Cremation in Berlin: A modern form of farewell

Legal framework and regulations in Berlin

Cremation in Germany is subject to clear legal requirements, which are also strictly observed in Berlin. Important aspects include:

• Friedhofszwang: The ashes must be buried in an official cemetery or an approved burial ground. Free Dispersion of Ashes is not allowed in Berlin.
• Waiting time until cremation: At least 48 hours After death.
• Second morgue: A medical officer checks the cause of death again before cremation.

Who can order a cremation?

The Order of Authorized Persons:

1. Spouses or registered partners
2. Kids
3. parents
4. Siblings
5. Other close relatives or people with a special personal connection

Documents required:

• Death Certificate (issued by the registry office)
• Cremation permit (by relatives or a notarial declaration of intent from the deceased)

Types of cremations and their peculiarities

Cremation offers various burial options:

• Anonymous cremation: Burial in a community area without individual identification. Several cemeteries in Berlin offer this form. Important: Relatives are usually not allowed to be present.
• Tree burial: The urn is buried at the roots of a tree. Possible in Berlin, for example on the Gruenau Forest Cemetery Or the Baumschulenweg cemetery.
• Burial at sea: Burial in a water-soluble urn in the Baltic Sea or North Sea. Departure usually from Rostock or Travemünde. Requires approval
• Columbarium burial: Storage of the urn in an urn wall with a name plate. In Berlin, among other things, possible on the Urnenfriedhof Gerichtstraße.
• Ash Scattering: Not allowed in Berlin, but possible in special areas in Brandenburg or abroad.

Comparison: Cremation vs. Burial

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Ecological Aspects of Cremation

• CO₂ emissions: Cremation uses energy, but less than long-term grave care.
• Sustainable urns: Biodegradable urns made from wood, salt or pressed soil are environmentally friendly alternatives.
• Innovative processes:
  
  • Resomation (alkaline hydrolysis) As an environmentally friendly alternative to cremation.
  • Not yet approved in Germany, but already in use in other countries.

Urn grave types in Berlin

Cemeteries in Berlin offer various types of burial for urn burials. Depending on your wishes, there are individual design options and different care requirements.

Grave of Ballot — The Flexible Resting Place

• Free choice of location Within the Cemetery
• Several urns possible — ideal as a family grave
• Longer use time of 20 - 25 years, extendable
• Freedom of Design: individual plants & tombstones

Urn Row Grave — The Inexpensive Alternative

• Fixed Assignment The Grave Site by the Cemetery Administration
• Only one urn per grave permitted
• Duration of use: 15 - 20 years, no extension possible
• Limited design options, but still a dignified resting place

Pflegegrab — The supervised resting place

• Permanent grave care Through the Cemetery or a Nursery
• Planting With Ground Covers and Seasonal Flowers
• funding Usually through cemetery fees or an escrow account

Anonymous Urn Grave — Resting Place Without Marking

• No tombstone, no cross, instead a simple lawn
• Vantage: No grave maintenance required
• Drawback: No individual place of mourning for relatives

Semi-anonymous urn grave — commemoration with name tag

• Names of the Deceased On a Stele or Memorial Plaque
• storage option for flowers and candles
• Exact grave remains anonymous

Urn niches & columbarium — Maintenance-free alternatives

• Urn Niches In a Lockable Stele or Urn Wall
• columbarium As a covered complex with individual memorial plaques
• More and more cemeteries in Berlin are offering this form

Design and Maintenance of Urn Graves

An urn grave can be individually and lovingly designed. The Choice of Plants and Tombstones Depends on Cemetery Rules

• Planting: Seasonal Flowers or Easy-Care Ground Covers
• grave ornaments: candles, personal keepsakes, subtle decorations
• Tombstones: From simple natural stones to artistic tombs — compliance with the respective cemetery regulations is important

Choosing the right type of grave can be challenging. That is why we are always available to advise you so that together we can find the best solution for your needs. Our team is Available for you 24/7 — Give us a call and let us advise you without obligation.