GEDCOM File Integrity Checker
GEDquality validates the internal consistency of GEDCOM files exported from German Ortsfamilienbücher (OFB) databases. It helps you identify data quality issues, transcription errors, and logical inconsistencies in your genealogical data.
What it checks: In German Ortsfamilienbücher, each family is typically documented in a single numbered entry (e.g., entry 1363, 1364). This check verifies that within each family unit, all members (father, mother, and children) come from the same OFB entry number.
Why it matters: When family members have different entry numbers, it may indicate data entry errors, incorrect family relationships, or mixing of people who shouldn't be in the same family unit.
What to do: If you see this warning:
What it checks: Every person should be part of at least one family unit (either as a parent or child), unless they are the only person documented in their entry.
What to do: Add the person to the appropriate family or verify they should exist as a standalone entry.
What it checks: Dates must follow standard GEDCOM format (e.g., "15 JAN 1900", "JAN 1900", "ABT 1900").
What to do: Correct malformed dates in your genealogy software and re-export the GEDCOM file.
What it checks: Chronological impossibilities like:
What to do: Review the dates in your source documents. These often indicate transcription errors, date estimation problems, or incorrect person matching.
What it checks: Compares given names against a database of common German names from the region.
What to do: Review unusual names - they may be valid historical variants, spelling errors, or transcription mistakes. Cross-reference with original documents.
What it checks: Verifies that recorded gender matches the expected gender for the given name.
What to do: These typically indicate transcription errors or incorrect data entry. Verify against source documents.
What it checks: Each person should have a SOUR record containing their OFB entry number.
What to do: Add source citations in your genealogy software to document which OFB entry each person comes from.
What it checks: Children should typically share their father's surname, and siblings should have matching surnames.
What to do: Review for data entry errors. Valid reasons include adoption, remarriage, illegitimacy, or naming customs where children took the mother's surname.
The report shows: