Catch the replays of our 6th annual 24-hour Genealogy Marathon here.

Catch the replays of our 6th annual 24-hour Genealogy Marathon here.

By
By
Webinar Library
Places and Ethnicities Germany

Engagements, Weddings, marriage contracts and divorces in 19th century Germany

Andrea Bentschneider
Apr 4, 2025
260 views
CC
Free
Free through April 11, 2025
Want to watch the full webinar?
Join now to access all 2,392 webinars and unlock all features.
Join now
Syllabus
Join now

Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
1m 49s
Play. Playing.
Introduction
2m 56s
Play. Playing.
Reasons for Marriage
2m 44s
Play. Playing.
Engagement and Permissions
8m 44s
Play. Playing.
Marriage Contracts
5m 17s
Play. Playing.
Traditions and Customs
8m 36s
Play. Playing.
Death and Remarriage
2m 29s
Play. Playing.
Divorce
4m 36s
Play. Playing.
Summary
2m 18s
Play. Playing.
Announcements / prizes
1m 13s
Play. Playing.
Questions / answers
4m 49s

About this webinar

Explore 19th-century German engagement, marriage and divorce traditions, historical social norms and legal regulations, including economic motives, marriage contracts, remarriage, and strict divorce processes. This presentation will explore the complex world of marriage and divorce in nineteenth-century Germany, emphasizing its importance to genealogical research. Participants will gain insight into the economic, social, and legal factors that shaped marriage and divorce practices. The session will include examples of historical documents and introduce new types of records beyond traditional church records.

About the speaker

About the speaker

Andrea Bentschneider
Andrea Bentschneider, based in Hamburg, Germany, is renowned for her expertise and contributions to the field of genealogy. Since establishing “Beyond History” in 2004, she has emerged as Germany’s foremost expert in genealogical research. Andrea’
Learn more...

Key points and insights

In her insightful webinar, “Engagements, Weddings, Marriage Contracts, Divorces in 19th Century Germany,” professional genealogist Andrea Bentschneider takes viewers on a fascinating tour through the legal and societal frameworks that governed love and union in historical Germany. From arranged marriages to divorce petitions, Bentschneider brings to light how economics, class, and religion shaped marital life—and how understanding these customs can greatly benefit family historians.

Key Takeaways:

  • Marriage Was More Contract Than Courtship: In 19th century Germany, marriage was often a strategic arrangement aimed at preserving wealth, status, or professional continuity. Cousin marriages, significant age gaps, and quick remarriages after spousal death were all common and practical, not romantic. Marriages often required extensive permissions, especially for apprentices, servants, or interfaith couples.
  • Records Extend Beyond Church Books: Civil and church archives contain a treasure trove of documents: engagement entries, marriage licenses, prenuptial agreements, dispensations (special permissions), and marriage contracts. These records often provide personal insights, such as property arrangements, child-rearing expectations, and legal conditions imposed by the state, clergy, or employers.
  • Divorce Was Rare, but Highly Documented: Although divorce was uncommon and heavily restricted—especially under Catholic influence—it did occur. Cases often involved community councils, legal petitions, and even appeals to dukes. Divorce records can reveal surprising details about character, household dynamics, and remarriage restrictions, adding rich context to ancestral stories.

This presentation is a must-watch for anyone with German ancestry, especially those puzzled by illegitimacy, late marriages, or frequent remarriages in their family trees. Understanding the social and legal structures around marriage reveals the motivations behind many ancestral decisions.

To deepen your knowledge and discover how to apply these insights to your own research, watch the full webinar and explore the comprehensive syllabus provided. It includes regional archive tips, historical context, and key terms to look for in German records. Genealogists will come away with sharper research strategies—and a new appreciation for the complex, contract-driven world of historical German unions.

Comments (9)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1000 characters remaining
Cancel Submit

Sort by Newest
Sort by Close.
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Likes
  1. CR
    Cindy Romero
    6 days ago

    Thank you so much for such valuable information!

    Reply
  2. AW
    Allison Willis
    6 days ago

    I learned alot with this webinar!!

    Reply
  3. LL
    Laura Lauber
    6 days ago

    I am not aware of any German ancestors but, thanks to this webinar, I now have information to go to should I come across any German folks in my genealogy. Thank you so much for a very interesting webinar.

    Reply
  4. PB
    Patrick BRZ
    6 days ago

    very well speaking, and very efficient with very good examples

    Reply
  5. C(
    Chris (Mrs) Wright
    6 days ago

    Andrea is so knowledgeable about German research. An excellent webinar.

    Reply
  6. WV
    Webinar Viewer
    6 days ago

    Useful

    Reply
  7. WV
    Webinar Viewer
    6 days ago

    It was very interesting. There were quite a few rules & regulations for the brides & grooms!

    Reply
  8. WV
    Webinar Viewer
    6 days ago

    Very interesting and informative.

