Swedish Genealogy Glossary
Use the translations from my cheat sheet
For many with Swedish ancestry, the Swedish language is the main obstacle for discovering their family history in Sweden.
No wonder.
Over the last 200 years, the Swedish language has changed immensely.
- The spelling has changed and the inflection of just about any grammatical category is simpler.
- Many words have completely changed meanings.
- And in Swedish there are many ways to translate the English “the” or the plural “s” – and there are no rules for which version to use.
So finding a dictionary or word list for your family history is not that easy. If any of the options I had found out there were useful enough, I would have gladly promoted them, but unfortunately that has not been the case.
That’s why I’ve put together a Swedish Genealogy Glossary based on my personal cheat sheet that I use as a professional genealogist for descendants of Swedes around the world. So that you can have it.
Know what the records say
The goal of Find a Swede is to make Swedish family history as accessible to everyone as is if you knew Swedish. With this new glossary, I hope that you will be one step closer to understanding your ancestors.
Swedish Genealogy Glossary

The Swedish Genealogy Glossary contains
- A general nine page word list is included. It is curated to have the most relevant words, based on fourteen years of experience of Swedish genealogy. Each word is in the ways that make sense for how it’s written in the records.
- The Swedish spelling and language reforms are mentioned along with the Swedish alphabet.
- Time related words are listed and date formats are discussed.
- Numbers in different forms can be key for understanding the notes in the records and you’ll find them here.
- 34 sets of record headings from household examination records, moving records, prison records, birth records, death records and marriage records. Many records don’t have headings, but these will help you figure out what’s been implied.
- US letter size (8.5″x11″). Can also be printed on A4 paper.
Bonus
The Swedish Genealogy Glossary includes five unique Swedish terms that will make your understanding of Swedish family history even better. Straight from my reference file.
Please note
- This listing is for a digital download. No physical item will be shipped to you.
- The glossary is delivered as a PDF which is opened with Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
- You will receive one download after purchase, which is personal to you.
Simply use the translations of a professional Swedish genealogist
No more weeding through word lists that don’t make sense or using online translators and hoping for the best.