Germany, Anhalt, Dessau, City Directories - FamilySearch Historical Records

Title in the Language of the Record
Deutschland, Anhalt, Dessau, Stadt-Verzeichnisse

Record Description
This collection contains city directories for Dessau, Anhalt, Germany. These city directories are generally arranged alphabetically by surname and by given name and provide the individual's occupation and address. Often included are classified directories of government offices and other institutions and services of public interest. Original directories are located in the Stadtarchiv Dessau, Saxony Anhalt, Germany.

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


 * German Word List
 * Deciphering German Script (Kurrentschrift)

Record Content
City directories usually contain the following information:


 * Full name of ancestor
 * Names of family members
 * Name of spouse
 * Address or residence
 * Birth date and place
 * Religion
 * Nationality

How to Use the Record
To search this collection, it would be helpful to know the following information:


 * Name of head of household
 * Birth date or age of your ancestor
 * City of residence

Search the Collection
To search the collection ⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select the appropriate "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.

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

 * The information may be incorrect.
 * The ages listed may not be correct.
 * 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
Historic Addressbooks: Search

Learning Center Resources


 * My Ancestors Are from Germany, and I Don't Speak German!
 * German Script Tutorial
 * Germany Beginning Research Series Lesson 1: Getting Started
 * Germany Beginning Research Series Lesson 2: Learn about Historical Background
 * Germany Beginning Research Series Lesson 3: Using Maps, Gazetteers and Websites
 * German Church and Civil Records

Related Wiki Articles
Germany Genealogy

Citations for This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

Collection Citation:

Image Citation