Finding German Genealogy Groups & Resources on FamilySearch

A Guide to Finding German Genealogy Groups & Resources on FamilySearch

This guide helps you discover German genealogy groups and resources available directly through FamilySearch to aid in your research.

Steps to Find German Genealogy Resources:

1. Access the FamilySearch Research Wiki: Begin by navigating to the FamilySearch Research Wiki. You can do this by scrolling to the bottom of the FamilySearch homepage and clicking on "Wiki" under the "Get Help" heading.
2. Search for "Germany": In the search bar at the top of the Wiki page, type "Germany" and press Enter.
3. Explore the Germany Page: You'll be directed to the Germany Genealogy page. This page is a central hub for all things related to German genealogy on FamilySearch.
4. Navigate the Page Sections: On the Germany page, you'll find several sections packed with information. Look for the following key sections to find groups and resources:
   • "Germany Genealogy": This section often includes links to beginner guides, research strategies, and information specific to German genealogy.
   • "Germany Church Records": Church records are critical for German research. This area usually includes links to indexed collections, instructions on where church books are located, and how to use them.
   • "Germany Civil Registration": Civil registration (birth, marriage, death records) began in Germany at different times depending on the region. This area will provide guidance on how to find and use these records.
   • "Online Genealogy Records": This is an essential section listing indexed records for Germany on FamilySearch and links to other online databases.
5. Look for specific regions: Germany was a collection of different states and provinces. Use the search bar to narrow down your search by typing in "Germany [specific state or province]" (e.g., "Germany Bavaria"). You'll often find more targeted information that way.
6. Explore the "Societies" section: Some regional pages may have a section specifically mentioning genealogical societies relevant to that area. Look for headings or links mentioning local or regional societies.
7. Browse the "Related Pages" section: At the bottom of the Germany Genealogy page, you'll usually find a list of "Related Pages." These pages often contain links to helpful resources and databases specific to German research.
8. Utilize the FamilySearch Catalog: Return to the FamilySearch homepage. Click on the "Search" tab and then select "Catalog." Search for "Germany" or a specific region. The catalog lists microfilms, books, and other resources available at the Family History Library. Often these resources were produced by local German genealogical societies. Look at the author and publication information to see if the source is by a genealogical society.
9. Consider the FamilySearch Community: While not a direct group finder, the FamilySearch Community forums can connect you with other researchers working on German families. Look for discussions about German genealogy or start a new thread with your research questions.

By following these steps, you can effectively leverage FamilySearch to find valuable German genealogy resources and connect with the resources needed to further your family history research.