Death in the Family — What to Do: A Step-by-Step Guide for Relatives

Introduction

We understand that you are going through one of the most difficult moments of your life. A death often comes unexpectedly, and alongside your grief, you face a multitude of organisational tasks that need to be completed promptly. That is precisely why we have written this guide.

In this article, we explain step by step what to do when someone dies in Germany — from the very first hour through to the tasks in the weeks that follow. You will learn which documents you need, which deadlines apply, and what to look for when choosing a funeral director (Bestattungsunternehmen).

This checklist is aimed at bereaved families in Germany who are dealing with the organisation of a funeral for the first time. We want to help you keep an overview during this difficult time — so that you can focus on what truly matters: being with your family and saying goodbye together.

If you would first like to learn about the different types of burial, we recommend our detailed comparison of all burial types in Germany.

Do not let anyone pressure you. You have more time than you might think. And you do not have to manage these tasks alone.

The first steps after a death — what to do immediately

When someone dies, you must first call a doctor who will certify the death and issue a death certificate (Totenschein). Within 24 to 48 hours, you should engage a funeral director, apply for the official death certificate (Sterbeurkunde) at the civil registry office (Standesamt), and inform the closest family members. These are the most important immediate actions.

Call a doctor — have the death certificate issued

The very first step is the medical certification of death. Without a death certificate (Totenschein, also called Leichenschauschein), no further steps can be initiated.

• At home: Call the family doctor or the out-of-hours medical service (telephone: 116 117). In emergencies: 112.
• In hospital or care home: The institution arranges the medical certification of death.

The doctor issues the death certificate (Totenschein), documenting the cause of death and time of death. You will need this document for all subsequent steps.

Contact a funeral director

Within the first 24 to 36 hours, you should engage a funeral director (Bestattungsunternehmen). The funeral director takes on many tasks for you:

• Transfer of the deceased
• Applying for the official death certificate (Sterbeurkunde) at the civil registry office (often included as part of their service)
• Advice on the type of burial and the process
• Organisation of the farewell ceremony (including the eulogy)

Always ask for a written cost estimate before signing a contract. You can learn more about costs in our article on funeral costs in Germany 2026.

Inform closest relatives and employer

First, inform the immediate family and close friends personally — preferably by telephone, not by messenger. If children in the family are affected, you will find helpful advice for age-appropriate conversations in our guide on explaining death to children. You should also inform:

• Your employer (entitlement to compassionate leave — see below)
• The employer of the deceased
• The landlord, if the deceased lived alone

Timeline: what to do and when

Death at home — what is different?

When a person dies at home, the same basic steps apply — but there are some particular considerations. You call the family doctor or the out-of-hours medical service (116 117). At night or at the weekend, you can call 112. The deceased may remain at home for several hours.

The deceased can stay at home

Contrary to a common assumption, the deceased does not have to be collected immediately. In most federal states (Bundeslaender), you are allowed to take time to say goodbye. The transfer by a funeral director usually takes place within 24 to 36 hours.

Use this time if you wish: light a candle, place flowers in the room, say goodbye in peace. That is your right.

When the police must be called

The doctor will notify the police if the death is unnatural or the cause of death is unclear. This is standard procedure and not a cause for alarm. In such cases, a forensic examination may be ordered, which can delay the funeral process.

Special situation: death without medical history

If the deceased did not have a family doctor or the cause of death is unclear, the emergency doctor (112) will carry out the certification of death. In this case, the issuing of the death certificate (Totenschein) may take somewhat longer.

Death in hospital or care home

In a hospital or care home, the medical certification of death is arranged by the institution — you do not need to call your own doctor. The staff will inform you and issue the death certificate (Totenschein). You have the right to choose the funeral director freely.

What the institution handles

• Medical certification of death and death certificate (Totenschein)
• Storage of the deceased (usually for 24 to 48 hours)
• Often: referral to a funeral director

Important: you have free choice

Hospitals and care homes frequently recommend a particular funeral director. However, you are under no obligation to use their recommendation. You always have the right to engage a funeral director of your choosing. Compare offers and do not allow yourself to be pressured by time.

Secure personal belongings

Ask the staff to hand over the personal belongings of the deceased: clothing, jewellery, documents, mobile telephone. Make a list and have the receipt of items confirmed.

Which documents do you need?

For the funeral and the settlement of the estate, you will need a number of documents. The death certificate (Totenschein) from the doctor is the foundation; based on this, the civil registry office (Standesamt) issues the official death certificate (Sterbeurkunde). Plan to order at least seven to eight copies of the official death certificate, as many institutions require an original.

Overview: document checklist

How many official death certificates do you need?

