Germany, Saxony-Anhalt, Diocese of Magdeburg, Catholic Church Records, 1608-1945

What is in This Collection?

This collection contains Roman Catholic Church records from the Diocese of Magdeburg in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Church records (parish registers, church books) are the main source of genealogical information in Germany before civil registration began in 1876. They record details of baptisms, marriages, confirmations, deaths and burials. Generally, the majority of the population can be found in the records. Additionally, these records can contain financial account books which may detail expenses incurred in performing marriages, funeral masses, etc., Lists of persons receiving communion, penance registers, lists of church members and registers naming members of each family.

It is important to know the religious affiliation of your ancestors as Catholic and Protestant parishes kept separate records. Catholic registers, especially the earliest volumes, are generally written in Latin. In many regions, it was also common for the local church records to function in the role of civil registrar.

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

Reading These Records

These records are written in Latin and German. For help reading them see:

• German Language and Languages
• German Genealogical Word List
• Germany Handwriting
• Latin Genealogical Word List
• Brigham Young University Script Tutorial : The German Documents

FamilySearch Learning Center videos:

• German Paleography Seminar

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records:

Collection Content

For more information about these records see Germany, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records.

Coverage Map

• Click for larger image
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  Map of the Diocese of Magdeburg

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  Roman Catholic Diocese in Germany