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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Topic started by: ED2005 on Thursday 02 February 23 16:37 GMT (UK)

Title: Cousins - German
Post by: ED2005 on Thursday 02 February 23 16:37 GMT (UK)

On a Scottish marriage certificate in 1898, an entry under the bride's occupation has me baffled. It looks like it says "Cousins - German". If so, why would this be important enough to be entered here?

Title: Re: Cousins - German
Post by: Little Nell on Thursday 02 February 23 16:50 GMT (UK)

I can't work out why it would be entered on a marriage certificate, but it means first cousins.

Usually one sees that within wills or testaments when describing the relationship.

Nell

Title: Re: Cousins - German
Post by: Forfarian on Thursday 02 February 23 17:07 GMT (UK)

It is normal practice to note on a marriage certificate if a couple are first cousins. Cousins german is just another way of saying it.

It's probably a relic of the time when the church frowned on marriages of people who were closely related to one another.

Title: Re: Cousins - German
Post by: feno on Thursday 02 February 23 17:29 GMT (UK)

Hi,The children of brothers and sisters are usually denominated as first cousins,or cousins_german. best of luck.Feno.

Title: Re: Cousins - German
Post by: ED2005 on Thursday 02 February 23 17:50 GMT (UK)

Thanks everyone! I never knew of that term for first cousins!

Title: Re: Cousins - German
Post by: eilthireach on Thursday 02 February 23 20:03 GMT (UK)

Also spelled germane and stress is on the second syllable - gerMANE. Cousins germane ....

Title: Re: Cousins - German
Post by: feno on Thursday 02 February 23 20:08 GMT (UK)

go raibh mile maith agat, O  Fionn.