    Reply
Show all comments

Related Webinars

50:20
Places and Ethnicities
Subjects, Citizens, and Serfs: Unpacking Germany’s Historical Social Order
Andrea Bentschneider
301 views
CC
Free
Subjects, Citizens, and Serfs: Unpacking Germany’s Historical Social Order
Gain an understanding of the different social statuses in historical Germany. Learn about the living conditions of the different classes in Germany. Until the foundation of the German Empire in 1871, there were a total of 22 monarchies and three free cities in what is now Germany. And there were almost as many different regulations concerning the rights and duties of the residents. Citizenship was usually not acquired by birth, but only after an application and the strict examination of the fulfillment of several requirements. This presentation will give information on acquisition and loss of citizenship and the respective reasons for it.
Places and Ethnicities
Subjects, Citizens, and Serfs: Unpacking Germany’s Historical Social Order
CC
Free
Andrea Bentschneider
301 views
Gain an understanding of the different social statuses in historical Germany. Learn about the living conditions of the different classes in Germany. Until the foundation of the German Empire in 1871, there were a total of 22 monarchies and three free cities in what is now Germany. And there were almost as many different regulations concerning the rights and duties of the residents. Citizenship was usually not acquired by birth, but only after an application and the strict examination of the fulfillment of several requirements. This presentation will give information on acquisition and loss of citizenship and the respective reasons for it.
Fri, April 4 2025: 10:00 UTC
Register for free
50:05
Places and Ethnicities
How to successfully research at a German archive
Andrea Bentschneider
493 views
CC
How to successfully research at a German archive
Due to the constantly growing offer of online accessible sources for German genealogical research, an important cornerstone of the actual research is more and more disregarded: the classical research in an archive. A good preparation facilitates the archive visit immensely and makes the search in the historical documents an experience that will never replace a research on the screen. Particularly if you intend to add “meat to the bones” and find more valuable information about your ancestors besides dates and places of birth, marriage and/or death. There are many individual records in German archives and it would be a shame never to look at these wonderful documents. A visit to a German archive can be rather intimidating. Besides language barriers, the archival structures are initially often difficult to understand. But help is near! This presentation will cover professional tips & tricks for research in a German Archive – from preparation over execution to follow-up, if applicable. If you are unfamiliar with a specific archive, it is already difficult as a German to make the most of an archival research visit. Particularly as archives do not offer to conduct complex research projects on your behalf, you have to be prepared to do it yourself.
Places and Ethnicities
How to successfully research at a German archive
CC
Andrea Bentschneider
493 views
Due to the constantly growing offer of online accessible sources for German genealogical research, an important cornerstone of the actual research is more and more disregarded: the classical research in an archive. A good preparation facilitates the archive visit immensely and makes the search in the historical documents an experience that will never replace a research on the screen. Particularly if you intend to add “meat to the bones” and find more valuable information about your ancestors besides dates and places of birth, marriage and/or death. There are many individual records in German archives and it would be a shame never to look at these wonderful documents. A visit to a German archive can be rather intimidating. Besides language barriers, the archival structures are initially often difficult to understand. But help is near! This presentation will cover professional tips & tricks for research in a German Archive – from preparation over execution to follow-up, if applicable. If you are unfamiliar with a specific archive, it is already difficult as a German to make the most of an archival research visit. Particularly as archives do not offer to conduct complex research projects on your behalf, you have to be prepared to do it yourself.
Fri, April 12 2024: 10:00 UTC
Register for free
44:01
Places and Ethnicities
Different calendars in German genealogy
Andrea Bentschneider
395 views
CC
Different calendars in German genealogy
Only since 1893, there is one time zone in Germany! However, in the sources relevant for genealogy there are also dates referring to the Julian and Gregorian calendars, as well as the French revolutionary calendar and the church calendar. Here the differences and conversion to today's dates are explained.
Places and Ethnicities
Different calendars in German genealogy
CC
Andrea Bentschneider
395 views
Only since 1893, there is one time zone in Germany! However, in the sources relevant for genealogy there are also dates referring to the Julian and Gregorian calendars, as well as the French revolutionary calendar and the church calendar. Here the differences and conversion to today's dates are explained.
Fri, April 14 2023: 10:00 UTC
Register for free
Advanced
51:35
Places and Ethnicities
Leaving a paper trail – Other German sources besides church books and civil records
Andrea Bentschneider
5.1K views
CC
Leaving a paper trail – Other German sources besides church books and civil records
