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How do you read Fraktur and Gothic print?

Text printed in Fraktur is transcribed like any other print: accuracy depends mostly on how sharp the photo is, not on the typeface.

Gothic print, read

Letterheads, catalogues, technical journals, newspapers in Fraktur common until 1941: transcribed then translated into your language.

Kurrent and Sütterlin, worth a try

German handwriting from before 1941 is read by the extra-strength reread, like other cursive hands: the guide, and your 100 free pages to judge for yourself.

Gothic handwriting too, by extra-strength reread

A cursive hand, Gothic or not, goes through an extra-strength reread; check a proper name against the photo.

Fraktur, Schwabacher and the rest

  • Business letters with a Fraktur-printed letterhead
  • Industrial catalogues and technical journals
  • Newspapers and official bulletins from before 1941
  • Posters and printed administrative forms
  • Manuscripts in Gothic cursive hand (Kurrent, Sütterlin)
  • A mix of Gothic print and typewritten text
All the featuresPricingCreate my free account

The account takes a minute to open, a hundred pages free for a year.

Is Fraktur really read, or only flagged?

It’s transcribed like any other print, not just flagged; precision depends on how sharp the photo is.

What about Gothic handwriting, Kurrent or Sütterlin?

It is read by the extra-strength reread, like other cursive hands; the best way is to judge on your own letters, with your 100 free pages.

Does Gothic print need a particular kind of photo?

No, the same rules apply as for any document: flat, straight on, in even light — the photography guide has the detail.

Does this kind of document cost more to transcribe?

No, the same per-page rate applies, whatever the typeface or hand.

See it on your own pages

A hundred pages transcribed and translated, for a year, no card required.

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