Rostock reacts to increasing number of anonymous burials!

Rostock reacts to increasing number of anonymous burials!

In Rostock, the increasing number of deaths without identifiable relatives is causing excitement. More and more people are dying without their family or friends being able to be identified. This year the city administration is challenged; 192 deaths have already been affected by October 2025, which represents a noticeable increase compared to the previous year. The city is legally considered responsible for burials in such cases. In this way, an honorable farewell to a deceased person can be guaranteed, even if no relatives are available. Tagesschau reports about the situation and the measures the city will take.

The city of Rostock is currently covering the costs of around 21 funerals every month, which represents an increase of six cases per month. In order to meet the challenges, the main committee has made an additional 70,000 euros available to support this socially necessary task. This happened despite the existing budget freeze.

Background and reasons for the increase

The reasons for this increase are varied, but they have not yet been specifically mentioned by the administration. However, it is assumed that a significant proportion of those affected are primarily pensioners living alone. Every year there are many anonymous burials across Germany when close relatives are missing. In such cases, the responsible public order office will cover the costs for a simple funeral. Precautionary planner describes In addition, how the public order office tries to identify the relatives who are obliged to bury them in these cases.

When exactly a funeral is required by the public order office varies. If relatives are missing or are not prepared to organize the funeral, an official funeral will take place. As a rule, a funeral home is then commissioned to carry out the burial. Anonymous burials can be earth burial or cremation, although the latter is often preferred in inquiries.

Changes in burial practices

Another aspect that cannot be ignored is the change in burial practices in Germany. According to information from Patient will.digital The proportion of cremations has changed significantly in recent decades. Around 66 percent of the deceased are now cremated, which represents a significant increase compared to 25 years ago, when the proportion was one third. The classic earth burial remains important for many due to religious traditions, but the alternative of natural burial is becoming increasingly popular.

The current figures and developments show that the city of Rostock and society as a whole are facing an important challenge. Dignity and respect during burial must be maintained even at times when no relatives are present. The social discourse about forms of burial without relatives will probably also play a role in the future.