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Research in Other Countries => Europe => Topic started by: Scottish Janealogy on Wednesday 01 February 17 11:22 GMT (UK)

Title: Switzerland - Familienschein - pdf or certified copy?
Post by: Scottish Janealogy on Wednesday 01 February 17 11:22 GMT (UK)
I've recently obtained two Familienschein from Zurich. One, early 20th century, came as a pdf of the original document, free. The other, 1880s, came as a certified copy, transcribed, and cost a fair amount. This document has less information - there is nothing on occupations, for example.

As I need to order some more Familienschein, I'm trying to figure why I've got documents in the two formats but can't see an explanation on the Zurich Zivilstandsamt website (I can read German to some extent). Can anyone enlighten me?  Also, am I right in thinking that the situation would be the same elsewhere in the canton of Zurich?
Title: Re: Switzerland - Familienschein - pdf or certified copy?
Post by: Rudolf H B on Wednesday 01 February 17 12:59 GMT (UK)
Hi,

you should ask for copies, not transcriptions = Bitte in Kopie, keine Abschriften. *
you should ask for uncertified copies = Bitte unbeglaubigte Kopien.

The same in Germany, - very often there might be written additional and important information on the boundary of the paper. (for example: a reference no. of the death on the birth certificate)

The Zivilstandsamt / Standesamt would send you certified copies, if they guess you need it for a lawyer or else ...   

* Modification 15:55

Regards
Rudolf
Title: Re: Switzerland - Familienschein - pdf or certified copy?
Post by: Scottish Janealogy on Wednesday 01 February 17 13:17 GMT (UK)
Many thanks. I felt there had to be some alternative but could not find the detail to explain that.
Title: Re: Switzerland - Familienschein - pdf or certified copy?
Post by: Scottish Janealogy on Wednesday 01 February 17 14:27 GMT (UK)
Sorry, one other question - is it possible to order uncertified copies of birth, marriage and death records too?
Title: Re: Switzerland - Familienschein - pdf or certified copy?
Post by: Rudolf H B on Wednesday 01 February 17 16:01 GMT (UK)
The answer is YES.

I added a line in  #2

NB: uncertified copies: there is no/less bureaucracy - so they are very often free of charge.
Title: Re: Switzerland - Familienschein - pdf or certified copy?
Post by: Scottish Janealogy on Wednesday 01 February 17 16:08 GMT (UK)
Vielen Danke!
Title: Re: Switzerland - Familienschein - pdf or certified copy?
Post by: Scottish Janealogy on Thursday 16 February 17 15:00 GMT (UK)
An update. Zurich (city) only supplies certified extracts now; no copies. The uncertified copy I received was an error, it should not have been sent. The same applies to birth, marriage and death records. I do not yet know if this applies to the whole canton but I have request in with another town so I will post when I get a response.

This is both disappointing in terms of information included or excluded and also the cost. :-[
Title: Re: Switzerland - Familienschein - pdf or certified copy?
Post by: Mowsehowse on Saturday 16 April 22 11:22 BST (UK)
Consider deleted.....I wonder if you can help me please?
I would like to see the marriage cert/registration of a church marriage which took place in 1860 in Stefa, Zurich.  I am hoping it will give details of the bridal couple's parents.

Can you advise me if this is possible, and how to set about it, please?  Many thanks.  :)

NB..... I have been advised to move this query to a new thread, which I have done, so best not put any response on this thread, thank you.
Title: Re: Switzerland - Familienschein - pdf or certified copy?
Post by: pb_devon on Sunday 17 April 22 07:28 BST (UK)
Hi.
I suggest you delete your post and start a new thread with the country, place, surname and date as the title.
Makes it easier for future searchers to pick up.
In the meantime I will have a look at this.

Added: also say what info you have already plus source. Saves duplicate effort!