Waiting for the final rest: burial deadlines in Berlin are being extended!

Waiting for the final rest: burial deadlines in Berlin are being extended!

In recent weeks there have been increasing reports about the long wait for funeral appointments in Berlin. Relatives often find themselves in the difficult position of having to wait almost eight weeks for a final farewell. A variety of reasons can be responsible for these delays, ranging from missing documents to a lack of staff in the funeral homes. How daily news reported, the approval of the burial, which is usually issued by the registry office, is also a key point that drags the organization out. It can happen that cemetery administrations are difficult to reach, especially municipal ones.

An increasing problem concerns the digital recording of funeral appointments. For example, in Steglitz-Zehlendorf, an online calendar was introduced to make it easier to find a suitable funeral date. An excavator driver was recently almost missed in Reinickendorf, which led to further delays. These shortages are compounded by the fact that some cemeteries are repeatedly forced to temporarily close due to stormy weather.

Rules and deadlines for funerals

Another perspective on the funeral situation raises the need for regulations. Every funeral has its own deadlines and requirements. According to Burial quantity The deceased may remain at the place of death for a maximum of 36 hours. After this period, the deceased must be picked up or taken to a cool room. The 24-hour rule for burials, which states that they can only take place at least 24 hours after death, is intended to ensure that the death has actually occurred.

As a rule, at least two working days must be planned for the certification and the necessary steps, which range from the registry office certification to the sending of condolence cards and the order to open the grave, which can further delay the already long process.

Historical and legal framework conditions

Interestingly, compulsory burial in Germany comes from a long tradition, the origins of which go back to the Middle Ages. Loud Undertaker.de Christian burial had a major influence on the legal regulations that were already laid down in the Prussian state law of 1806. The legal regulation also includes an important provision: funerals may not take place within built-up areas for hygienic reasons.

Anyone who has not made provisions themselves, be it through a funeral provision contract or funeral insurance, is legally obliged to arrange for the funeral. The costs for this are the responsibility of the heir, in accordance with Section 1968 of the Civil Code (BGB). This regulation ensures that the contractual and legal aspects of the funeral are preserved, even if this is not easy for the relatives to cope with in the exceptional emotional situation.

The current situation surrounding funerals in Berlin raises many questions and impressively shows how important a well-organized system is in order to enable the bereaved to say goodbye with dignity. The challenges are currently great, and not only relatives but also the undertakers themselves are under immense pressure. It remains to be hoped that solutions will be found in the future that will speed up and facilitate these processes.