin cup tintalerkener- tin or pewter plate tragt- funnel trefoder- tripod for placing cookware over a fire tromle- barrel or drum trug- trough træ- wooden træbismer- small portable wooden scale trækar- wooden container træskoe, træsko- wooden shoes træhaver, træe haver- wooden extensions for wagon sides trøje- sweater tækkelad- a kind of wide ladder which can be hung below the roof thatching tøj- clothes tønde- barrel tørklæde- head scarf tørvespade- peat spade

U ulmerdug, olmerdug- striped fabric made in Olmer, Germany underkjole- petticoat underdyne- type of quilt where a person lies on one side and covers themselves with the other side ungsvin- young pig

V vaar, vår- pillowcases vadmel- homespun vandspand- water bucket vanter- mittens vest- vest vin- wine vindovn- stove with combustion door facing the living room vogn- wagon vraaskab- corner cabinet vugge- crib væder, vædder- ram vægge- wedge

Æ ærmer- loose, dressy sleeves which were interchangable with different vests

Ø øl, ølle- ale, beer ølflaske- beer bottle øl kande, ølkande- beer jug or pitcher øltragt, ølle tragt- funnel for pouring beer into bottles øreballie, ørebalje- wooden tub with ear-shaped handles øxe, økse- ax

Websites

 * 1674 - 1851 - at FamilySearch — index and images
 * Mary's Genealogy Treasures - Denmark
 * Faester og Skifter - Fights and Shifts
 * Aurelia-Clemons Genealogy Research - Probate extractions for many areas of Denmark - complete film done, NOT just those related to me, a given surname or area. Also a guide to finding parishes within estate jurisdictions on Sjaelland.
 * Probate extractions ('skifteuddrag') for some estates, hundreds, and larger cities in Jutland, as well as probates for members of the clergy for the whole country. In Danish only.
 * Stedregister til Nørrejyske Godsarkiver A guide to finding parishes within estate jurisdictions in Jutland (except Southern Jutland). In Danish only.
 * Probate extractions from the registers of estate jurisdictions in Vendsyssel (north of Limfjorden) 1707-1851. You can view all names listed in an estate, or search for a specific name. In Danish only.
 * Probate extractions from estate jurisdictions in Northern Jutland. In Danish only.
 * Search engine for probates in Denmark. In Danish only.
 * Death certificates in Denmark until 1940
 * Probate records