What to do in the event of a death?
A guide to the first hours and days.
Someone has died. Perhaps just now. Perhaps a few hours ago. And suddenly you are faced with a situation for which there is no preparation.
This guide shows you what to do now. Step by step. Without unnecessary bureaucratic language. With what matters now.
You do not want to handle everything on your own?
We take the burden off your shoulders.
Step 1
Have the death officially certified
The first thing to do after a death: A doctor must officially certify the death and issue the death certificate. Without this document, nothing else can be set in motion.
Death at home
Call your family doctor or the medical on-call service. They can be reached on 116 117. You do not need to call the police or an emergency doctor as long as there are no indications of an unnatural death.
Important: In Berlin, you have 36 hours after the death before you need to engage a funeral home. You do not have to act immediately. Take the time you need.
Death in hospital, a nursing home or hospice
In these cases, the medical staff carry out the post-mortem examination and issue the death certificate. You do not need to arrange anything. The hospital or facility will inform you about the next steps.
Step 2
Pause. You have time.
Many people believe they have to take care of everything immediately. That is not true. At home, you have 36 hours before a funeral must be initiated. Use this time for yourselves. For quiet. For the people you want to call. For a first, real farewell.
You do not have to hand over the deceased person immediately. If you would like to stay with them a little longer: that is possible. We will only come when you are ready.
So that one day you can look back with a warm feeling—sad, yes, but also beautiful. Exactly as your loved one deserved.
Step 3
Contact a funeral home
The call
The next step is to engage a funeral home. You can do this even in the middle of the night. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What happens when you call us:
- We organise the transfer of the deceased person throughout Berlin.
- We arrange an initial appointment—at your home (discreetly) or at our atelier—whenever you are ready, to discuss the next steps.
The first meeting
The first meeting is not about contracts. It is about the person you have lost.
We listen. We ask who he or she was. What mattered. What does not fit. Together we find a form of farewell that suits your loved one.
Only then do we discuss the practical matters: type of funeral, place, date, costs. All at your pace.
Do you need help with the funeral?
Call us for an initial conversation.
Step 4
Official procedures and formalities
There are a few things that need to be taken care of in the first days. We take care of most of them for you.
What you need to do yourselves
- Apply for the death certificate at the registry office (we prepare the documents)
- Personally inform close family and friends
- Secure the will, if there is one
What we take care of for you
- Registration with the registry office and applying for death certificates
- Deregistration with the health insurance fund, pension insurance and authorities
- Coordination with the crematorium, cemetery or natural burial provider
- Cancellation of contracts and subscriptions on request
Step 5
What may come next
If you are already looking for guidance, you will find further information on these pages:
- An overview of types of funeral
- Funeral costs in Berlin
- Saying goodbye to the deceased person
- Planning the funeral service
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about saying goodbye
What is the very first thing I need to do if someone has died at home?
Call your family doctor or the medical on-call service (116 117). The doctor will issue the death certificate. You only need to call the police if the cause of death is unclear.
Do I have to call a funeral home immediately?
No. In Berlin, you have 36 hours after the death. Use this time for yourselves. We will only come when you are ready. There is no time pressure with us.
What if someone has died in hospital?
The hospital carries out the post-mortem examination and informs you. You can then engage a funeral director of your choice. We collect the deceased person directly from the hospital. Call us: Tel. 01520 958 70 51.
Can we say goodbye to the deceased person once more?
Yes. At home, in our farewell room, or in hospital. How and where you say goodbye is up to you. We will explain all options in the first conversation: Tel. 01520 958 70 51.
How much does a funeral cost in Berlin?
That depends on the type of funeral and your wishes. On our funeral costs page you will find an overview. Speak to us directly. We provide transparent advice without pressure: Tel. 01520 958 70 51.