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.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the data and images published on FamilySearch.org. It may include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content
Key genealogical facts found in this collection may include the following information:


 * Full name of ancestor
 * Names of family members
 * Name of spouse

How to Use the Record
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:


 * German Word List
 * Deciphering German Script (Kurrentschrift)

Search the Collection
To search the collection, select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒ Select the “Record Type and Years” ⇒ Select the "Name or Description" which takes you to the images.

Look at the images one by one 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
When using these records 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

 * Germany Phone Books
 * Historic Addressbooks: Search

Related Wiki Articles

 * Germany

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. 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.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
“Argentina, Buenos Aires, Catholic Church Records, 1635-1981,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org: accessed 28 February, 2012), La Plata &gt; San Ponciano &gt; Matrimonios 1884-1886 &gt; image 71 of 389 images, Artemio Avendano and Clemtina Peralta, 1884; citing Parroquia de San Ponciano en la Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Matrimonios. San Ponciano, La Plata.