Funeral in Germany [2024 Guide] - Navigate Germany

The cost of death is expensive in Germany but very organized. Laws are very strict for funerals in Germany. This article tells you about the German culture of funerals.

Death Perception in Germany

The death perception for Germans has changed over time and they believe that every individual has to experience it. They are very good at following the German laws and make the funeral process fully regulated. The government buried the cremated body in a graveyard. They grieve for a limited time for their deceased one.

Encounter Death in Germany

Funeral rules vary from state to state but the first step to initiate the procedure is to prepare a death certificate. If the death occurs at home, Nortart (emergency doctor) will be called to examine the demise and identify the cause of death and timing. Afterwards, your doctor will provide a Totenschein or Todesschein (Death Certificate) which will be used for further funeral procedures. If death occurs at hospital, next of kin will receive the death certificate right after the death. Second step is to gather the personal documents of the deceased for funeral arrangements. If there are any suspicions, you must call the police to investigate the case. You will receive a death certificate in German, but you can get it in English by paying some charges to the local registrar (Standesamt). 

Report the Funeral

The family member should report the death to Standesamt or the Funeral home (Bestattungsinstitut) and should gather necessary documents for proceedings. These documents include:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Marriage or divorce papers
• Residency Permit
• Deceased’s Will.

It is very common to make death arrangements by the deceased in his or her life to minimize the burden on the family. People also use Sterbegeldversicherung (death care insurance) to cover the minimum funeral cost of €3000 – €11,000. According to Verbraucherzentrale, you must make a contract with a funeral home before death that is easier than Sterbegeldversicherung. Deceased should share the financial plan with the next of kin to avoid any problem during the funeral.

Inform the Administration

Contact the state authorities to inquire about the funeral rules. Some of the German states require to hire a funeral home within 36 hours of death, while others are flexible and allow till 96 hours. Funeral Home can also inform the authorities if you pay a little extra. Authorities also  inform the deceased family, close relatives, and friends within the country of the departed soul. If the relatives in Germany refuse to inform the next of kin, the embassy notifies the consulate to inform the next of kin of the deceased. 

Funeral Arrangements in Germany

Start making funeral arrangements after informing the authorities and relatives. Funeral home will be allocated who is responsible to conduct tasks such as notifying the authority, arranging an urn or coffin, collecting the body, headstone, probate, and other arrangements like flowers, casket, wreath, etc.). The body should be buried in a graveyard in Germany as it is the obligatory process of burying urns and coffins in the cemetery in Prussian times (Friedhofspflicht). People usually rent a grave for around 20-30 years after which the grave is utilized. This period is reduced if the mourners of the deceased haven’t visited the grave in a long time. 

Demise of An expat in germany

The cost to repatriate the body of the deceased (expat) is very expensive starting from €5000 to fly the casket from Germany to another country. Embalming of corpses is compulsory for air and sea travel. Urn in the hand luggage through Airport security is allowed by a few German states only. The Embassy asks the family of the deceased Expat to discuss their matters with the funeral home for easy repatriation arrangements. Cremation is the only way to move the dead body to the native land as embalming is not allowed for people with communicable diseases. 

The Process of Storing the Corpse

There are two ways to store and bury the body. 

Burial

Burial (der Friedhof) is the preferred procedure to bury the deceased in which the deceased has occupied the grave for 20-30 years. Afterwards, it will be used for another departed soul. The grave of well-known people is never replaced by another deceased. 

Ways to Save Costs During Funerals

You can save the funeral cost by donating the body to science where the body is utilized for various learning methodologies for various professions. There are various research institutions who receive corpses and dead bodies in large numbers. Some research institutions refuse to take the deceased and charge the donors in exchange.

Things to Know Before Attending a Funeral

• The mourners in German wear black or dark colors to the funeral to show the grief of the loss. Some also wear a hat and sunglasses. 
• Don’t deepen the wounds of the family by holding your emotions during a funeral, creating a calm environment at the funeral, and let them formally know you care about them. 
• A Leichenschmaus (funeral meal) is prepared after the funeral to take a positive initiative and get back on the road of life.
• Melodies of various songs and prayers (Kyrie and Agnus Dei) fill up the atmosphere of the graveyard in German.
• The deceased’s family decide about inviting, funeral chores, and choosing the urn, casket, or coffin.

Suicide and Euthanasia

Active euthanasia or supported suicide is extremely prohibited by German Churches and laws. In either of these cases, the person tends to seek help outside Germany, as it is more effective. 

Final Words

Germany is a well developed and diverse country with strict laws to be obeyed by all people living in germany. Funeral services might be expensive, but Germany offers the best quality services in an organized way during the sorrowful time. It is important to collect the documents of the deceased and inform a funeral home within 36 to 96 hours of the death. Cemetery is required to bury the deceased whether burned or preserved, and grave leasing is for 20 to 30 years.