5 articles
The first death certificate costs around €10 to €12 at the register office (Standesamt) for the place of death — and the death must be reported there within three working days. These formalities can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to manage everything alone and all at once. Here you will find guidance on: applying for a death certificate · claiming funeral costs against tax (the €15,000 estate-costs allowance, Erbfallkostenpauschale, in force since 2025) · the cemetery burial requirement (Friedhofszwang) and state-by-state rules · compassionate leave after a bereavement under § 616 BGB. Many of these tasks can also be handled for you by the funeral director.
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.
Bereavement leave in Germany: 1-3 paid days depending on relationship. Legal basis Section 616 BGB, TVoeD and collective agreements explained. Your rights.
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.