Quick tip – The meaning of terms changed

Over time, the meaning of terms could change. For example, the term stiefvader [stepfather] now means the husband of your mother. But in past times, the word would be used for any type of father-by-marriage, including the father of the wife (now called schoonvader or father-in-law).

To fully understand the meaning of a record, it is important to understand the meaning of all the terms at the time the record was created.

Old woman reading a newspaper holding a looking glass

Wilhelmina Cammel (108) reading a newspaper. Credits: Koen Suyk, Nationaal Archief (CC-BY-SA)

About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist in the Netherlands. She holds the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists and has a post-graduate diploma in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee. She has been doing genealogy for over 30 years and helps people from across the world find their ancestors in the Netherlands. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

Comments

  1. Judd Zandstra says

    That is, a stiefvader is the husband of your mother who is not your father? Same as in the US.

    • Yes, the terms stepfather and stiefvader today have the same meaning (husband of your mother who is not your father). But in old documents, the word ‘stiefvader’ could also be father-in-law. I believe I’ve seen discussions in genealogical groups that the same is true for the English word stepfather.

      • Judd Zandstra says

        Good thing to be aware of. I guess there’s some logic there. Both a step-father and father-in-law perform the role of father but are not your biological father.

Leave comment

*