Occupations
As you are transcribing and translating documents, you will notice that many, if not all, documents contain the names of individuals, and next to their names is their occupation. To make your genealogical research easier, below is a Dutch list of occupations that you might come across while transcribing the genealogical documents.
Guild and apprenticeship records (Gilden registers)
A guild is an association of artisans and merchants who oversee the practice of their craft/trade in a particular area. The earliest types of guild formed as confraternities of tradesmen, normally operating in a single city and covering a single trade. Guilds kept records in order to show their legitimacy. Guild records date from 1240 to 1850 and usually contain: Names of skilled laborers, craftsmen, and apprentices, birth dates or ages, places of origin and residence, family relationships, occupations, and death dates. Some guild records list their members' families with marriage dates of couples and birth dates of their children.
The types of guild records that will find will be: Records of merchants, craftsmen, tradesmen, skilled laborers, and persons bound by indenture to serve others for a prescribed period to learn an art or trade. May includes civil, religious, hospital, and/or trade guilds.
A
Aardwerker: Earthenware/Pottery Maker
Advocaat: Lawyer
Ambachtsman: Artisan
Ambtenaar: Government Official
Apothekersbediende: Druggist Clerk
Arbeider: Workman
Arbeidster: Workwoman
B
Barbier: Barber
Beddeschoonmaakster: Chambermaid
Bediende: Servant
Beeldhouwer: Sculptor
Begrafenis Baas: Undertaker
Bierbrouwer: Beer Brewer
Bijker: Bee Keeper
Binnenvaarder: Canal Boatman
Bleeker: Bleacher
Bloemist: Florist
Boekbinder: Book Binder
Boekdrukker: Publisher
Boekhouder: Bookkeeper
Boerenknecht: Farmer's hand
Borstelmaker: Brush Maker
Bouwkundige: Architect
Broodbakker: Baker
C
Civil Ingenieur: Civil Engineer
D
Dekker: Roofer
Dienstmeid: Farm Servant Girl
Docent: Teacher
Drukker: Printer
E
Engineer: Engineer
Editor: Editor
F
Fotograaf: Photographer
Farmaceutisch technicus: Pharmaceutical technician
G
Gaardenier: Gardener
Geestelijke: Clergyman
Gemeente Ontvanger: Municipal Official
Geneesheer: Physician
Geweermaker: Gunsmith
Grafdelver: Grave Digger
Graveur: Engraver
Grofsmid: Blacksmith
Gruttersknecht: Grocer's Hand
H
Hoedenmaakster: Hat Maker
Hoefsmid: Blacksmith
Horlogemaker: Watchmaker
Huisschilder: House Painter
Huisvrouw: Wife
Huurman: Hired Man
I
Industrieel: Industrialist
Inlandsche: Peddler
J
Journalist: Journalist, reporter
Juwelier: Jeweler
K
Kaasman: Cheesemaker
Kapelaan: Curate
Kapper: Hairdresser
Karreman: Cartman
Kassier: Cashier
Kasteleijn: Inn-keeper
Katoenspinner: Cotton Spinner
Kelner: Waiter
Keukenmeid: Kitchen Maid
Kleedermaker: Tablecloth Maker
Kleermaker: Tailor
Kleijmaker: Claymaker
Klerk: Clerk
Koekbakker: Confectioner
Koetsier: Coachman
Kofferbeslager: Luggage Smith
Koffiehuishouder: Cafe Proprietor
Kok: Cook
Koopman: Merchant
Koopvaarder: Merchantman
Koperslager: Coppersmith
Korendrager: Wheat Carrier
Kroeghouder: Bar Keeper
Kuijper: Cooper
Kunstschilder: Artist
L
Landbouwer: Farmer
Leemvormer: Clay Molder
Leerlooijer: Tanner
Leraar: Teacher
Likeurstoker: Distiller
Lintwerker: Linen Weaver
Lithograaf: Lithographer
Logementhouder: Innkeeper
M
Makelaar: Broker
Mandenmaker: Basket Maker
Marsdrager: Peddler
Matroos: Sailor
Metselaar: Bricklayer
Modemaakster: Milliner
Modiste: Milliner
Molenaar: Miller
Molenmaker: Windmill Maker
N
Natuurkundige: Physicist
Notaris: Notary
O
P
Pakkendrager: Delivery Man
Parapluiemaker: Umbrella Maker
Particulier: Private Person
Pastoor: Priest/Rector
Pachter: Tenant Farmer
Pettenmaker: Cap Maker
Ploeger: Plowman
Photograaf: Photographer
Politieagent: Policeman
Postbode: Mailman/Messenger
Pottenbakker: Potter/Ceramist
Pottenmakker: Pot Maker
Predikant: Minister
Priester: Catholic Priest
Professor: University Professor
Q
R
Reitdekker: Roofer
S
Scheepsmaker: Ship Builder
Schepen: Alderman
Schoenmaker: Shoemaker
Schoolmeester: Schoolmaster
Schoorsteenveger: Chimney Sweeper
Schriver: Writer
Secretaris: Secretary
Smid: Blacksmith
Steenbakker: Brickmaker
Steenhouwer: Mason
Stoelenmaker: Chair Maker
Straatmaker: Street Paver
Stukadoor: Plasterer
T
Tekenaar: Designer
Telegrafist: Telegrapher
Timmerman: Carpenter
Touwslager: Rope Maker
U
Uitdekker: Roofer
V
Veearts: Veterinarian
Veloarbeider: Field Hand
Venter: Peddler
Verloskundige: Midwife
Verpleegster: Nurse
Visscher: Fisherman
Voerman: Coach Driver
W
Washvrouw: Washwoman
Winkelier: Shopkeeper
X
Y
Z
Zeilmaker: Sail-maker