Even in the digital age, the classic obituary in the newspaper remains an important element of mourning culture in Germany. A glance at the weekend editions of major daily newspapers shows the entire spectrum: from traditional to modern, from simple to elaborately designed. This guide will help you to find a worthy and suitable form for your advertisement.
Choosing the Right Format
Choosing the format is often the first and most important step. German newspapers have established certain standard sizes. Analysis of obituaries in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, FAZ, and various regional newspapers shows that the three-column format with approximately 180 millimeters in height is the most commonly chosen format. It offers enough space for a photo and detailed text without appearing oversized.
Common formats at a glance:
- Two columns (90-95 mm): Compact, ideal for brief announcements
- Three columns (135-140 mm): The proven standard
- Four columns (180-185 mm): For more extensive family announcements
Visual Language
The choice of imagery has changed significantly over recent decades. While photos were often omitted in the past, a look at current newspapers shows that about 60% of obituaries in German national newspapers now include a photo of the deceased.
Clear technical requirements apply:
- Minimum resolution: 300 dpi for good newspaper print
- Recommended image size: At least 1000x1500 pixels
- High-contrast images for better print quality
Regional Differences
A comparison of obituary pages from different German regions reveals interesting differences in design traditions. In northern German newspapers, you'll more often find simple, text-based announcements. Southern German newspaper obituaries, on the other hand, more frequently feature traditional design elements such as religious symbols.
Contemporary Typography
Modern newspapers' digital pre-press processes now enable a wide selection of highly readable fonts. Proven newspaper fonts like Times New Roman or Georgia ensure optimal readability even at smaller sizes. Analysis of current obituaries shows that font sizes below 9 point are practically never used anymore.
Design Trends
Obituary design continues to evolve. Current trends from major German newspaper obituary pages:
- More white space: Modern announcements work with more generous spacing
- Clear typography: Easily readable fonts instead of ornate letterforms
- Personal elements: Individual symbols complement traditional motifs
- Balanced layout: Harmonious balance between text and image
The Digital Dimension
Traditional newspaper announcements are often now supplemented by digital memorial portals. Unlike print, these can incorporate additional photos, more detailed texts, and interactive elements like online condolence books. However, the basic principles of good design - clarity, dignity, and readability - apply across all media.
Practical Design Guidelines
Analysis of successful obituaries in German daily newspapers reveals several key design principles:
- Use contrast: Dark text on light background ensures best readability
- Create hierarchy: Emphasize important information through size or styling
- Plan white space: Generous spacing improves readability
- Maintain consistency: Uniform style in font choice and design
Looking to the Future
Mourning culture is changing, and with it, the way we say goodbye. Traditional newspaper announcements are now often supplemented or replaced by digital formats. Nevertheless, the fundamental design principles remain constant: An obituary should inform with dignity and provide an appropriate framework for remembering the deceased person.
Free Word Templates and Our Obituary Designer
To help you get started, we offer several free examples and customizable templates for obituaries. These templates can serve as a starting point and can be freely adapted to your wishes.
To make the process of creating a dignified and personalized obituary easier, we also offer a user-friendly obituary designer. This intuitive tool guides you step by step through the design process:
- Easy photo upload
- Text modules as a foundation to build upon
- Many different design options