Brandenburg, Germany, Transcripts of Church Records, 1700-1874

About this collection

This database contains transcripts of more than 650 sets of church records from the state of Brandenburg, Germany. The time periods covered by individual records sets vary, however most records are from the years 1795 up to and including 1874, when civil registration for these communities was introduced. Most of the church records are from Protestant communities, but some Catholic and Reformed congregations are also included.

Brandenburg, known as "Bramborska" in Lower Sorbian and "Brannenburg" in Low German, is one of the federated states of Germany. The capital is Potsdam. It borders Poland on the east and surrounds but does not include Berlin. Beginning in 1701, the historic "March of Brandenburg" was considered the heartland of the Kingdom of Prussia and until 1815 was the largest Prussian province and extended across the Oder river into what is now Poland. Therefore this collection also includes some communities that are today part of Poland.

Note that, while extensive, this collection does not contain transcripts of church records for all of the communities in Brandenburg. The documents included were preserved by the Brandenburgische Landeshauptarchiv (State Archive) in Potsdam. The transcripts were prepared to aid in government civil registration. The registers record births, marriages, and deaths, as well as Catholic confirmations and lists of communicants for some years. However, records are not available for all localities.

What you can find in the records

Initially each entry was entirely handwritten by local parish priests and pastors. Beginning in the 19th century, details were recorded on preprinted forms which were filled in by hand. Depending on the preprinted form, on the individual formulations used by the official, or on the transcription, you may find the following details in these registers:

      For Births:

• Child: Given Names, Birthdate, Time of Birth, Legitimacy/Illegitimacy, Baptism, Witnesses
• Parents: Father's Given Names, Last Name, and Profession/Trade; Mother's Given Names, Maiden Name and Profession/Trade; Parents' residence

For Marriages:

• Groom: Given names, Last Name, Occupation, Residence, Birthdate and Birthplace, details about his Parents
• Bride: Given names, Last Name, Maiden Name, Occupation, Residence, Birthdate and Birthplace, details about her Parents
• Date and Place of Banns
• Date and Place of Wedding

For Deaths:

• Deceased: Given Names, Last Name, Maiden Name, Occupation/Trade, Age, Spouse/Parents, Deathplace, Time of Death, Cause of Death, Date of Funeral

More about using this collection

Under "Browse this collection,” select the relevant parish. The available communities are listed in alphabetical order. Historical communities which are now in Poland may be followed by the modern Polish place name in parentheses. Denomination may also be listed in parentheses. Then, select the desired year-range. The sequence of birth, marriage or death records may not be consistent in the transcripts.