If the church records have been fully searched or if they have been lost, e.g. because of the wars, then there are many other ways to find the German ancestors and fill their life stories with life. While church books still remain the number one source for genealogical research in…
Places and Ethnicities
Leaving a paper trail – Other German sources besides church books and civil records
CC
Andrea Bentschneider
5.1K views
If the church records have been fully searched or if they have been lost, e.g. because of the wars, then there are many other ways to find the German ancestors and fill their life stories with life. While church books still remain the number one source for genealogical research in…
Fri, April 9 2021: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
55:01
Bonus webinarsPlaces and EthnicitiesHistorical Records
Emigration via Hamburg
Andrea Bentschneider
17.5K views
CC
Emigration via Hamburg
From historic documents you can learn first-hand the statistics behind a big business, the human tragedies as well tips on how to research your emigrant ancestors from German and other European States.
Bonus webinarsPlaces and EthnicitiesHistorical Records
Emigration via Hamburg
CC
Andrea Bentschneider
17.5K views
From historic documents you can learn first-hand the statistics behind a big business, the human tragedies as well tips on how to research your emigrant ancestors from German and other European States.
Fri, March 13 2020: 0:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:04:40
Historical RecordsPlaces and Ethnicities
(German) Auswanderung aus Deutschland in die weite Welt – Ursachen, Umstände und Zeugnisse
Andrea Bentschneider
3.1K views
German
Free
(German) Auswanderung aus Deutschland in die weite Welt – Ursachen, Umstände und Zeugnisse
Im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert sind Millionen Menschen über die Häfen in Hamburg und Bremen in ferne Länder auf der anderen Seite des Atlantiks ausgewandert. Dieser Vortrag nennt neben einem geschichtlichen Abriss der deutschen Auswanderung auch die Gründe für diesen großen Schritt. Es werden entscheidende Aspekte der Auswanderung aufgezeigt...
Historical RecordsPlaces and Ethnicities
(German) Auswanderung aus Deutschland in die weite Welt – Ursachen, Umstände und Zeugnisse
German
Free
Andrea Bentschneider
3.1K views
Im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert sind Millionen Menschen über die Häfen in Hamburg und Bremen in ferne Länder auf der anderen Seite des Atlantiks ausgewandert. Dieser Vortrag nennt neben einem geschichtlichen Abriss der deutschen Auswanderung auch die Gründe für diesen großen Schritt. Es werden entscheidende Aspekte der Auswanderung aufgezeigt...
Wed, May 8 2019: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
1:23:46
Places and Ethnicities
Research Your Roots in Alsace Lorraine
Gail Blankenau
989 views
CC
Research Your Roots in Alsace Lorraine
German-French or French-German? Genealogy in Alsace-Lorraine. Do you have ancestors listed in the U. S. census as German in one and French in another? They are likely from Alsace-Lorraine, with a complicated history that presents family researchers with opportunities and challenges. Learn about sources and methods that will help you to progress in your research.
Places and Ethnicities
Research Your Roots in Alsace Lorraine
CC
Gail Blankenau
989 views
German-French or French-German? Genealogy in Alsace-Lorraine. Do you have ancestors listed in the U. S. census as German in one and French in another? They are likely from Alsace-Lorraine, with a complicated history that presents family researchers with opportunities and challenges. Learn about sources and methods that will help you to progress in your research.
Fri, February 21 2025: 17:00 UTC
Register for free
1:11:31
Places and Ethnicities
Luther, Napoleon and the Kaiser – German History for Genealogists
Ursula C. Krause
1.1K views
CC
Luther, Napoleon and the Kaiser – German History for Genealogists
Why is what happened in Augsburg on September 25, 1555 one of the most important historical events in German history and of utmost importance to researchers? And why do we need to know about the French emperor Napoleon? Why does it make such a big difference if a birth took place in 1874 or 1876? Find out in this presentation why knowing the most important events in German history can be helpful for your research.
Places and Ethnicities
Luther, Napoleon and the Kaiser – German History for Genealogists
CC
Ursula C. Krause
1.1K views
Why is what happened in Augsburg on September 25, 1555 one of the most important historical events in German history and of utmost importance to researchers? And why do we need to know about the French emperor Napoleon? Why does it make such a big difference if a birth took place in 1874 or 1876? Find out in this presentation why knowing the most important events in German history can be helpful for your research.
Wed, October 16 2024: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
55:53
Places and EthnicitiesWebtember
Top 10 Tips for Working with the Old German Handwriting
Katherine Schober, MA
753 views
CC
Top 10 Tips for Working with the Old German Handwriting
Learn the 10 top tips and tricks for deciphering the old German script! With tips on how to easily recognize certain letters, how to tell tricky letters apart, abbreviations, spelling variations, names, and more, you'll be amazed at what you can do after only an hour of learning!
Places and EthnicitiesWebtember
Top 10 Tips for Working with the Old German Handwriting
CC
Katherine Schober, MA
753 views
Learn the 10 top tips and tricks for deciphering the old German script! With tips on how to easily recognize certain letters, how to tell tricky letters apart, abbreviations, spelling variations, names, and more, you'll be amazed at what you can do after only an hour of learning!
Fri, September 27 2024: 15:30 UTC
Register for free