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Translating Dutch Terms
Is there another place here in this group where we discuss translation? I have a dim memory of this but can't find it. Moderator: Feel free to move this somewhere else it it would be more appropriate.
In researching old Dutch records on the Dutch sites, I come across records listed under the word "trouwen" and other records listed under the word "huwelijk;" both of these words are translated as Marriage. I have a suspicion that "trouwen" might truly be "betrothal" but have no verification of this. If NOT "betrothal" and "marriage," why are there two words for marriage?
Sue
In researching old Dutch records on the Dutch sites, I come across records listed under the word "trouwen" and other records listed under the word "huwelijk;" both of these words are translated as Marriage. I have a suspicion that "trouwen" might truly be "betrothal" but have no verification of this. If NOT "betrothal" and "marriage," why are there two words for marriage?
Sue
Views: 17
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Virgil Hoftiezer on -
Sue,
As best as I can translate from my computer's built in program": "huwelijk" is marriage and "trouwen" is to marry. Could this be the difference between a noun and a verb?
Virgil -
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Permalink Reply by Sylvia Binch-Talma on -
Hi Sue,
"trouwen" means "to get married" and "huwelijk" is "marriage".
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Sylvia -
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Permalink Reply by Sue McCormick on -
Thank you both. I'll have to see if there is a time difference here. If not, the problem may be customs in different towns. At least the difference between noun and verb helps me in the way I will mark these compiled lists. So thank you again for your help.
Sue -
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Permalink Reply by Keren on -
The literally translation for marriage is "huwelijk". The word "trouw" means faith, literally, "trouwen" is to marry. But in genealogy we use it to separate the marriages before the introduction of Civil Registry by Napoleon during the years 1795-1811 and after.
"Trouw" = marriages that took place before 1811 [some places before 1795] You find these marriages back in church books or court records. You will find much less additional data in these records
"Huwelijk" or plural "huwelijken" = the official records of the municipality where they married, and more elaborated.
You will find, ages; parents; places of birth, occupation and so on. Further more, you will have the "Huwelijkse bijlagen", these are official papers the future couple had to produce, some time before the actual marriage took place. Like their birth / baptism, death of previous spouses, parents. Often these papers give you that detail to research further.
It was a law to marry before the municipality and religious people married twice, also before the church. Actually, they still do.
Bit of a long explanation, but I hope it is not too confusing. When you are so used to terms like these, it can be difficult to put it down in writing....;-)) -
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Permalink Reply by Virgil Hoftiezer on
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Keren,
Your explanation was very helpful/useful - certainly not too long! I never knew about the separation between 1811 and the use of the two different words. Thank you! (And thanks to Sue to asking! We all learn something new all the time even if we don't know enough to ask the question!)
Virgil -
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