Language: Hungarian
Part of Speech: Noun
Literal Meaning: “Occupation” or “profession”
The field in vital records and census documents that indicates a person’s trade, profession, or means of livelihood. This information appears consistently in Hungarian civil records after 1895 and in many church records before that date. Occupations provide valuable social history context and can help distinguish between individuals with similar names.
Examples in Record
- “Foglalkozása: földműves” (Occupation: farmer)
- “A vőlegény foglalkozása” (The groom’s occupation)
- “Apa foglalkozása” (Father’s occupation)
- “Foglalkozás nélküli” (Without occupation)
Common Variants
- “Állás” (Position, job)
- “Hivatal” (Office, profession)
- “Mesterség” (Trade, craft)
- “Kereset” (Livelihood)
- “Életpálya” (Career)
Tips for Researchers
Occupations were often abbreviated in records. Social status and occupation frequently determined where someone lived and whom they married. Watch for occupational terms that changed meaning over time or had specific local significance. Women’s occupations were often listed as “háztartásbeli” (homemaker), even if they worked outside the home.
Mini-Dictionary
- napszámos: day laborer
- iparos: craftsman/artisan
- kereskedő: merchant
- földbirtokos: landowner
- cseléd: servant
- munkás: worker
- tisztviselő: clerk/official
- háztartásbeli: homemaker