We recommend ordering at least seven to eight copies of the official death certificate (Sterbeurkunde). These are needed for:

• Funeral director
• Pension insurance (Rentenversicherung) (fee-free copy)
• Health insurance (Krankenkasse) (fee-free copy)
• Life insurance
• Bank(s)
• Landlord
• Employer of the deceased
• Tax office (Finanzamt)

Copies for the statutory pension insurance, health insurance, and social services office (Sozialamt) are generally issued by the civil registry office free of charge.

Finding the right funeral director

The right funeral director takes much of the burden off your shoulders and guides you with empathy through the entire process. Look for transparency, a written cost estimate before signing any contract, and never allow yourself to be pressured by time. A reputable funeral director will give you time to consider.

What to look for

• Cost estimate: Always request a detailed, written cost estimate. Reputable funeral directors offer this as a matter of course.
• Transparency: All services and costs should be itemised individually — no flat-rate charges without explanation.
• No time pressure: A good funeral director will not rush you. In most federal states, you have several days.
• Empathy: The first conversation reveals whether the funeral director is the right fit for you. In our guide finding a funeral director — what to look for, you can learn more.
• Reviews: Look for testimonials from other families.

Your right to a cost estimate

Under German law, you are entitled to a free cost estimate before signing a funeral contract. Compare at least two to three offers. Funeral costs in Germany vary considerably — from approximately 3,500 euros for a simple cremation to over 13,000 euros for an elaborate earth burial.

If the costs represent an unaffordable burden, there is the option of a social welfare funeral (Sozialbestattung), where the social services office (Sozialamt) covers the costs.

Burial deadlines — how much time do you have?

The burial deadline determines how soon after death the interment must take place. In Germany, this is regulated at the state level: each federal state (Bundesland) has its own deadlines. In most cases, you have between 4 and 10 days for an earth burial. The minimum waiting period is 48 hours nationwide.

Burial deadlines by federal state (earth burial)

Source: State burial laws (Landesbestattungsgesetze) of the respective federal states. As of: March 2026. Variations possible — please enquire with your funeral director or local civil registry office.

Important notes on deadlines

• Minimum waiting period: In most federal states, a burial may not take place earlier than 48 hours after death. In North Rhine-Westphalia, this period has been reduced to 24 hours.
• Religious exceptions: In Baden-Wuerttemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia, the minimum waiting period may be shortened for religious reasons (e.g. Islamic or Jewish burial).
• Cremation: After the cremation, you generally have four weeks to six months for the urn interment — depending on the federal state.
• Extension: Under special circumstances (e.g. forensic examination, relatives abroad), an extension can be requested from the public order office (Ordnungsamt).

Further important steps in the first weeks

Once the funeral has been organised, further tasks lie ahead in the following weeks. These include cancelling contracts and subscriptions, notifying the pension insurance (Rentenversicherung), settling the estate, and clarifying any inheritance matters.

Cancel or transfer insurance and contracts

• Life insurance: Notify within 72 hours (some insurers require shorter deadlines)
• Health insurance (Krankenkasse): Cancel promptly
• Liability, household contents, and motor vehicle insurance: Cancel or transfer to the surviving partner
• Accident insurance: Notify within 48 hours if the death was caused by an accident

Tenancy, telephone, and subscriptions

• Tenancy agreement: The tenancy passes to the heirs. A special right of termination exists within one month of becoming aware of the death (Section 580 of the German Civil Code / BGB).
• Telephone and internet: Special right of termination upon presentation of the death certificate (Sterbeurkunde).
• Subscriptions and memberships: Newspapers, streaming services, gym, clubs — cancel all ongoing contracts.

Notify the pension insurance

• Inform the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) of the death.
• If the deceased was receiving a pension, the ongoing pension payments will be stopped. Overpayments will be reclaimed.
• Surviving dependants may apply for a widow's, widower's, or orphan's pension.
• The death certificate (Sterbeurkunde) for the pension insurance is issued by the civil registry office (Standesamt) free of charge.

Compassionate leave

Employees are entitled to paid compassionate leave in the event of a death in the family, in accordance with Section 616 of the German Civil Code (BGB). The exact duration depends on the employment contract or collective agreement:

• Spouse, child, parent: Usually 2 days (under the public sector collective agreement / TVoeD), up to 3 days depending on the collective agreement
• Siblings, grandparents: Often 1 day, depending on the employer
• Without a collective agreement: Section 616 BGB grants a "reasonably short period" — the courts generally assume 1 to 3 days

Speak to your employer early. Many companies show understanding in such situations and grant additional days off.

