Stammlinie

Stammlinie is a term used in genealogy and anthropology to describe a direct line of descent from a common ancestor. It focuses on a single line of parent–child relationships, as opposed to the broader family tree that includes multiple branches and descendants. Stammlinien can be traced through paternal lines (patriline) or maternal lines (matriline). In genetics, patrilineal tracing is associated with the Y chromosome and paternal haplogroups, while maternal tracing corresponds to mitochondrial DNA and maternal haplogroups. The concept is also used in social contexts to shape kinship groups, inheritance, and clan identity in some cultures, where membership or property may pass along a Stammlinie. Historical records, vital registers, land and legal documents, and genealogical methods are employed to reconstruct Stammlinien, with DNA testing providing supplementary evidence in modern cases. Not all individuals can reliably determine their Stammlinie due to historical gaps, name changes, and adoption. The term is often used interchangeably with line of descent and lineage, though “lineage” may carry broader or more varied social meanings in different contexts. See also: Lineage, Patriline, Matriline, Kinship, Y-chromosome haplogroup, Mitochondrial DNA.