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Comprehensive Guide to Medical Examination of the Deceased (Leichenschau) in Germany: Procedures, Legal Framework and Expected Fees
What Is the Leichenschau?
The Leichenschau is the first formal step after a death has occurred:
A licensed physician examines the deceased in order to confirm death, determine a preliminary cause of death, and rule out any suspicion of criminal involvement.
This examination is legally mandatory before the body may be transported or any burial or funeral procedure can begin – regardless of whether the person died at home, in hospital or elsewhere.
Leichenschau Procedure – What Happens in Practice?
1. Informing a Doctor
If the death occurs at home, the following should be contacted immediately:
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the general practitioner (Hausarzt), or
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the emergency medical service via 112
2. Examination of the Body
The doctor:
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verifies that heart and breathing have ceased,
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examines the entire body to establish a preliminary cause of death,
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records all findings and decides whether the death appears to be natural or suspicious / non-natural.
3. Issuing the Initial Death Certificate (Todesbescheinigung)
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This document is a prerequisite for all subsequent procedures (transfer, civil registration, burial).
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The death certificate must accompany the body whenever it is transported.
4. Informing the Police or Forensic Medicine (if necessary)
If there is any suspicion of a non-natural death or visible signs of violence, all further steps must be stopped and the police must be informed immediately.
The case is then handed over to forensic medicine (Rechtsmedizin) and the public prosecutor.
Expected Fees
Fees for the Leichenschau vary depending on the federal state and on the circumstances (weekday vs. night, weekend or public holiday). In general, you can expect the following ranges:
| Situation | Approximate fee range |
|---|---|
| During regular working hours | €60 – €120 |
| At night or on weekends/public holidays | €120 – €250 |
| Additional fees (forms, travel, etc.) | €20 – €50 |
Note:
These fees are usually paid by the relatives of the deceased and are often later included in the invoice issued by the funeral home.
Who Keeps the Medical Death Certificate?
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First copy:
Is handed over to the funeral company or the cemetery administration. -
Second copy:
Is used to register the death at the civil registry office (Standesamt). -
Third copy (confidential):
Is sent directly to the public health office (Gesundheitsamt), where it is stored for medical and statistical records.
Important Notes
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The body may not be transported before the Leichenschau has been completed.
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From both a religious and legal perspective, ritual washing and preparation of the deceased for burial are not allowed before the medical examination has taken place.
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In suspicious or unclear deaths, burial is prohibited until criminal investigations have been concluded.
* The editorial team of this website makes every effort to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete information may still occur. The contents of this article should therefore be regarded as an initial reference only. For binding and definitive information, please always consult the competent authorities and professionals.
