You Wrote I have tried that, with a little success, but painfull success. The writing is what I would call "extreme" gothic, and I have problems even recognizing some alphabetic letters. The certificates are in original handwriting on printed forms. I have found the word lieben, which appears to be baptizing. So that's a start. There an many words that the Altavist translator can't recognize, such as Moge (with two dots over the O), and Mege Also the people on the cards (which are my ancestors) are adults, and probably were rebaptized when one Lutheran following broke away from another Lutheran clan, as happened at Lights Pass in SA ************************ I think that Lieben means love but as German words change in some of the ways that they are used I would not correct you. Taufen is the word for baptism generally. I have a very limited knowledge of some of the more basic German and have translated my own German records back to 1500 and would be happy to have a go without guaranteeing anything, if it is the best offer you get. I also have a German friend if I get stuck. Can you scan it????? Regards Lyn