The legal basis for conducting state funerals, state occasions and official mourning ceremonies is the Directive concerning state funerals and state occasions signed by Federal President Heinrich Lübke in 1966.

State funerals and official mourning ceremonies are rarely ordered. They are the expression of highest honour given by the Federal Republic of Germany to public figures who have rendered outstanding service to the German people, whether in the political, cultural, scientific or social sphere.

Photo gallery: Past state funerals

In principle, it is possible for a deceased person to have an official mourning ceremony in addition to a state funeral. However, no official mourning ceremony may take place over the objection of the deceased’s family or contrary to the known wishes of the deceased.

As a rule, the costs of a state funeral and/or an official mourning ceremony are borne by the Federal Government.

• A state funeral may include the following elements:
• the lying-in-state of the deceased to allow the public to pay their last respects
• a six- or eight-member guard of honour
• religious service and liturgy, possibly followed by a non-religious eulogy
• funeral cortege
• military farewell; guard of honour ceremony
• interment
• reception of mourners

An official mourning ceremony includes a funeral oration and eulogies preceded and followed by music as well as the playing of the national anthem.

Photo gallery: Past official mourning ceremonies

The highest representatives of the federal constitutional bodies, the surviving dependants, companions and friends of the deceased, as well as leading figures from the political, religious, economic and cultural sectors attend the ceremony honouring the services of the deceased.

Other expressions of honour

In addition to or in place of a state funeral and/or official mourning ceremony, the following may also be observed as an expression of honour by the state:

• the flying of flags at half-mast, either throughout the country or in a specific region, e.g. on the day of the funeral service or the interment
• a funeral ceremony by the relevant federal constitutional body
• a funeral ceremony by units of the Bundeswehr or the Federal Police
• presence of state representatives at the funeral service
• the laying of wreaths

Organization

Pursuant to the Directive of the Federal President of 2 June 1966, the Federal Ministry of the Interior is in principle responsible for organizing state funerals and official mourning ceremonies. With regard to deceased members of the Bundestag, the Bundesrat and the Federal Constitutional Court, this responsibility may be delegated to the presidents of these constitutional bodies.

The Protocol Office at the Federal Ministry of the Interior has a Task Force for Coordinating State Occasions that convenes when circumstances so require.