Speaker: Theresa Berns

Areas of focus or expertise:

  • Transcription and translation of historical documents written in the old German script such as vital records, newspaper articles, letters, and diaries.

Email contact: info@tb-translations.com

Web/social media: www.tb-translations.com

Home: Hanover, Germany

Native language: German

Presentation language(s): German, English

Preferred presentation type: Virtual only

Travel preferences: 3 hours

Biography

I have been interested in languages and cultures from an early age. However, growing up with German and Low German was not enough for me. So, over time, I acquired additional language skills in English, Spanish, and French. After finishing my university degree in translation studies, I mainly translate documents from German into English and vice versa. Most of these are genealogical documents written in Kurrent, Sütterlin, and Fraktur. Being a native German speaker really facilitates deciphering the old German script and understanding the essence of the original text, which is crucial when translating.

In which societies are you a member? none provided

Speaking experience/references

11 Tips to Help You Transcribe German Church Records; IGGP 2023 among others

Recording of previous presentation OR an IGGP partner you have presented for: SGGS; San Diego Genealogical Society; Germanic Genealogical Society, IGGP 2023

Payment/expense arrangements

How do you approach payment for making a presentation? I do not charge any speaking fee

Other expenses you would like to have reimbursed if you travel? Travel fees only

Recordings/additional materials

Are you willing to prepare a handout? Yes

Would you be willing to develop a presentation on another topic? Maybe

Do you have any restrictions on recording, re-use of recordings, handouts, etc? Any material is only to be recorded, re-used, and share with prior permission by me.

Are you willing to have the presentation translated or translate it yourself? I translate it myself.

Presentation topics

11 Tips to Help You Transcribe German Church Records; Beginners level; English