Main contributor: Andrea Bentschneider
The 16 States of Germany

Census records in Germany are of great importance to genealogists and historians wishing to gain insight into the population structure of past times. However, due to the separate nature of the 16 different states which eventually comprised the current country of Germany, there are only fragments of censuses available. Most of these fragmented censuses are found in northern Germany, and were conducted at various periods in Germany's history. When located, these records are a valuable source of information about where, and how, our ancestors lived.

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Early census records

The early census records that do exist are difficult to locate. One early population count occurred in 1725 in the Kingdom of Prussia for the purpose of gathering data from the many immigrants who came to that area. Between 1834 and 1867, the German Customs Union conducted a census every three years on December 3rd. These censuses provide valuable insight into the composition of Germany's population at the time. They were a response to the growing importance of having statistical data for economic and political planning in the emerging industrial country of Germany.

The German Empire

The German Empire, 1871-1918

With the founding of the German Empire in 1871, regular censuses began. A census was conducted every five years until 1910, after which censuses were again conducted at irregular intervals. These census records were critical to government resource planning as Germany grew politically and economically during this period. Despite their value, conducting a census requires significant financial resources which may account for the irregularity.

Challenges to locating German census records

Searching for old census records in Germany often proves to be a challenge. Unfortunately, there is not a central location where all lists of censuses conducted are archived. Instead, these records are scattered among various archives. Some are available online, while others are kept in state archives. It is important to remember that before 1871 Germany was divided into different territories. Genealogists must therefore first find out if and when a census was conducted in a particular territory, and then determine where the old census records are kept.

Despite the difficulties of finding census records, they are invaluable to genealogists. They provide insight into where our ancestors lived, their occupations, and family members. This information is critical to reconstructing one's family history and understanding the circumstances of past generations.

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References


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Contributors

Main contributor: Andrea Bentschneider
Additional contributor: Cynthia Gardner