🕯️ Checklist: Todesfall — What to Do

From the death certificate via the Erbschein to account closure — important steps in the event of death.

German terms

Todesfall Sterbeurkunde Erbschein Nachlassgericht Bestattung Totenschein

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Call a doctor — obtain Totenschein Required

Totenschein / Leichenschauschein

If death occurs at home: call your family doctor or emergency medical service (116 117). The doctor issues the Totenschein (medical certificate of death). Costs are paid by the estate.

Arrange a Bestattungsunternehmen (funeral home) Required

Bestattungsunternehmen / Bestattungspflicht

Within 24-36 hours (depending on the state). The funeral home handles transportation and assists with formalities. Compare prices! Costs: €3,000-10,000 (burial/cremation).

Request Sterbeurkunde from registry office (at least 5 copies) Required

Sterbeurkunde / Standesamt

Within 3 business days at the registry office (Standesamt) of the place of death. Order several certified copies (bank, insurance, landlord each need one). Cost: approx. €12 per copy.

Notify insurers (life insurance within 48 hours!) Required

Lebensversicherung / Sterbegeldversicherung

Life insurance: notify IMMEDIATELY (48-hour deadline in many policies!). Cancel health insurance, liability, household, and vehicle insurance. Check for burial insurance.

Notify employer (final salary, occupational pension) Required

Arbeitgeber / Sterbegeld

Notify employer immediately. Claim final salary, possibly occupational pension and burial benefit. Secure employment contract and final pay statements.

Apply for Erbschein (at the Nachlassgericht) Optional

Erbschein / Nachlassgericht / Erbausschlagung

At the district court (Nachlassgericht) of the deceased's last place of residence. Required for bank accounts and property register. Costs depend on estate value. If there is a will: await its opening. Deadline to disclaim inheritance: 6 weeks!

Bank accounts: present Sterbeurkunde, check powers of attorney Required

Bankvollmacht / Nachlassbankkonto

Notify bank with Sterbeurkunde. Account is not automatically frozen. Allow ongoing payments (rent, insurance) to continue until inheritance is settled. Power of attorney or Erbschein required.

Notify pension insurance (apply for widow/widower pension) Required

Witwenrente / Waisenrente / Sterbevierteljahr

Notify Deutsche Rentenversicherung (0800 1000 4800). Sterbevierteljahr: 3 months full pension. Widow/widower pension: small (25%) or large (55%). Application possible within 12 months retrospectively.

Apartment: terminate lease or take over Required

Mietvertrag / Sonderkündigungsrecht

Heirs enter into the lease agreement. Right to terminate with 1 month notice within 1 month of becoming aware. Spouse/partner have right of succession.