A funeral advertisement in the newspaper costs between 60 euros and 2,500 euros - depending on the size, newspaper and design. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn all the important price factors, specific example prices and valuable tips for saving money on your funeral advertisement.
The Most Important Facts at a Glance
- Local newspapers: €60–€500 for standard notices
- Regional newspapers: €500–€1,500 depending on circulation area
- National newspapers: €1,500–€2,500 for nationwide reach
- Main cost factors: Ad size, color, circulation, and publication day
- Savings potential: Up to 50% through discounts and smart planning
What Determines the Cost of a Death Notice?
The final price for a death notice is determined by six main factors:
- Ad size: Billed by millimeters in height × column width. Every centimeter less saves real money.
- Color design: Color ads cost 30–50% more than black and white. Partial color (e.g., just the border) is a good compromise.
- Circulation area: Local, regional, or national newspaper—the reach determines the base price.
- Publication day: Saturday is 20–30% more expensive than other weekdays. Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the cheapest.
- Additional services: Design assistance (€50–€150), express surcharge (25–50% extra), online publication (€30–€100 extra).
- Multiple placements: For several newspapers or dates, there are often 10–20% package discounts—be sure to ask!
Typical Price Ranges (Reference Values 2025)
Costs vary greatly depending on the newspaper and the factors mentioned above. Here are rough guidelines:
- Local/Regional newspapers: Small black-and-white notices start at €60–€100. Larger formats or color ads quickly cost €300–€800.
- National newspapers (nationwide): Standard sizes range from €1,500 to €2,500, depending on newspaper and design.
Cost Examples for Death Notices in Newspapers
For comparison, here is a black-and-white death notice with a height of approx. 140mm—a commonly chosen format. The prices listed are estimates and for orientation only (all information without guarantee).
National Daily Newspapers
| Newspaper | Price (approx.) – without guarantee |
|---|---|
| Die Welt | €1,500 – €2,000 |
| Die Zeit | €2,500 |
| Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung | €2,380 |
| Handelsblatt | €2,000 |
| Süddeutsche Zeitung | €2,300 (full edition) €1,600 (Bavaria edition) |
| taz – die tageszeitung | €1,100 |
Regional Daily Newspapers
| Newspaper | Price (approx.) – without guarantee |
|---|---|
| Aachener Zeitung | €3,650 (full edition) €730 (regional edition) |
| Allgäuer Zeitung | €830 (full edition) |
| Augsburger Allgemeine | €2,970 (full edition) €1,240 (main edition Augsburg) |
| Badische Neueste Nachrichten | €980 (full edition) €760 (main edition) |
| Berliner Zeitung | €1,320 |
| Bonner General-Anzeiger | €780 |
| Donaukurier | €850 |
| Elbe-Jeetzel-Zeitung | €400 – €600 |
| Emder Zeitung | €700 |
| Frankenpost | €950 |
| Freies Wort | €800 |
| Gießener Allgemeine | €1,100 |
| Goslarsche Zeitung | €500 – €800 |
| Hamburger Abendblatt | €1,500 |
| Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung | €1,200 |
| Heilbronner Stimme | €850 |
| Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger | €1,600 |
| Leipziger Volkszeitung | €1,400 |
| Main-Post | €1,300 |
| Märkische Allgemeine | €750 – €1,000 |
| Mitteldeutsche Zeitung | €900 |
| Münsterland Zeitung | €750 |
| Münstersche Zeitung | €620 (main edition Münster) |
| Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung | €1,100 |
| Nordwest-Zeitung | €1,050 |
| Rheinische Post | €1,200 |
| Stuttgarter Zeitung | €1,350 |
| Sächsische Zeitung | €1,764 |
| Westfälische Nachrichten | €2,750 (full edition) |
| Wiesbadener Kurier | €1,300 |
How to Save on Death Notices
With these proven strategies, you can save several hundred euros:
- Subscriber discount: 10–20% off for newspaper subscribers (deceased or relatives)—be sure to ask!
- Thank-you combo: Book death notice + later thank-you notice together = up to 50% off the second notice.
- Weekday advantage: Choose Wednesday instead of Saturday and save 20–30% with almost the same reach.
- Optimize format: Smaller size and black-and-white instead of color—often saves 30–50% of total costs.
- Book via funeral director: Many funeral homes have special contract rates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Placing Death Notices in Newspapers
How much lead time do I need for a death notice?
Plan at least 1–2 working days before your desired publication date. For weekend editions, often 2–4 days are needed. With an express surcharge (€20–€50), it can sometimes be done more quickly—ask the publisher directly.
What is the difference between a death notice and an obituary?
Death notice: Paid for and designed by relatives, appears in the classified section.
Obituary: Editorial article by the newspaper, free of charge, usually only for people of public interest.
See also our article: Death Notice vs. Obituary.
What information must be included in a death notice?
Required: Name of the deceased, date of death, place and time of the funeral.
Optional: Date of birth, photo, personal quote, names of surviving relatives, donation notice instead of flowers.
One large or several small notices – which is more cost-effective?
A larger notice is usually more cost-efficient than several small ones. Many newspapers have a minimum price or charge a higher price per millimeter for very small ads. Exception: Different local editions for different family members' places of residence.
Can I still change the notice afterwards?
Changes are possible up to the ad deadline (usually 1–2 days before publication). After that, only in exceptional cases and for a fee. Always insist on a proof before final approval.
Low-Cost Alternative: The Digital Obituary / Death Notice
In contrast to the often high costs of a newspaper notice, a digital death notice offers a dignified and affordable way to inform about a bereavement—for only €35. You can reach relatives and friends directly online, regardless of location. Our integrated wording aids help you find the right words.
Tip: Also use our free Word templates for death notices to design your newspaper notice.
More Useful Information
- Article: What is the difference between a death notice and an obituary?
- Article: How much does a funeral cost?
- Inspiration: We collect the most beautiful death notices from our directory
- Guide: How to create a tasteful death notice?
- Situation in Switzerland: Costs for a death notice in the newspaper