Decomposition: Decomposition process after death

The most important things at a glance

Decomposition is a natural process of decomposition that begins after death.
Temperature, humidity, and burial type influence the rate of decay.
Decomposition takes place in several phases from autolysis to skeletonization.
Rotting causes gas formation, skin discoloration and intense odor.
Insects such as maggots accelerate the breakdown of tissue.
Coffins and soil conditions significantly influence the decay period.
Under certain conditions, wax corpses or mummified bodies are produced.
Cremation prevents rotting as the body turns to ash.

What is rotting?

Decomposition is a natural biological process in which a deceased body gradually decomposes. It takes place in several phases and is influenced by various internal and external factors.

Definition and process:

After death, the body begins to decompose itself.
The body's own enzymes and bacteria trigger initial changes (autolysis and putrefaction).
The speed can vary due to external factors such as temperature, humidity and soil conditions.

Distinction from other processes:

Mummification: Dehydration of the body prevents decomposition.
Wax formation: Occurs under certain environmental conditions that inhibit decay.

When does decay begin?

Decomposition begins immediately after death, but takes place in several phases. The exact timing depends on various factors.

First changes after death:

Within minutes to hours:

The body starts to cool down (Algor Mortis).
The first chemical processes start, which lead to autolysis.
Dead spots are caused by blood sinking (Livor Mortis).

After a few hours to days:

Rigor corpse sets in and gradually resolves again.
Cell breakdown begins, the first putrefactive processes begin.

Factors that influence the onset of decay:

Temperature: Heat speeds up, cold slows down the process.
Humidity: High humidity promotes decomposition.
Type of burial: Air burials cause decomposition more quickly than burials.

The phases of decay: This is how the body decomposes after death

Decomposition takes place in several clearly defined phases. These are influenced by the body's own processes, bacteria and external environmental conditions.

1. Autolysis — The body starts digesting itself

It starts a few hours after death.
The body's own enzymes dissolve cell structures.
First visible changes: blistering on the skin, liquefaction of internal organs.

2. Rotting — internal decomposition by bacteria

After 24 to 72 hours, bacterial decomposition begins.
It produces gas, which causes bloating and an intense smell.
Visible changes:
- discoloration of the skin (greenish-black)
- gas formation and bloating of the body

3. Decomposition — external decomposition

Skin and soft tissues are broken down by insects and microorganisms.
Within a few weeks, the tissue dissolves.
Insects such as maggots contribute to faster decomposition.

4. Skeletonization — The body becomes a skeleton

After a few months to years, only bones remain.
The duration depends heavily on external conditions (burial vs. aboveground influences).

5th final stage — mineralization of bones

After several decades, the bones also disintegrate and become mineral components of the soil.
Some bodies mummify under special conditions instead of decompose.

How long does rotting take?

The duration of rotting varies depending on external influences and burial conditions. While the first signs of decomposition are visible within hours, the complete breakdown of the body can take many years.

General periods of decay:

First visible changes: 24-72 hours after death (rotting begins).
Soft tissue loss: After a few weeks or months.
skeletonization: Can take several years depending on the environment.
Complete bone loss: Decades to centuries.

Factors that influence the decay period:

Temperature: High temperatures speed up, low temperatures slow down the process.
Humidity: Humid conditions promote bacterial decomposition, dry air can lead to mummification.
Type of burial:
- Burial in a coffin: Decomposition can take 10-30 years, depending on the soil.
- Undisguised burial (e.g. in natural burials): Faster decomposition within a few months to years.
- Urn burial: No rotting, as the cremation completely turns the body into ash.

Special circumstances:

Wax formation: Decomposition can be prevented in hermetically sealed graves and the body is preserved for decades.
Mummification: Dry or cool environments prevent the decomposition process.

Decomposition in the cemetery: What happens in the grave?

After a burial, the body decomposes under special conditions. Soil composition, oxygen content and coffin type play a decisive role in the decomposition process.

The influence of the coffin on decay:

wooden coffin: Allows slow exchange with the environment, which can take place over decades.
metal coffin or painted coffins: Can significantly slow down or completely prevent decomposition.

Soil conditions and their effects:

Loose, well-drained soils: Promote oxygen exchange and accelerate decomposition.
Loamy or watertight soils: Delay decomposition due to lack of oxygen.

Duration of rotting in the grave:

In a well-ventilated floor: The body can decompose within 10 to 30 years.
In a dense, low-air soil: Decomposition can take decades or even centuries.

