Denmark Birth Record Search Strategy 1572 - 1813

1. Parish Register, Christening, 1500-1874: Church records Although the earliest church record in Denmark dates back to 1572, most churches began keeping records of christenings in the late 1600s. The christening record will be the most important source of birth information in Denmark. The ceremony of baptism or christening (giving the child a name) usually took place within a few days of birth and the christening record often lists the birth date. After 1814 this information was recorded on standard forms, and duplicate books were made of all church records.

What you are looking for Church christening records are the best source for determining when a person was born.

Why go to the next record You may need additional information to be sure that the person in the birth record is actually the ancestor you're looking for.

2. Parish Register, Death: Church records The earliest church records in Denmark come from the area of Schleswig-Holstein from 1572. However most church records do not begin until much later. Church records in the cities of Denmark generally begin in the early 1600s and in the rural areas in the late 1600s or 1700s. These include records of birth or christening, marriage, and death or burial. After 1814 this information was recorded on standard forms, and duplicate books were made of all church records. Birth information can be calculated from the age a person was listed at the time of death.

What you are looking for Parish burial records can help determine when a person was born. Burial records may not give a birth or christening date, but they give a person's age, making it possible to determine his or her approximate birth year.

Why go to the next record With the information from the death record, you may be ready to look again for a birth record. Otherwise, you may want to obtain more information from another source.

3. Parish Register, Marriage: Church records Civil registration was kept in the duchy of Schleswig during and after German occupation. Civil registration records are available on microfilm for this area from about 1874 to 1950. This would include the counties of Åbenrå, Sønderborg, Haderslev, and Tønder. These include chronological records of birth, marriage, and death for a particular town.

What you are looking for Couples were generally married when in their twenties and thirties. Marriage records may give a birth or christening date and the age of the bride and groom, or they may help to approximate birth years.

Why go to the next record Go to the next record for additional information to help identify your ancestor.

4. Probate Records: Probate records Probate records often list ages for minor (under 25 years old) children, which can be used to calculate an approximate year of birth. From the age of children mentioned in a probate, you can also calculate an approximate birth date for the parents.

What you are looking for Probate records may not give a birth or christening date, but they may give a person's age, making it possible to determine his or her approximate birth year.

Why go to the next record It can be difficult to find a Danish probate record, depending on the period when your ancestor died.

5. Tax List: Taxation Tax lists were kept by the county government. Use them to determine when a person first appeared on a particular property and when he or she disappeared from the rolls. This can help you estimate birth and death dates. The earliest tax lists for Denmark date from 1559. However, they were first kept regularly from 1572 onward. Beginning in 1762, tax lists included all persons over 12 years of age. These lists, available only in Denmark, are like a census record listing the names and ages of each person over 12 years old in each parish.

What you are looking for When you are researching a period earlier than church records were recorded, tax lists may be the best source available for research. Although tax lists do not list birth date information, you may be able to estimate the age of your ancestor from the time he or she first appears on the lists or when his or her name is dropped from the list.

Why go to the next record Establishing relationships from tax lists is difficult.Establishing relationships from tax lists is difficult.

6. Chancery Court Records: Court records Chauncery records were the records of the king's court and were a type of court record. They include requests made to the king, such as requests for confirmation (authorization) of wills, review of previous court's decisions, permission to marry a cousin, and authority for an underage heir to act as his own guardian. They also include appointments and royal decrees, including changes of laws and procedures. Information varies depending on the type of request or decision. However, any mention in these records will at least establish that a person was living at that time and potentially could include much other information.

What you are looking for When you are researching a period earlier than church records were recorded, not many records have genealogical information. Among the earliest Danish records are the Chancery court records. These may include wills, disputes, or other references to individuals. A rough approximation of a birth date can be made from such a reference.

Why go to the next record Many people may have never been mentioned in a court record or been involved in disputes.