The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in life. In the first few hours and days, important decisions have to be made and administrative matters dealt with. This guide will help you to keep an overview.
Immediate Measures In The First Few Hours
If a person dies, these are the first steps to take:
- Call a doctor or the medical on-call service (nationwide: 116 117) to determine the death. In the event of sudden death or an accident, call the emergency number 112.
- The doctor will issue a death certificate, which you will need for all further steps.
- In the event of a death in hospital or a nursing home, the staff will take the first organizational steps.
The First 24 Hours
Contact A Funeral Director
If possible, a funeral director should be contacted within the first 24 hours. The funeral director will take care of many organizational tasks:
- Transferring the deceased
- Advice on funeral arrangements and options
- Assistance with official matters
- Organization of the funeral service
Compiling Important Documents
If possible, you should bring the following documents with you to the first meeting with the funeral director:
- Identity card of the deceased
- Birth certificate
- For married couples: Marriage certificate or family register
- For divorced persons: Divorce decree
- For widowed persons: Death certificate of the spouse
- Health insurance card
- If available: Funeral provision contract
24-48 Hours
Appointment And Initial Discussions
- Detailed discussion with the funeral director to plan the funeral
- Clarification of the desired form of burial (burial or cremation)
- Select a grave site (if one does not yet exist)
- Discuss the first draft of the obituary
Important Notifications
Inform them during this time:
- Close relatives and friends in person or by telephone
- The employer of the deceased
- If applicable, your own employer (special leave for relatives)
- Landlord or property management company
Important Documents And Records
Documents Required By The Authorities
These documents will be important in the coming days:
- Will (if available)
- Insurance policies (especially life and death benefit insurance policies)
- Pension certificate or pension number
- Account documents
- Memberships in associations or organizations
Support And Assistance
Professional Support
Don't be afraid to accept help or actively ask for it:
- Funeral directors will guide you through the entire organizational process
- Pastors or grief counselors offer emotional support
- GP can issue a certificate of incapacity for work if required
- Friends and family can take on practical tasks
Preparing The Next Steps
There are other important decisions to be made in the coming days:
- Organization of the funeral service (secular or religious)
- Text and design of the obituary
- Choice of flower arrangements and music
- Organization of the funeral service and a possible gathering after the funeral
Take the time you need to make all the decisions. The funeral home will help you to meet all the necessary deadlines.
Further links
- Federal Association of German Funeral Directors
- Simply design your obituary with our intuitive tool
- Article: Guide to the design of obituaries
- Article: Obituary vs. obituary: The most important differences
- Article: What does an obituary in the newspaper cost?
- Article: How do I formulate a message of thanks?