Denmark Birth Record Search Strategy 1572 - 1813

= Parish Register, Christening, 1572-1874: 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 records are the most important source of birth information in Denmark. The ceremony of baptism or christening (giving the child a name) usually took place at home 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.

= 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.

= 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.

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