Germany’s aging population is driving a significant and multifaceted shift within the nation’s funeral and burial services sector, raising questions about sustainability, affordability and the increasing reliance on foreign imports. Statistical data released this week reveal a remarkable surge in the number of apprentices entering the profession, reflecting a growing demand for qualified funeral professionals. The number of trainees has more than doubled in the past decade, reaching a record 890 in 2024, with women now accounting for 57% of apprentices – a substantial increase from 45% a decade ago.
This burgeoning demand is directly linked to a heightened mortality rate. Germany recorded approximately 1 million deaths in 2024, a 16% increase compared to 2014, underscoring the demographic pressures on the sector. The rising death toll is translating into increased employment and turnover within the funeral industry. Employment rose by 2.5% in 2023, with the sector generating €2.32 billion in revenue – a slight increase from the previous year. Worryingly, a significant portion of employees (31.2%) are engaged in precarious, low-wage employment, contrasting sharply with the average for the broader German crafts sector.
Beyond manpower, the data highlights significant economic dependencies. A concerning trend is the heavy reliance on imported coffins, primarily from Poland. In 2024, over 85% of imported coffins came from Poland, valued at €40.5 million, reflecting supply chain vulnerabilities and potential ethical considerations regarding labor practices in origin countries. While Germany exports coffins, the quantities and values remain a fraction of the imports.
Furthermore, the data reveals a noticeable escalation in the cost of funeral services. Expenses for coffins, urns, gravestones and funeral services increased by 3.9% and 4.6% respectively in 2024, outpacing the general inflation rate of 2.2%. This price surge raises concerns about affordability, particularly for vulnerable populations. Social welfare organizations are spending a smaller amount on subsidized funerals, down 8.3% since 2014, indicating a potential erosion of social safety nets for those unable to afford traditional burial costs.
Perhaps most strikingly, German municipalities are increasingly reliant on revenue generated from funeral and burial services. Municipalities generated a substantial €929.8 million from fees related to cemeteries and burials in 2023-27.4% more than in 2013. This dependence on death-related income raises questions about the potential for conflict of interest and the commodification of bereavement. The combination of increasing costs, reliance on imported goods and municipal revenue streams signals a critical juncture for the German funeral sector, prompting calls for greater scrutiny of pricing and the potential for social reform to ensure dignified and affordable end-of-life care for all citizens.