Two important ways to honor the deceased and announce their passing are the death notice and the obituary. Although both play a role in the context of mourning, they differ in several key aspects. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of these differences.
Death Notice: The Formal Announcement
A death notice is primarily a formal announcement of a person's passing. Its main purpose is to inform a wider circle of people about the loss and provide practical details.
- Typical contents: Name of the deceased, dates of birth and death, information about the funeral or memorial service, names of surviving family members
- Format and length: Short and concise, often no longer than a quarter or half of a newspaper page
- Where it appears: Traditionally in daily newspapers, increasingly also on special online platforms
- Author: Usually created by close relatives or the funeral home on behalf of the family
Obituary: The Detailed Tribute
An obituary goes beyond mere announcement and offers a more comprehensive tribute to the deceased and their life.
- Typical contents: Biography, professional achievements, personal anecdotes, character traits, contribution to society
- Format and length: Significantly longer than a death notice, can span several paragraphs or even pages
- Where it appears: Newspapers, magazines, online media, special memorial pages
- Author: Journalists, colleagues, friends, or family members with a deeper connection to the deceased
Main Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Death Notice | Obituary |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Information and announcement | Tribute and remembrance |
| Length | Short | Detailed |
| Content | Facts and practical information | Life story and personal details |
| Tone | Formal | Personal to journalistic |
| Timing | Immediately after death | Can appear later |
When to Choose Which Format?
A death notice is appropriate when:
- You want to quickly inform a wide circle of people
- You want to communicate practical details about the funeral
- You prefer a formal announcement
An obituary is more suitable when:
- You want to extensively honor the life and work of the deceased
- The deceased was a well-known personality
- You want to share personal stories and memories
Digital Possibilities
Our online platform offers you the possibility to combine death notices and obituaries. You can create a death notice that also contains elements of an obituary. The advantages of digital formats are:
- Easy creation and quick distribution
- Ability to include photos and videos
- Interactive elements such as online condolence books
- Flexibility in length and design
- Long-term availability as a digital memorial
Create a digital death notice here