Introduction
We understand that you may be going through one of the most difficult periods of your life. The loss of a loved one leaves a void that is hard to put into words. In such moments, many families search for a place where the memory can remain alive -- not only at the grave, but wherever they happen to be.
Creating a digital memorial page (digitale Gedenkseite) means establishing a permanent place of remembrance that is accessible from anywhere in the world. Photos, videos, personal stories and shared memories find a dignified home here -- regardless of whether a physical grave exists or not.
This article is intended for all those who have lost a loved one and are looking for a way to preserve the memory. We explain what a digital memorial page is, what advantages it offers, how various platforms compare and how you can set up your own memorial page in just a few steps. Particularly when a woodland burial (Waldbestattung), sea burial (Seebestattung) or anonymous burial has been chosen -- that is, burial types without a traditional gravestone -- a digital memorial page provides an invaluable anchor of remembrance.
On Kinmory you can create a personal memorial page -- with photos, videos and the life story of your loved one.
What is a digital memorial page?
A digital memorial page (digitale Gedenkseite) is a personal website dedicated to the memory of a deceased person. Family members and friends can collect and share photos, videos, texts and memories there -- from any location in the world, at any time, using a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Unlike a traditional newspaper obituary, which is forgotten within a few days, a digital memorial page remains permanently accessible. It is not a replacement for the grave at the cemetery, but rather a complement -- a living place of remembrance that can grow over time. New photos, stories and reflections can be added at any point.
Typical content of a digital memorial page
- Photo gallery: Images from different stages of life -- from childhood through to the last shared moments
- Videos: Recordings from family celebrations, holidays or personal messages
- Life story: A biography that does not merely list dates, but brings the person to life
- Condolence book (Kondolenzbuch): Friends and family can leave personal words of remembrance
- Important dates: Birthday, date of death, special anniversaries
In a society where families often live across different cities or even countries, a digital memorial page offers a shared meeting point. The granddaughter in Munich, the brother in Hamburg, the friend in Canada -- all can pause and remember in the same place.
Why create a digital memorial page?
A digital memorial page offers advantages that a physical grave alone cannot provide. It is permanent, communal, versatile and complements every type of burial -- whether earth burial, cremation, woodland burial or sea burial. For burial types without a gravestone, it is often the only lasting place of remembrance.
Permanent -- without an expiry date
The grave usage right (Grabnutzungsrecht) in Germany is time-limited: in most municipalities it amounts to 20 to 30 years. After that, the usage right must be renewed -- or the grave is levelled. A digital memorial page has no such expiry date. The memory endures for as long as the platform exists.
Communal -- accessible from anywhere
Family and friends can share memories regardless of where they live. Whether in the same city or on another continent, access to the memorial page is available at all times. Several family members can jointly add content and maintain the page together.
Versatile -- more than a name on stone
A gravestone bears a name, date of birth and date of death. A digital memorial page can tell infinitely more: holiday photographs, a video from the last birthday, favourite music, handwritten letters as scans, the story of a life in one's own words.
Particularly valuable for certain burial types
| Burial Type | Physical place of remembrance? | Digital memorial page recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Earth burial (Wahlgrab -- chosen plot) | Yes, with gravestone | Yes -- as a complement |
| Earth burial (Reihengrab -- assigned plot) | Yes, limited | Yes -- as a complement |
| Cremation with urn burial | Yes, with grave plaque | Yes -- as a complement |
| Woodland burial (Waldbestattung) | No, gravestone not permitted | Highly recommended -- often the only place of remembrance |
| Sea burial (Seebestattung) | No, no grave site | Highly recommended -- the only fixed place of remembrance |
| Anonymous burial (Anonyme Bestattung) | No, no marker | Essential -- the only means of remembrance |
| Columbarium (Kolumbarium) | Yes, urn plaque | Yes -- as a complement |
In Germany, approximately 80% of all burials are now carried out as cremation burials (Feuerbestattungen) (Source: RAL-Guetegemeinschaft Feuerbestattungsanlagen, 2023). Around 25% of Germans express a preference for woodland burial -- a burial type where no gravestone is permitted. For all these families, a digital memorial page is frequently the only permanent place of remembrance.
Comparing digital memorial platforms -- what matters
When choosing a platform for your digital memorial page, four factors are decisive: cost, range of features, long-term availability and ease of use. Not every provider offers the same -- a comparison is worthwhile.
If you wish to create a digital memorial page, several platforms are available to you. The differences lie in the details:
| Criterion | Basic providers | Extended providers | Kinmory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic cost | Low | Higher | See kinmory.com |
| Photo gallery | Often limited (5-10 images) | Extended | Unlimited |
| Videos | Rarely possible | In some cases | Yes, included |
| QR code for gravestone | No | In some cases (surcharge) | Yes, included |
| Family sharing | Limited | Yes | Yes, multiple contributors |
| Password protection | In some cases | Yes | Yes |
| Modern design | Often outdated | Varies | Modern and dignified |
| Long-term availability | Unclear | Tied to payment | Permanently accessible |
Worth knowing: On Kinmory you can create a personal memorial page with a photo gallery, videos, QR code integration and family sharing. The memory remains permanently preserved -- details about features can be found on kinmory.com.
