Tips for Translating Records
Your family tree has roots beyond America’s shores. For many of us, crossing the pond with our
research can mean language challenges, but with a little help, it’s possible to make sense of foreign
records. It’s just a matter of using clues and translation tools to puzzle things out. And who doesn’t
like a good puzzle? Here are some tips.
Checking Descriptions
If you’re researching a collection on Ancestry,
check the database description for search tips
and links to translation guides. Collections like
Sweden, Indexed Birth Records, 18801930, have helpful information for finding
your ancestors in the collection. This
particular collection’s description includes
background on the records, search tips,
suggestions for next steps, and important
information on Swedish names.
At the end of the description you’ll also find a
link to our Swedish Research Center, where
you can find word lists to help you translate
records.
To access the description, click on the Learn more link on the bottom of the record panel.
Translating Tools
Online translators like Google Translate and Yahoo! Babel Fish can sometimes help you decipher
words in record headings and elsewhere. In some cases, you may want to translate a word using
more than one translation tool. Also put the term into context. For example, one translator
interpreted the Swedish word stift as “pin,” which is probably not something you’ll find in a vital
record. But looking at the other terms in the top line of the example below, it’s clear that the other
terms preceding it relate to religious jurisdictions (i.e., parish, deanery). The translator displayed a
list of similar words below the first results, among which was “diocese,” with the Swedish words
stift, biskopsdöme.
Visit the Ancestry.com Learning Center at www.ancestry.com/learn.
For account questions or technical help, call 1-800-262-3787.
Tips for Translating Records
Creating a Cheat Sheet
Take an image of a record you’re trying to interpret and
create your own “cheat sheet” like the one above. Even
when forms varied somewhat over different years, a master
copy including translated terms and headings is a real
timesaver. You can use a screen capture program to add
translations (like you see in the example), or you could
photocopy or print the header of a record and write over or
paste labels on the copy.
For some collections, we’ve even created cheat sheets for
you. In our Italian Research Center, you’ll find examples of
some Italian vital records. When you hover over some
sections of the record, it will highlight that area and explain what information it contains.
Foreign Alphabets and Script
In some cases your foreign language challenge may be
compounded by old or unfamiliar scripts, but searching for
websites with examples can help you create a version of your
ancestor’s name in that script so you can recognize it in records.
After you’ve located a record, make copies and use the tips
already mentioned to help interpret the record.
When you’re working with antiquated or hard-to-read script, it’s
helpful to take it one letter at a time. Compare the letters in the
word you’re trying to read to other letters on the same page.
Ancestry has a guide to German script in the German Research
Center that can help you interpret letters used in various German
records. Even if your European ancestors weren’t German, you
may find this form useful if they traveled through the port of
Hamburg. The Hamburg Passenger Lists, 1850-1934, available on Ancestry (in German) include
names of more than 4.6 million people passing through that port.
Visit the Ancestry.com Learning Center at www.ancestry.com/learn.
For account questions or technical help, call 1-800-262-3787.
Tips for Translating Records
Locating Research Centers on Ancestry
You’ll find a link to the Ancestry
Research Centers in the
Learning Center.
We’ve also created several downloadable PDFs to aid in
translating some recent collections.
German Civil Registrations
Sweden Household Clerical Surveys
We will be adding more guides in this format, so stay tuned for
new ones. Look for links to them in collection descriptions and
in the Learning Center with our other research guides.
Other Translation Guides
Regardless of the language you’re working with, there’s a good chance you’ll find guides and
translation aids online. A good place to start looking for genealogical language aids is Cyndi’s List.
And don’t be shy about asking for help. There are many wonderful individuals on message
boards or mailing lists associated with your ancestor’s ethnic background who may be willing to
help.
There are also professionals who have experience working with genealogical records from all around
the world. Translation is one service offered by the Ancestry research firm ProGenealogists, and you
can also search for professionals through the directory of members of the Association of Professional
Genealogists (APG).
Whether you choose a professional to help you decipher them or give it a go yourself, more
international records are becoming available through Ancestry and other websites. Like their English
counterparts, these records contain the stories of your ancestors waiting to be discovered. Don’t let
the language barrier keep them buried in the past.
Visit the Ancestry.com Learning Center at www.ancestry.com/learn.
For account questions or technical help, call 1-800-262-3787.