The Ahnenpaß - that is, a certificate of Aryan origin - was issued in Germany by the Reich Union of Registry Office Officials from 1933 and served as a confirmation of the "Aryan origin" of the owner of this document (in this case, the grandmother of the witness). Proof of "Aryan origin" was prescribed by various laws under National Socialism (Nuremberg Laws, Professional Officials Act and later also the German Officials Act).