Death Notice: Definition and Purpose in Switzerland
Introduction
Losing a loved one is a difficult ordeal. Amid the pain and administrative procedures, it's also necessary to inform those around you about the death and upcoming ceremonies. This is where the death notice comes in, an essential document in the grieving process in Switzerland.
But what exactly is a death notice? What is its purpose? How and where should you publish it? This article guides you step by step to understand the role of this funeral announcement and how to use it appropriately.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
A death notice is an official or private announcement that informs people of a person's death and communicates the details of the funeral. In Switzerland, it can be published in the local press, by the municipality, or on online platforms. It serves several functions: informing, inviting people to the funeral, paying tribute, and supporting loved ones.
📚 Table of contents
1. What is a death notice?
A death notice (also called an obituary or death announcement) is a text published to officially announce a person's death. It generally contains essential information such as:
The deceased's first and last name
The date and place of death
Age or date of birth
Information about the funeral (date, time, ceremony location)
Sometimes a personal message or tribute
In Switzerland, the death notice holds particular importance in funeral traditions. It often serves as the primary means of information for distant relatives, colleagues, neighbors, and acquaintances who have not been notified directly.
Death notice formats
Funeral notices can take several forms:
Classic format: simple text with essential information
Format with photo: accompanied by a portrait of the deceased
Long format: including a biography, quotes, or poems
Minimalist format: very brief, with only practical details
The choice of format depends on the family's preferences, budget, and local customs.
2. What is the purpose of a death notice?
The death announcement fulfills several important functions in the grieving process and funeral organization.
a) Informing those around you
The primary function of a death notice is to inform as many people as possible about the death. In our modern society where social circles are extensive (family, friends, colleagues, associations), it's impossible to notify everyone personally. The announcement allows you to quickly reach a wide audience.
b) Communicating funeral details
The death notice indicates where and when the funeral will take place. It generally specifies:
The date and time of the ceremony
The location (church, temple, funeral center, cemetery)
The type of ceremony (religious, civil, intimate)
Any restrictions (by invitation only)
This practical information allows those who wish to attend the funeral and pay their last respects to the deceased.
c) Paying tribute to the deceased
Beyond the informational aspect, the death notice is also a space to honor the deceased's memory. Many families take advantage of this obituary to share:
A favorite quote
A personal message
Important qualities or achievements
A phrase that summarizes the person's life
This public tribute participates in the grieving process and allows celebrating the deceased's life.
d) Expressing gratitude
Death notices often include thanks to those who accompanied the deceased at the end of life: medical teams, home caregivers, nursing home staff, chaplains, etc. It's a way to publicly acknowledge their support.
e) Directing donations and condolences
Many families indicate in the notice their preferences regarding:
Donations to an association rather than flowers
How to offer condolences
Contact information for sending a message
This facilitates the efforts of those around them who wish to show their support.
3. Official notice vs. private announcement: what's the difference?
In Switzerland, there is an important distinction between two types of funeral notices:
The official death notice
The official notice is published by the municipal administration (generally the civil registry office). It is a formal communication that:
Announces the death in a factual manner
Contains basic information (name, dates, age)
Is published on the municipality's website or physically posted
May mention the location and time of the official ceremony
Is generally free or included in administrative procedures
This official notice serves an administrative and informational function. It is particularly useful in small municipalities where tradition dictates that all deaths are announced publicly.
The private announcement or family notice
The private announcement is published by the family itself, in a local or regional newspaper, or on an online platform. It is distinguished by:
A more personal and emotional tone
Freedom of format and content
The possibility of adding a photo, religious symbol, or quote
Variable cost depending on the medium and size
Targeted distribution according to chosen newspapers
This announcement allows the family to express themselves freely and personalize the message according to the deceased's values and personality.
Can you publish both?
Yes, absolutely. Many families choose to combine:
The municipality's official notice (free and automatic)
One or more private announcements in the local press
Possibly a publication on a specialized platform
This approach allows reaching different audiences: municipality residents, specific newspaper readers, and the online-connected community.
