Hi - It means occupation. I think many of you may benefit from a wonderful book by Ernest Thode, one I use constantly and will help you learn on your own: German-English Genealogical Dictionary; Genealogical Publishing Co., 1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 It's about $30 You can get the online address from Google or Dogpile. There are also some fantastic naming dictionaries for Germanic people. Maureen Schoenky ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.