Germany, Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach, Jena, City Directories - FamilySearch Historical Records

Title in the Language of the Record
Deutschland, Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach, Jena, Adreßbücher

Record Description
This collection of city directories for Jena, Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, which is now in Thuringia, contains records from 1810-1935. These city directories are generally arranged alphabetically by surname and by given name and provide the individual's occupation and address. Classified directories of government offices and other institutions and services of public interest are often included. The original directories are located in the Stadtarchiv Jena, in Jena, Thuringia, Germany.

Record Content
The information varies by year; later years contain more information than the early years. Any of the following detail may be included in the record:


 * Full name
 * Address or residence
 * Birthdate and place
 * Religion
 * Nationality

How to Use the Record
Next to parish registers, citizen rolls provide some of the best family information. To begin your search you need to know at least the name of your ancestor and some identifying information such as birthdate. If you know only the age, you can approximate the birthdate. Use the birthdate and place, to locate your ancestor in church records.

The records are in written in German Gothic script. For help reading the records see the wiki articles:

Search the Collection
⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select “Year” which takes you to the images.

Search the collection by image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.


 * German Word List
 * Deciphering German Script (Kurrentschrift)

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details such as a title, an occupation, or land ownership. Add this new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors.

Tips to Keep in Mind
When using these records keep in mind:


 * The information may be incorrect.
 * A given name may not be the same as the name used in vital records.
 * Names may be spelled as they sound. Look for variant spellings of the names as well as nicknames.
 * Place-names may be misspelled.
 * Some parts of the record may be illegible.
 * If the family is not at the expected location, you should search the surrounding area.

Related Websites
Germany GenWeb

Related Wiki Articles

 * Germany Directories
 * Germany Genealogy

Citations for This Collection
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information; that is, cite your sources. This will help people find the record again and evaluate the reliability of the source. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records. Citations are available for the collection as a whole and each record or image individually. Collection Citation:

Image Citation