The Tools Our German Genealogists Use

Our German genealogists use a variety of tools and resources to conduct their research effectively. Here are some a FEW of the key tools and resources they commonly use:

Online Databases and Archives

1. Ancestry.de: Offers extensive collections of German civil, church, and other historical records.
2. Archion: An online archive for Protestant church records in Germany.
3. FamilySearch: Provides access to a wide range of German records, including church, civil, and census records.
4. GenWiki: A collaborative database of German genealogy information and resources.
5. Matricula: A digital archive of church records from several European countries, including Germany.
6. Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek: A digital library that includes a variety of historical documents.

Government and Local Archives

1. Bundesarchiv (Federal Archives): The central archive for German historical records.
2. Landesarchive (State Archives): Each German state has its own archive, holding regional records.
3. Stadtarchive (City Archives): Local archives that contain records specific to a particular city.
4. Kirchenarchive (Church Archives): Archives of various church denominations, including Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish records.

Specialized Software

1. Ahnenblatt: A popular German genealogy software for managing family trees.
2. Legacy Family Tree: Offers comprehensive tools for genealogical research and is available in German.
3. Heredis: Another robust genealogy software available in German.

Printed Resources

1. Meyers Orts- und Verkehrslexikon des Deutschen Reiches: A comprehensive gazetteer of places in the German Empire.
2. Deutsches Geschlechterbuch: A multi-volume work with genealogical information on German families.

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DNA Testing

1. MyHeritage DNA: Offers autosomal DNA testing with a significant database of German users.
2. AncestryDNA: Another popular option for autosomal DNA testing with a broad user base.
3. 23andMe: Provides autosomal DNA testing and has users from various parts of the world, including Germany.

Forums and Societies

1. CompGen (Verein für Computergenealogie): One of the largest genealogy societies in Germany, offering a wealth of resources and a supportive community.
2. German Genealogy Group: An online community for sharing resources and advice.
3. Regional Genealogy Societies: Many regions in Germany have their own genealogical societies that provide localized support and resources.

Other Tools and Resources

1. Google Books and Google Scholar: For accessing digitized historical books and scholarly articles.
2. Newspapers and Periodicals: Historical newspapers can provide valuable information and context.
3. Cemeteries and Memorials: Gravestone inscriptions and memorial plaques can offer crucial genealogical information.
4. Networking with other Genealogists: Collaborating with other genealogists and joining online groups can provide insights and assistance.

These tools and resources collectively help German genealogists trace lineage, verify information, and uncover historical context for their research.