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What are some of the key genealogical terms appearing on German-language records?

Occupations

  • The most common occupations appearing on 19th century German-language records for Jews from Poland include: 
    • bäcker (baker)
    • fleischer (butcher)
    • gerber (tanner)
    • händler (merchant)
    • kürschner (furrier)
    • landwirt (farmer)
    • lehrer (teacher)
    • mützenmacher (capmaker)
    • rabbiner (rabbi)
    • schneider (tailor)
    • schuster (shoemaker)
    • seifenmach (soapmaker)
    • taglöhner (day-laborer)
    • tischler (carpenter)
    • weber (weaver)
    • wirt (leaseholder or innkeeper) 

Status

German-language marriage and death records may identify the marriage status of spouses, parents, or the deceased:

    • jüngling (bachelor)
    • jungfrau (maiden)
    • relicta (widow)
    • relctus (widower)
Updated on August 31, 2020

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