Burial in Germany: The traditional form of farewell

Burial in the ground is one of the oldest and most widespread types of burial in Germany. It is generally carried out in a wooden coffin. In special cases - for religious reasons, for example - exceptions can be granted at certain cemeteries. The resting period is usually 20 years, but can vary depending on the federal state and cemetery.

Burial in a grave offers relatives the opportunity to create a dignified place of remembrance. The grave can be individually designed - from simple lawn graves to elaborately maintained family graves.

Individual choice of grave with or without maintenance

There are numerous types of grave available for burial. The classic options are elective graves, where the location and size can be freely chosen, or row graves, which are allocated in sequence. As a rule, these graves must be maintained by the next of kin. However, many cemeteries offer maintenance-free options where the grave is looked after by the administration - ideal for families who live further away or have little time to look after the grave.

Organisation options for the funeral service

The funeral service for a burial can be either secular or religiously orientated. There is room for individual rituals and personal farewell words. It is also possible to dispense with a ceremony altogether - depending on the wishes of the relatives or the deceased. Despite its traditional form, this flexibility makes burial in the ground also suitable for modern ideas.

Assumption of costs by the social welfare office

If the financial situation does not allow you to pay for a funeral yourself, entitled surviving dependants can apply for support from the relevant social welfare office or immigration authority. This applies in particular if there is no estate or no dependants. We will be happy to advise you personally and free of charge on the requirements and help you with the application.

Overview: Types of burial in Germany

• Burial in the ground: Traditional burial in a wooden coffin with individual grave care or care-free option.

• Cremation: Cremation with urn burial; cost-effective and flexible.

• Burial at sea: Urn is buried on the high seas; only possible after cremation.

• Tree burial: Urn burial in the root area of a tree, e.g. in a cemetery forest.

• Anonymous burial: Burial without naming or public ceremony.

• Natural burial (abroad): Urn is scattered in nature - prohibited in Germany, but possible in Switzerland, for example.