Clarify inheritance matters

• Will available: Submit the will to the probate court (Nachlassgericht / Amtsgericht). The court opens the will and informs the heirs.
• No will: The statutory order of inheritance applies. To prove your entitlement to inherit, you will need a grant of probate (Erbschein), which you can apply for at the probate court.
• Disclaimer of inheritance: If you do not wish to accept the inheritance (e.g. in the case of debts), you must declare the disclaimer within six weeks.

Once the most pressing formalities have been dealt with, many families consider preserving the memory of their loved one in a lasting way. A digital memorial page can be a place of comfort — a space where family and friends from all over the world can share photographs, memories, and stories.

Grief support — accepting help

Amid all the organisational tasks, do not forget yourself. Grief needs space and time. In our guide coping with grief — the phases of mourning and what truly helps, you can learn more about how to manage your loss. Do not hesitate to seek professional help:

• Telephone counselling (Telefonseelsorge): 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222 (free of charge, 24/7)
• Grief support: Many church communities, hospice associations, and funeral homes offer bereavement groups.
• Psychological counselling: Your family doctor can refer you to a grief counsellor or therapist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to hire a funeral director, or can I organise the funeral myself?

In Germany, there is a legal obligation to bury (Bestattungspflicht): deceased persons must be transferred and buried by a licensed funeral director (Bestattungsunternehmen). A fully private funeral without a funeral director is not permitted by law. However, you may carry out individual tasks yourself — such as selecting the coffin, planning the farewell ceremony, or washing the deceased. You also have free choice regarding the cemetery and the type of burial.

How quickly must a burial take place?

The burial deadline is regulated at the state level in Germany and varies between 4 and 10 days after death, depending on the federal state (Bundesland). The minimum waiting period is 48 hours in most states, and 24 hours in North Rhine-Westphalia. For cremation burials, you generally have four weeks to six months after the cremation to inter the urn. In exceptional cases, an extension can be requested from the public order office (Ordnungsamt).

What does a funeral director cost? Do I have to pay immediately?

Funeral costs in Germany range from approximately 3,500 euros (simple cremation) to over 13,000 euros (elaborate earth burial). This includes the funeral director's services, cemetery fees, coffin or urn, and the farewell ceremony. Immediate payment is generally not required — most funeral directors issue an invoice with a payment term of 14 to 30 days. If the costs are unaffordable, you can apply for a social welfare funeral (Sozialbestattung) through your local social services office.

Who notifies the pension insurance and health insurance?

Notifying the pension insurance (Rentenversicherung) and health insurance (Krankenkasse) is the responsibility of the next of kin. In practice, the funeral director often handles this notification as part of their service — ask them specifically about it. The civil registry office (Standesamt) issues a fee-free death certificate (Sterbeurkunde) for the pension insurance. The health insurer should be notified promptly to stop ongoing contributions.

Can I take my time before the deceased is collected?

Yes. When a person dies at home, you have the right to take time to say goodbye. In most federal states, the transfer must take place within 24 to 36 hours, but a funeral director will generally allow you sufficient time. Ask the funeral director for a specific timeframe and communicate your wishes openly. Laying out the deceased at home (Aufbahrung) is possible and can make the farewell easier.

Summary

• Call a doctor immediately: Without a death certificate (Totenschein), no further steps can be initiated. Family doctor, out-of-hours medical service (116 117), or emergency services (112).
• Engage a funeral director within 24 hours: Obtain at least two cost estimates. Do not allow yourself to be pressured by time.
• Apply for the official death certificate within 3 working days: Order at least seven to eight copies.
• Notify insurers within the required deadlines: Life insurance and accident insurance within 24 to 72 hours.
• Know the burial deadlines: Depending on the federal state, 4 to 10 days for earth burial, 48-hour minimum waiting period.
• Cancel contracts and subscriptions: Tenancy, telephone, insurance, memberships.
• Begin estate settlement: Submit the will or apply for a grant of probate (Erbschein) (note the 6-week deadline for disclaimer of inheritance).
• Apply for compassionate leave: Usually 2 days for closest relatives — clarify with your employer early.
• Look after yourself: Grief support and telephone counselling (Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111) are available to you at any time.

Related Articles

• Funeral costs in Germany 2026 — what to expect
• Burial types compared — earth, cremation, forest, and sea burial
• Social welfare funeral — when the costs are unaffordable
• Sterbegeld and funeral insurance 2026 — what you need to know
• Creating a digital memorial page — preserving memory
• Writing a eulogy — guide and examples
• QR code for the gravestone — how it works
• Finding a funeral director — what to look for
• Funeral attire — what to wear to a burial