Danish Church Records-Is Your Ancestor in There?

Hello everyone! Welcome to another week of genealogy! Who’s excited to learn about Danish church records? I know that when I first learned about these records, it took some time and effort to understand them. I still need time to translate them, but the format of these records is easier to understand these days. So let me show you what these records are and what you are looking for in these records.

Danish Church Records

Birth Records

Everyone knows by now that the information you will find in these records are parent’s information, child’s name and birth date, and witnesses to the birth or christening. However, Danish christening records from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s asked for more information. They would ask for info such as if the child was born rural or in the city. Then they must include the village, parish, civil district, and farm name, city, and street address. The parent’s had to provide their full names, and the mother’s age. Sometimes they provided marriage certificate to prove that the child was legitimate. The christening record also included the minister’s name performing the ritual and whether it was at home or at the church.

Marriage Records

Again, Danish marriage records required much more detailed information than just marriage date, bride and groom names, and witnesses. These records required the bride’s and groom’s birth year and birthplace, current residence, and occupation. The records asked for parent’s full names, occupation, and current residence. The bride or groom had to state whether they were unmarried, divorced, or widowed. If they were divorced or widowed, then they had to provide their former spouse’s name, death or divorce date, and permission for the new marriage.

The couple also had to provide their engagement dates because the custom during the 1600, 1700, and 1800’s was to announce a couple’s marriage at least three Sundays before the actual marriage date. This allowed anyone in the congregation or community to object to the marriage. If no objections, then the couple could get married on their preferred date. The minister performing the ceremony was also added to the record and if it was done at home or at a church. Danish marriage records are the most detailed marriage records of all of the Scandinavian countries.

Death Records

You would think that these records would be just as detailed as the first two record groups. However, they are the least detailed. They have the death date and full place name, the person’s full name and last residence, and the burial date and place. The minister’s name, person’s age and spouse’s name if married was also included. The records listed the person’s birth year, birthplace, and parent’s info if it was known. Ok, now that I look at it, these records can be just as detailed as the birth and marriage records if the minister was detail oriented.

How Do I Find Danish Church Records

There are many places to find these records. FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com are the first places to look. After you’ve exhausted all of your options there, then head over to the National Danish Archives. They have an extensive archive of church records specifically. Another place that I like to go is Danish Family Search because they have really taken the time to research the Danish records as well and sometimes you will find your ancestor’s record there instead of the National Archives.

If all else fails, then contact me and I will be more than happy to look at it. I am always here to help you on your journey. In fact, you can review my other blog posts on Danish records here and here and see if that helps you. If not, then you can contact me through email, Facebook, and Instagram.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Tiffany

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