Announcing a death in local newspapers

Death notices in local newspapers in Germany

Wording, costs, and organizational tips for Muslim families

When a loved one passes away in Germany, placing a death notice in a newspaper is not just a social tradition; it is also an official way to inform friends, acquaintances, and the local community. Despite the spread of social media, publishing a death notice in the local press (Todesanzeige in Lokalzeitung) is still highly respected and is seen as an expression of loyalty and appreciation for the deceased.

In this article, we explain in detail:

How to write an appropriate death notice for a Muslim in Germany
What costs to expect depending on the newspaper and region
And the most important tips to avoid organizational mistakes

1. The difference between Todesanzeige and Traueranzeige

Term	Meaning
Todesanzeige	Official announcement of the death, containing basic information: name, dates, funeral details
Traueranzeige	Extended obituary including words of condolence, religious or literary quotations

Some families combine both, especially when they want to thank the community or explicitly invite people to the funeral prayer.

2. Sample wording for a Muslim death notice in Germany

The following German text is an example that can be adapted to individual circumstances:

In Liebe und im Glauben an Allahs Barmherzigkeit
nehmen wir Abschied von unserem geliebten Vater, Ehemann und Bruder

Mohammad Al-Khatib
geboren am 15. März 1962 in Hama, Syrien
verstorben am 03. Juni 2025 in Hamburg

Die Trauerfeier und das Totengebet (Salat al-Janazah) finden am
Donnerstag, den 05. Juni 2025 um 13:00 Uhr
in der Islamischen Gemeinde Hamburg statt.
Die Beisetzung erfolgt im muslimischen Teil des Friedhofs Ohlsdorf.

Möge Allah ihm mit Barmherzigkeit begegnen und ihm das Paradies schenken.
Im Namen aller Angehörigen:
Familie Al-Khatib

You may add short Qur’anic phrases or Islamic expressions such as:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” or its German translation: “Wir gehören Allah und zu Ihm kehren wir zurück” (“We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return”).

3. Average costs by city and newspaper

The total price depends on factors such as:

Number of words or lines
Size of the notice (in mm)
Whether a photograph is included
Day of publication (for example, Sunday editions are usually more expensive)

Examples of costs (2025):

Newspaper	Starting price (small notice, 3–5 lines)	Medium-sized notice (with photo)
Kieler Nachrichten	120–180 EUR	300–450 EUR
Hamburger Abendblatt	150–200 EUR	400–600 EUR
Frankfurter Rundschau	170–250 EUR	500–700 EUR
Westdeutsche Allgemeine	140–190 EUR	350–550 EUR

Publishing the notice in several local or regional editions increases the overall cost.
Some newspapers offer a “condolence package” that includes online publication at no extra charge when you book a print notice.

4. Steps to publish a death notice

Choose the newspaper
Select the local newspaper closest to the place of death or the place where the funeral will take place.
Contact the advertising department
This can usually be done by phone, e-mail or via an online form on the newspaper’s website.
Prepare the text
The main text should be in German. If the layout allows it, a short Arabic text can be added.
Send the required documents
The newspaper may ask for a copy of the death certificate and the contact details of the family.
Payment
Payment is usually made by bank transfer or credit card, sometimes also by direct debit.
Proof and approval
You will receive a proof (PDF or online preview) and must check and approve it before the notice is published.

Special notes for the Muslim community

A cross or other Christian symbol is not mandatory. You can explicitly request a neutral design.
Instead of the phrase “Rest in peace”, you can use an Islamic wording such as: “Möge Allah ihm Barmherzigkeit schenken” (“May Allah grant him mercy”).
The time and place of the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) should be stated clearly and prominently.
Some mosques or Islamic centers cooperate with local newspapers and can prepare and place the notice on behalf of the family.

Conclusion

Publishing a death notice in a German newspaper is a respectful and common practice that helps friends and the community offer condolences and attend the burial.
Costs generally start at around 150 euros and increase depending on the size, length of the text, and whether a photo is included.
The wording should be formal, dignified, and moving, respecting the surrounding culture while preserving the family’s religious identity.

The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or uncertainties may still occur. Therefore, please treat the information in this article as an initial reference and always contact the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date guidance.