Archive

Search the collections - Get started!

With 'Search the Collections', you can search across the Danish National Archives' collections and systems. Learn how to search and get tips for finding archival records, transcripts, and digitally created data in the National Archives' collections.

Search the collections

The Danish National Archives offers various systems and search services to help you find specific materials in our extensive collections.

Literature and collections on the Danish West Indies

Find overviews of the most important sources, publications, and collections about the Danish West Indies that are available outside of the Danish National Archives.

Gothic Script – an introduction

When you want to read old Danish texts you will come across Gothic script.

Styles of handwriting

Until 1875 the so-called "German" or "Gothic" style of handwriting was commonly used in Denmark. This was also the style of script that children were taught in school. Practically all the older documents in the Archives are written in this style - it is necessary to learn how to read it if you wish to use the records at The Danish National Archives.

Records and registries

The Danish National Archives contain many different types of records and registries that could prove to be useful when you are conducting a genealogical research. Find information about some of the basic records.

Danish names

This page provides some basic information about traditions regarding Danish names. This may be helpful when searching for Danish ancestors.