Death in the Family — What to Do: A Step-by-Step Guide for Relatives
What to do when someone dies in Germany? Our checklist guides you step by step through the first 48 hours and all further tasks — for bereaved families.
29 articles
What to do when someone dies in Germany? Our checklist guides you step by step through the first 48 hours and all further tasks — for bereaved families.
How much does a funeral cost in Germany in 2026? On average 7,000 to 13,000 EUR. All costs by burial type, city comparison and money-saving tips explained.
The death benefit (Sterbegeld) was abolished in 2004. Who still qualifies? Is funeral insurance worthwhile? All facts and alternatives for 2026 explained.
How to apply for a social welfare funeral (Sozialbestattung) in Germany: eligibility, costs covered by the Sozialamt, and a step-by-step guide.
Earth burial, cremation, woodland burial, sea burial: all types of burial in Germany with costs, procedures and pros and cons compared.
How do you find a reputable funeral director in Germany? Checklist, cost comparison and 7 warning signs — make the right choice with confidence.
How to apply for a death certificate (Sterbeurkunde) in Germany: required documents, costs (10-12 EUR) and processing times. Step-by-step guide.
Cemetery obligation (Friedhofszwang) in Germany: may you keep an urn at home or scatter ashes? All rules by federal state and legal alternatives explained.
Widow's pension in Germany 2026: small and large widow's pension, amount, three-month full payment, income allowance from July and how to claim it.
Direct cremation without a ceremony: process, costs from around 1,000 EUR, providers and what happens to the urn. All the rules for Germany 2026 explained.
How to write a condolence letter (Kondolenzschreiben) in Germany: sympathy card structure, heartfelt mourning quotes and sample texts for any situation.
Advance directive and healthcare proxy in Germany: legal requirements, costs, differences and where to register your documents. Step-by-step guide for 2026.
Planning a secular funeral in Germany: ceremony structure, celebrant costs, personalisation options and comparison with religious services. Guide for 2026.
What to wear to a funeral in Germany? Funeral attire for women, men and children — dress code, modern etiquette and common mistakes clearly explained.
Understanding grief — the phases of grief according to Kuebler-Ross, practical support in daily life, and when to seek professional help in Germany.
How a funeral pre-planning contract (Bestattungsvorsorgevertrag) works in Germany — costs, contents, trust account protection and what to consider before signing.
How do you explain death to a child? Age-appropriate guidance for parents — honest, compassionate, with advice on grief, funerals and professional support.
Totensonntag, All Saints' Day and National Day of Mourning — meaning, 2026 dates and traditions of Germany's most important memorial days at a glance.
Sea burial in Germany -- procedure, costs from 2,800 EUR, North Sea and Baltic Sea locations plus legal requirements explained in full for 2026.
Grave maintenance in Germany costs 200–800 EUR per year. Long-term care from 2,500 EUR for 20 years. Prices, tips and care-free alternatives.
Bereavement leave in Germany: 1-3 paid days depending on relationship. Legal basis Section 616 BGB, TVoeD and collective agreements explained. Your rights.
Express condolences online with a digital condolence book (Kondolenzbuch). How to offer heartfelt sympathy from afar and create a lasting tribute.
Compare funeral costs in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and 7 other German cities in 2026 — earth burial, cremation and cemetery fees side by side.
How to write a funeral speech in Germany: structure, content and personal tips for a dignified eulogy. With sample speeches, examples and phrasing help.
Cemetery fees in Germany 2026: from EUR 887 in Berlin to EUR 4,578 in Munich. Compare costs by city and grave type, plus practical tips to reduce expenses.
Deduct funeral costs from taxes in Germany: since 2025, the estate cost flat-rate deduction is 15,000 EUR. All rules, tips and worked examples for 2026.
Woodland burial in Germany: process at FriedWald and RuheForst, costs from 3,000 to 7,000 EUR and why digital remembrance is the ideal complement.
QR code for gravestones in Germany: how it works, what it costs and how to connect a grave with a digital memorial page. Guide and options 2026.
Create a digital memorial page: share photos, videos and memories online. Step-by-step guide, platform comparison and practical tips for Germany.