4. Where to publish a death notice in Switzerland?
Several options are available to families to publish a death notice in Switzerland.
a) Local and regional newspapers
Regional daily newspapers remain the most traditional medium for death notices. In Switzerland, each canton and region generally has its own local or regional newspaper that offers a dedicated section for funeral announcements. These publications are often the most read by the local population and constitute a preferred channel for reaching close relatives and the community.
These newspapers generally offer:
Paper publication the next day or day after
An online version on their website
Customization options (size, photo, border)
Tiered pricing based on announcement size
b) Municipal websites
Most Swiss municipalities automatically publish death notices of their residents on their official website. This publication is generally:
Free
Automatic (after death declaration to civil registry)
Accessible to all internet users
Preserved for several weeks or months
It's a simple and free solution, particularly suitable for small municipalities where local solidarity is strong.
c) Specialized online platforms
New digital platforms dedicated to funeral notices have developed in recent years, such as Wolky. They offer:
Quick publication in just a few clicks
Wide distribution accessible 24/7
Enhanced features (photo gallery, online condolence book, memorial page)
Controlled cost or even free for certain services
The ability to easily share via social media or email
These platforms are particularly appreciated by geographically dispersed families or by people comfortable with digital technology.
d) Parish and community bulletins
In some regions, parishes or religious communities still publish death notices in their monthly bulletins. This option is often free but less immediate.
e) Public notice boards
In small municipalities, there are sometimes notice boards dedicated to death announcements at the church entrance or in front of the town hall. This tradition persists in some rural areas of Switzerland.
5. Best practices for writing a death notice
Writing an obituary can be difficult during a time of grief. Here are some tips for creating a respectful and effective notice.
a) Include essential information
A complete death notice should contain:
✅ Full first and last name of the deceased
✅ Date and place of birth
✅ Date and place of death
✅ Age at time of death
✅ Funeral information (date, time, location)
✅ Names of loved ones (spouse, children, grandchildren)
✅ Message or quote (optional)
✅ Contact information for condolences (optional)
b) Adopt an appropriate tone
The tone of a funeral notice should be:
Respectful: avoid excessive familiarity
Sincere: express authentic feelings
Sober: without exaggeration or dramatization
Benevolent: highlight the deceased's qualities
Examples of appropriate phrases:
"It is with great sadness that we announce..."
"Surrounded by the affection of loved ones, [...] passed away peacefully..."
"We regret to inform you of the death of..."
c) Choose the right time to publish
Ideally, a death notice should be published:
2 to 5 days before the ceremony to give people time to organize
Early enough to allow the widest possible distribution
After informing close family and intimate friends personally
In the daily press, allow 24 to 48 hours between ordering and publication.
On a specialized platform, such as Wolky, the notice is published and available immediately.
d) Check spelling and dates
Before publication, it is crucial to verify:
Spelling of first and last names (especially accents)
Dates and times
Addresses and locations
Names of all mentioned loved ones
An error in a death notice can be a source of confusion and additional stress for those around you.
e) Respect the deceased's wishes
If the person had expressed wishes regarding their death notice (discretion, particular message, no public ceremony), it is important to respect them as much as possible.
f) Adapt content to the medium
A notice in a paper newspaper should be concise (cost increases with size), while an online publication can be more developed and enriched with photos or longer texts.
6. Conclusion and next steps
The death notice is much more than a simple administrative formality. It is an essential communication act that allows you to inform, invite, pay tribute, and support loved ones in their grief. In Switzerland, several options are available to families to publish a death announcement, from the municipal official notice to publication in regional newspapers, through modern digital platforms.
Taking the time to write a respectful and complete notice helps to:
Inform those around you with dignity
Organize the funeral serenely
Honor the deceased's memory
Create a space for reflection and support
If you need to publish a death notice, don't hesitate to ask for help. Funeral homes, municipal services, and specialized platforms like Wolky are there to accompany you in this delicate process.
🙏 Publish a death notice easily
Wolky allows you to create and publish a death notice in just a few minutes, in a secure and caring environment. This memorial page allows you to gather memories, photos, and condolence messages, and share the link with those around you.
