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Milestone Favorites: Language, History & Tips

Updated: Mar 9, 2024


We launched Unlock Your History over five years ago. What a milestone! In looking back at our blog journal, we see some write-ups that our newer visitors likely haven't read and some classic ones that our old readers might have forgotten or missed. Check out some of our favorites.

German Words on Gravestones
German in the Cemetery

German in the Cemetery - You might run across gravestones with German writing. It can be great for genealogy, but it also helps know a few key words.


Image of Ludwig van Beethoven
Clues Hidden in Von & Van






Clues Hidden in Von & Van - Perhaps signs of nobility? An indication of German versus Dutch heritage? A place name? Maybe yes, and often no to all. Read on.



German Street Sign with Doubed S or Eszett
The Curious History of the German "Doubled S"



Most Americans see the letter ß and immediately think "Aha - German!" but what's the backstory? Check it out.





Low German, High German, Upper German - Map of German Dialects in 1910
Low German, High German, Upper German




Confused by the Ups and Downs of High and Low German (and more) and the numerous dialects?




The Twins from Two Different Countries - Photo
The Twins from Two Different Countries




The Twins from Two Different Countries - A curious story about twin brothers who grew up happily together yet claimed German heritage and the other Danish. It's a lesson on the importance of understanding the history of changing borders to understand your ancestors.





Imperial City of Nuremberg - 1492
Imperial City of Nuremberg


Imperial Cities of the Holy Roman Empire - a brief history of imperial cities, from dozens in the middle ages to today's three: Bremen, Hamburg and Lübeck.





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90 Comments


Five years already—time flies when you're piecing together family stories. I still remember the early posts on translation pitfalls, and it's great to see them getting a second spotlight. For anyone digging into old records, I've been using https://qwenimaging.com

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Radit Mansur
Radit Mansur
2 days ago

Five years already—time flies when you're helping people uncover their roots! I remember reading your early translation guides when I first started digging into my own family history, and they were a lifesaver. I've been using your tips to decode old German records, and the difference is night and day. Check out https://aivideoonline.com

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Ramirez Puhse
Ramirez Puhse
3 days ago

Five years of unlocking history—that’s a milestone worth celebrating, and I’d forgotten how much I loved your early translation tips. Going back through those classic posts reminds me why I keep coming back, and I’ve been using your FAQ section for every new project lately. https://aiphoto-editor.com

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Velma Berry
Velma Berry
4 days ago

Five years already—that milestone post about your favorite language and history guides is a great trip down memory lane. I’d almost forgotten that early translation tip you shared, so thanks for resurfacing it. I’ve been digging through your journal again for more gems like that. https://3daimaker.com

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Cook Joshua
6 days ago

Five years is such a great milestone, and I love that you’re highlighting the older posts newer readers might have missed—the history tips are timeless. I’ve been digging through the archives myself and keep finding gems, so check out https://zimage-ai.com

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