This is confusing for people who speak English as well. Don't feel bad. Most people (Americans at least), myself included, would have to look it up. I found the following description here: http://wiki.geni.com/index.php/Defining_the_Genealogical_Term,_%27Removed%27 ----- The genealogical term 'removed' means to move up or down generations to indicate your common ancestor. ONCE Removed means move up or down ONE generation TWICE Removed means to move up or down TWO generations Some examples are as follows: First Cousin Once Removed -Your cousin's child or your parent's cousin. Second Cousin Once Removed -Your second cousin's child or your parent's second cousin. First Cousin Twice Removed -Your first cousin's grandchild or your grandparent's cousin. Notice that the term 'removed' is just another way to state the number of generations moved either up or down between the cousins.