What to look for when choosing a provider
- Cost and transparency: Which features are included? Are there hidden fees?
- Long-term availability: What happens to the page in 10, 20 or 50 years? How does the provider sustain itself in the long term?
- Data protection: Where is the data stored? Who has access? Does the provider comply with the GDPR (DSGVO)?
- Ease of use: Can someone without technical experience create and maintain the page?
- Content variety: Can you upload videos, texts and other media in addition to photos?
Step by step: Creating a memorial page
A digital memorial page can be set up in just a few minutes -- no technical knowledge is required. Below, we show you the process using Kinmory as an example, as the platform is available in German and is particularly straightforward to use.
Step 1: Set up the memorial page
Visit the Kinmory platform and select "Create memorial page". You can begin immediately -- registration is not required at the outset. Enter the name of the deceased person along with the date of birth and date of death.
Step 2: Upload photos and videos
Upload images from different stages of life. Childhood photographs, wedding pictures, holiday snapshots, the last Christmas together -- each image tells part of the story. Short video recordings can also be added.
Tip: You do not need to upload everything at once. The memorial page can be supplemented at any time. Ask other family members to contribute their photographs as well.
Step 3: Life story and personal words
Write a personal text about the life of your loved one. This does not need to be a polished essay -- a few honest sentences about who this person was, what made them special and what you miss most can be deeply moving.
Step 4: Share with family and friends
Share the link to the memorial page with family and friends. You can invite several persons as co-contributors, so that siblings, children or close friends can also add their own memories.
Step 5: Choose privacy settings
Decide who may view the memorial page:
- Public: Visible to everyone -- helpful when distant acquaintances or former colleagues also wish to pay their respects
- Password-protected: Only for persons with the password -- when you wish to keep the memories within the closest circle
- Private: Only for invited family members
Step 6 (optional): QR code for the gravestone
If a physical grave exists, you can create a QR code for the gravestone. Cemetery visitors scan the code with their smartphone and are taken directly to the digital memorial page -- with photos, videos and the full life story. In this way, you connect the physical place of remembrance with the digital memory.
QR code for the gravestone -- connecting the physical and the digital
A QR code on the gravestone connects the physical resting place (Ruhestatte) with the digital memory. Visitors scan the weatherproof code with their smartphone and immediately see the memorial page with photos, videos and memories -- far more than could ever fit on a gravestone.
This concept is becoming increasingly popular in Germany, as it extends the cemetery visit with a personal dimension. The QR code is attached as a small, weatherproof plaque on the gravestone or the grave surround.
Read more in our detailed article: QR code for the gravestone -- digital remembrance at the grave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kinmory offer for a digital memorial page?
Kinmory is a platform for digital memorial pages (digitale Gedenkseiten) featuring a photo gallery, videos, a condolence book (Kondolenzbuch) and QR code integration. Details about the available features and pricing can be found on kinmory.com.
Who can see the memorial page?
You decide who has access. Most platforms offer three levels: public (visible to everyone), password-protected (accessible only with a code) or private (only for invited persons). You can change the setting at any time.
Can I make changes to the memorial page after it has been created?
Yes. A digital memorial page is a living place of remembrance. You can add new photos, write additional texts or adjust the design at any time. Even years after the initial creation, further memories can be added -- for example, when an old photo album turns up whilst sorting through belongings.
What happens to the memorial page in 50 years?
The long-term availability depends on the provider and their business model. Reputable platforms communicate transparently how permanent access is ensured. By comparison, a grave usage right (Grabnutzungsrecht) in Germany is typically limited to 20 to 30 years and must then be renewed at additional cost.
Can I create a QR code for the gravestone?
Yes. On some platforms, including Kinmory, QR code creation for the gravestone is available. You can order the generated QR code as a weatherproof plaque and attach it to the gravestone or the grave surround. Cemetery visitors scan the code and see the digital memorial page directly on their smartphone. Read more in our article QR code for the gravestone.
Summary
- A digital memorial page (digitale Gedenkseite) is a personal website for remembrance, where photos, videos, texts and memories are collected.
- It complements the physical grave and is particularly valuable for burial types without a gravestone (woodland burial, sea burial, anonymous burial).
- Unlike a grave usage right (Grabnutzungsrecht, 20-30 years), a digital memorial page has no expiry date.
- In Germany, approximately 80% of all burials are carried out as cremation burials (Feuerbestattungen) -- an increasing number of families no longer have a traditional gravestone.
- When choosing a provider, cost, long-term availability, data protection and range of features are the decisive factors.
- A memorial page can be set up in just a few minutes -- no technical knowledge is required.
- A QR code on the gravestone connects the physical resting place with the digital memory.
Further Reading
- QR code for the gravestone -- digital remembrance at the grave
- Woodland burial: procedure, costs and what you should know
- Burial types in Germany compared -- which burial is right?
- Cemetery obligation in Germany -- what the law requires
- Writing a eulogy -- guide and examples
- Online condolences -- digital condolence book and virtual sympathy
- Memorial days in Germany -- Totensonntag, All Saints and more