The main purpose of a death notice in the newspaper is to inform relatives and friends in the region about the death. However, the cost of a traditional newspaper obituary is often surprisingly high.
Main Factors: Colors, Size, Circulation
Obituary costs depend on various aspects, including the size of the advertisement, whether it is printed in color or black and white, and the circulation of the newspaper in which it is published. A small, black and white obituary in a local newspaper can be available for as little as 60 euros, while a larger, color obituary in a national newspaper can cost several hundred to a thousand euros.
Other Factors: Day of the Week, Special Services, Express Charges
The day of the week on which the ad is published can also have an influence on the price. In many newspapers, the cost of ads published on a Saturday is higher, as circulation and readership tend to be higher on this day.
Additional services such as professional design assistance, proofreading or translations may also incur additional costs.
If an obituary needs to be published very quickly, rush charges may apply. Some newspapers charge a fee for publishing an obituary with a short lead time.
If you plan to publish the obituary in several newspapers or several times in the same newspaper, volume discounts may be available. However, placing the obituary in several publications generally increases the overall costs.
National Newspapers
The cost of an obituary in national newspapers can be considerably higher. Prices can quickly rise into the four-figure range, and an obituary in a major daily newspaper can cost up to 2,000 euros.
Local Newspapers
In local newspapers, obituary costs are usually lower. A small advert can cost around 60 euros on average, while larger obituaries can cost more than 100 euros.
Two Tips for Saving Money:
- Some newspapers give smaller discounts for long-term subscribers. Check with your newspaper and be persistent!
- Most newspapers offer up to 50% discount on subsequent thank you ads.
Some Price Examples for an "Average Obituary"
Obituary with approx. 140mm height in black and white – all information without guarantee!
National Daily Newspapers
| Newspaper | Price (approx.) – Without Guarantee |
|---|---|
| Die Welt | 1500€ - 2000€ |
| Die Zeit | 2500€ |
| Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung | 2380€ |
| Handelsblatt | 2000€ |
| Süddeutsche Zeitung | 2300€ (Complete Edition) 1600€ (Bavaria Edition) |
| taz – die tageszeitung | 1100€ |
Regional Daily Newspapers
| Newspaper | Price (approx.) – Without Guarantee |
|---|---|
| Aachener Zeitung | 3650€ (Complete Edition) 730€ (Regional Edition) |
| Allgäuer Zeitung | 830€ (Complete Edition) |
| Augsburger Allgemeine | 2970€ (Complete Edition) 1240€ (Main Edition Augsburg) |
| Badische Neueste Nachrichten | 980€ (Complete Edition) 760€ (Main Edition) |
| Berliner Zeitung | 1320€ |
| Bonner General-Anzeiger | 780€ |
| Donaukurier | 850€ |
| Elbe-Jeetzel-Zeitung | 400€ - 600€ |
| Emder Zeitung | 700€ |
| Frankenpost | 950€ |
| Freies Wort | 800€ |
| Gießener Allgemeine | 1100€ |
| Goslarsche Zeitung | 500€ - 800€ |
| Hamburger Abendblatt | 1500€ |
| Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung | 1200€ |
| Heilbronner Stimme | 850€ |
| Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger | 1600€ |
| Leipziger Volkszeitung | 1400€ |
| Main-Post | 1300€ |
| Märkische Allgemeine | 750€ - 1000€ |
| Mitteldeutsche Zeitung | 900€ |
| Münsterland Zeitung | 750€ |
| Münstersche Zeitung | 620€ (Main Edition Münster) |
| Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung | 1100€ |
| Nordwest-Zeitung | 1050€ |
| Rheinische Post | 1200€ |
| Stuttgarter Zeitung | 1350€ |
| Sächsische Zeitung | 1764€ |
| Westfälische Nachrichten | 2750€ (Complete Edition) |
| Wiesbadener Kurier | 1300€ |
Cost-Effective Alternative: Digital Obituary
The modern alternative to the newspaper ad is a Digital Obituary from obituary.design. You can create a personal and dignified announcement that is also accessible to people without an expensive newspaper subscription.
Our user-friendly interface allows you to customize and personalize your ad. Add a photo of the deceased and create a tasteful announcement from a selection of text and image templates. In addition, our platform offers the option to share the notice with friends and family - they can express their condolences in the online condolence book if they wish.
At €35, an online obituary is significantly cheaper than a printed advertisement in a newspaper.
Also check out our simple, free downloadable obituary Word templates.
More Information
Frequently Asked Questions About the Costs of Obituaries
When Do I Need to Submit an Obituary at the Latest?
For publication in a daily newspaper, you should typically submit the notice at least 2–3 business days before the desired publication date. For shorter notice, rush fees of €20–50 may apply.
Are There Cheaper Days for Publication?
Yes, obituaries published on Saturdays are usually 20–30% more expensive than during the week. The cheapest days are often Monday through Thursday. Some newspapers also offer discounted rates for specific weekdays.
What Discounts Are Available for Obituaries?
Many newspapers offer the following discounts:
- 10–15% subscriber discount
- 40–50% discount on thank-you notices
- Bulk discount for publication in multiple regional editions
- Special rates for funeral homes
What Is More Cost-Effective: A Large Obituary or Several Small Ones?
Generally, a single large obituary is more cost-effective than several small notices with the same total area. Many newspapers charge a higher per-millimeter rate for smaller ads.
Cost-Effective Alternative: Digital Obituaries
A dignified obituary doesn’t have to be expensive. With a digital obituary for just €35, you not only save costs but also reach people who don’t have an expensive newspaper subscription. A wide selection of text suggestions and templates helps you find the right words.
Tip: Check out our free Word templates for obituaries.