Y-DNA of the Curtius family & variants:

e.g. Curtze, Korte, Kurtz, Kurtze, Kurz, Van Someren, Van Zomeren etc. families.

Number of Markers to Test

Once a person decides to use DNA genealogy in combination with their conventional research, the question usually is how many markers should I test?

The simple answer is the more, the better.  The real answer depends on what you want to learn from your test as explained below. Generally, it is recommended that you start with a 37 marker test if you plan on using the test to help with your family's genealogical research.  All tests from 12 markers on will determine the identity of the ethnic and geographic origin of the paternal line, but Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) do not now test at 12 or 25 markers as the results are too vague, perhaps these tests are still available elsewhere.  

The 12 Marker test will help identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the paternal line and may be sufficient in proving relationships within a surname with a solid paper trail. This test is not recommended, as the results are too vague for the purposes of identifying familial relationships. The 25 Marker test gives better insight and more definitive in helping refine the time frame of when the common ancestor occurred. This test is not recommended, as the results are too vague for the purposes of identifying familial relationships. If you already have these 12 or 25 marker tests then upgrade to at least the 37 marker test; the more markers you test the better you can identify how you relate to someone else with matching or similar markers.

FTDNA currently test Y-DNA with 37, 67 and 111 marker matches.

37 Marker Test - FTDNA's recommended test for tracing the male paternal ancestor for genealogical purposes.  The additional markers also help refine the time frame even more. This test is acceptable for giving the minimal results suitable for initially identifying familial groups and can confirm close relationships.

A 67 Marker Test is also available for serious genealogical research. To make any determinations, you must have another member that you match tested at the same amount of markers. This is an ideal test to identify the degree of relationship to someone with a similar marker test with greater confidence e.g. father, brother, uncle, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th cousin, ?x great-grandfather etc.

FTDNA also do a 111 Marker Test for greater accuracy in determining relationships; this is the preferred test for those wishing to obtain more accuracy in estimating the number of generations to the Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) of another testers' matching Y-DNA.

Basically, you can start with what you can afford then upgrade at a later point in time, because FTDNA will retain your DNA sample for 25 years.

 

Click here to see FTDNA Y-DNA pricing of each test level.