Why some bodies don't decompose:

Humidity and lack of air lead to the formation of wax corpses.
Cool temperatures or antibacterial substances in the soil can stop decomposition.

Special forms of decay

Not every body decomposes in the same way. Under certain conditions, the natural decomposition process can be slowed down or even stopped altogether. This leads to unusual phenomena such as mummification or the formation of wax corpses.

1. Wax corpses — When decay stops

They arise in airtight, humid graves with little oxygen.
Body fat is converted into a waxy substance (adipocire).
The body is remarkably well preserved over decades or centuries.

2. Mummification — The body dries out

Occurs when the body dries out quickly after death.
Often in hot, dry, or well-ventilated areas.
Example: Naturally mummified corpses in dry crypts or desert regions.

3. Conservation through embalming

Chemical treatment of the body to prevent decomposition.
Often used for important personalities or for long transfers.
Example: Embalmed historical figures such as Lenin or Ramesses II.

4. Cryopreservation — freezing instead of rotting

The body is cooled down to extremely sub-zero temperatures immediately after death.
Objective: A possible later revival, but controversial and not scientifically proven.

What is the role of the undertaker during the funeral?

The death of a loved one is an emotional and challenging time. In this situation, we as undertakers not only take on organizational tasks, but are also available to advise and support relatives.

1. Organization and formalities

Notification of death with the competent authorities
Applying for death certificates and other documents
Advice on funeral types and individual options

2. Care and laying out of the deceased

Hygienic care for the body
Dressing and embedding in the coffin
Carrying out an open or closed farewell ceremony

3. Planning and execution of the funeral

Coordination with cemetery administrations, crematoria and churches
Organization of funeral services, musical accompaniment and floral arrangements
Carrying out the funeral according to individual wishes

4. Accompaniment of relatives

Sensitive advice in difficult times
Assistance in arranging the funeral service
Help with grief management through memorial offers

5. After the funeral — What comes next?

Advice on grave care and memorial facilities
Assistance with administrative tasks such as cancellations and inheritance issues
Help with planning for your own funeral

FAQs about rotting and burial

How long does rotting take in the grave?

Decomposition in the grave usually takes up to two years, with the skeleton largely exposed after about one year. However, the total decomposition period can vary between 20 and 30 years, depending on soil conditions and environmental conditions.

How does rotting work in a coffin?

Decomposition in a coffin begins with the decomposition of body tissue within two years, followed by hair, fingernails and tendons in about four years. The process is driven by microorganisms, insects and chemical reactions, with the rate depending on factors such as temperature and oxygen supply.

How does an undertaker close the body openings?

In hygienic care, an undertaker uses absorbent materials such as cotton wool or special sealing agents to retain body fluids and enable dignified laying out.

What happens to the coffin in the grave?

The coffin decomposes together with the body in the grave, with the speed depending on soil conditions and environmental conditions. In sandy soils, decomposition is faster, while clay-rich soils can slow down the process.

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Decomposition: Decomposition process after death

The most important things at a glance

What is rotting?

Definition and process:

Distinction from other processes:

When does decay begin?

First changes after death:

Within minutes to hours:

After a few hours to days:

Factors that influence the onset of decay:

The phases of decay: This is how the body decomposes after death

1. Autolysis — The body starts digesting itself

2. Rotting — internal decomposition by bacteria

3. Decomposition — external decomposition

4. Skeletonization — The body becomes a skeleton

5th final stage — mineralization of bones

In 3 steps to your non-binding offer

How long does rotting take?

General periods of decay:

Factors that influence the decay period:

Special circumstances:

Decomposition in the cemetery: What happens in the grave?

The influence of the coffin on decay:

Soil conditions and their effects:

Duration of rotting in the grave:

Why some bodies don't decompose:

Unsere Standorte

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Special forms of decay

1. Wax corpses — When decay stops

2. Mummification — The body dries out

3. Conservation through embalming

4. Cryopreservation — freezing instead of rotting

What is the role of the undertaker during the funeral?

1. Organization and formalities

2. Care and laying out of the deceased

3. Planning and execution of the funeral

4. Accompaniment of relatives

5. After the funeral — What comes next?

FAQs about rotting and burial

How long does rotting take in the grave?

How does rotting work in a coffin?

How does an undertaker close the body openings?

What happens to the coffin in the grave?

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