Living in Germany - Private life (birth, marriage, death)

Whether it is the birth of a child, the notification of marriage, a wedding, divorce or the death of a relative – if you are faced with a new situation in your life or have to complete an administrative procedure, the Bürgerdienst (citizens' service) of your municipality or local authority is at your disposal. You can gain an overview of all the services on offer and access to particular procedures and forms on the Internet portals of the municipal and local authority administrations.

Parents have 15 working days after the birth of a child to register the newborn in the district of the birth. However, there are often arrangements between clinics and the registry office through which the formalities are completed with ease. Otherwise, the midwife or family or emergency doctor issues the notification of birth to be submitted to the registry office.

In Germany civil law and State recognised marriages are performed at a registry office. A church wedding can take place only between two people who have already been married in accordance civil law, that is to say after a registry office wedding. Since 2001 lesbian and gay couples have also been able to enter into marriage in Germany. However, only a registry office wedding is possible since the church remains opposed to same-sex marriages.

The death of a person must be confirmed in writing by a doctor (confirmation of death). Where the cause of death cannot be identified, in particular where outside involvement, outside cause, or failure to provide help is suspected, the police must be informed. The death certificate is issued by the registry office of the place where the death occurred.

Text last edited on: 11/2006

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
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