French death certificate translation to German, certified for all authorities
The clerk at the "Nachlassgericht" (Probate Court) reviews your translated French death certificate. A nod. A stamp. Your inheritance claim moves forward. No second appointment. No rejection letter in the post.
- ✓ Certified by court-appointed sworn translators
- ✓ Guaranteed acceptance by "Standesamt", "Nachlassgericht", banks, and insurance providers
- ✓ Express 24h available for urgent inheritance or pension deadlines
- ✓ Check it first, pay later with Klarna invoice
Officially certified, guaranteed acceptance
Our translations meet the formal requirements for recognition by authorities across the EU. For probate courts, banks, and pension providers, select "PDF & original by post" when ordering. These institutions typically require the printed original with handwritten signature and official stamp.
Accepted by:
French death certificate requirements for German authorities
French death certificates come in different formats, and German authorities have specific expectations. Understanding what you have and what you need prevents delays during an already difficult time.
Types of French death certificates
- Acte de décès (full-format) The complete death certificate issued by the local "Mairie" (town hall). Contains full details including parents' names, occupation, and witnesses. This is the standard document most German authorities expect.
- Extrait d'acte de décès (extract) An abbreviated version with essential information only. Some authorities accept this, but the full-format certificate is always safer for inheritance proceedings.
- Multilingual EU death certificate Issued under EU Regulation 2016/1191 with multiple language headers. Despite being multilingual, German authorities typically still require a certified translation for legal proceedings.
- Consular death certificate Issued by French consulates when a French citizen dies abroad. These follow the same format as domestic certificates and require the same translation process.
What our certified translation includes
- ✓ Complete German translation of all text on your French death certificate
- ✓ Official certification clause (Beglaubigungsvermerk) in German
- ✓ Sworn translator's handwritten signature
- ✓ Official stamp showing court appointment and registration number
- ✓ Date and location of certification
This certification has permanent legal validity in Germany. Unlike some countries that require recent translations, German authorities accept certified translations regardless of when they were made.
Apostille requirements for French death certificates
France and Germany are both members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means French death certificates can be authenticated with a single Apostille, without further legalization. However, not every situation requires one.
When you need an Apostille
German "Nachlassgerichte" (Probate Courts) and banks handling estate matters typically require an Apostille on the original French death certificate. The Apostille confirms the document is genuine and was properly issued by French authorities.
- Where to get it The "Cour d'Appel" (Court of Appeal) in the jurisdiction where the death was registered. For a death in Lyon, this would be the Cour d'Appel de Lyon. For Paris, the Cour d'Appel de Paris.
- Processing time Usually 1-2 weeks when applying in person or by post. Some courts offer expedited processing for urgent matters.
- What to submit The original death certificate (not a copy). The Apostille will be attached directly to the document or on a separate sheet bound to it.
When an Apostille may not be required
Some German authorities waive the Apostille requirement for French documents, particularly for routine administrative matters. However, you should never assume this. Always ask the specific authority before submitting documents without an Apostille.
For inheritance cases at the "Nachlassgericht" or when closing bank accounts, expect to need the Apostille. The stakes are too high to risk rejection over a missing authentication.
When you need a translated French death certificate in Germany
A death affects many administrative processes. Each German institution requires proper documentation before they can act. Here are the most common situations where you will need your French death certificate translated.
Inheritance proceedings at the "Nachlassgericht"
When someone dies with assets in Germany, the "Nachlassgericht" (Probate Court) handles the legal process of transferring those assets to heirs. If the deceased was French or died in France, the court needs the death certificate translated to establish the basic facts of the case.
German inheritance law sets specific deadlines. Missing them can mean losing your right to accept or reject an inheritance. The last thing you need is a rejected translation sending you back to square one. Our certified translation arrives ready for the court file, with all the formal elements German probate judges expect to see.
Closing bank accounts in Germany
German banks freeze accounts when an account holder dies. To release funds to heirs, the bank needs proof of death and proof of inheritance rights. The translated death certificate is step one.
Banks are notoriously particular about documentation. A rejected translation means another appointment, more delays, and continued uncertainty about accessing funds that may be needed to cover funeral costs or ongoing expenses. Our translations meet the standards German banks expect, complete with official certification that leaves no room for questions.
Pension and insurance claims
Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance) and private insurance companies require a translated death certificate to process survivor benefits and life insurance claims. These payments can be critical for the financial security of surviving family members.
Insurance claim processing already takes time. Adding translation problems to the mix only extends the wait. A properly certified translation ensures your claim moves through the system without documentation-related delays. For urgent situations, our express service delivers within 24 hours.
Residence permit matters for surviving family
When a family member dies, it can affect the residence status of surviving relatives. The "Ausländerbehörde" (Immigration Office) may need to see the death certificate to process changes to residence permits, particularly if the deceased was the primary permit holder or sponsor.
Immigration matters come with strict deadlines and serious consequences for non-compliance. Having your documentation ready and properly certified reduces one source of stress during an already overwhelming time.
Common mistakes to avoid
During a difficult time, administrative errors are easy to make. Here are the most common problems we see with French death certificate translations, and how to avoid them.
Mistakes that lead to rejection
- Submitting without Apostille When the authority requires it, no amount of arguing will change their mind. Check requirements before submitting, not after.
- Using non-certified translators Only translations by court-appointed sworn translators (gerichtlich vereidigte Übersetzer) are accepted. Online translation tools or bilingual friends cannot provide legally valid certifications.
- Missing certification elements The Beglaubigungsvermerk must include specific elements: translator's full name, court appointment details, signature, stamp, date, and location. Missing any element can void the certification.
- Submitting scans instead of originals Probate courts and banks typically require the printed original translation with wet signature and stamp. A PDF scan is not sufficient for most legal proceedings.
- Assuming multilingual certificates need no translation Even EU multilingual death certificates usually require a certified German translation for legal proceedings in Germany. The multilingual format helps officials understand the content, but does not replace formal translation requirements.
How it works
Order online, receive by email and post. No office visits, considerably less waiting.
Upload your document
Take a photo or scan of your French death certificate. Make sure all text is legible, including stamps and handwritten notes. Upload directly on our product page.
We translate and certify
A court-appointed sworn translator handles your document. They translate every element, then add the official certification clause with their signature, stamp, and registration details.
Receive your translation
PDF arrives by email first. If you selected postal delivery, the printed original with wet signature and stamp follows by priority mail. Ready for the "Nachlassgericht", your bank, or any other authority.
Frequently asked questions
Standard delivery is 3-4 business days. For urgent inheritance deadlines or time-sensitive insurance claims, our express service delivers within 24 hours (Monday to Friday). Select express at checkout if you need the faster option.
For the translation, you can upload a scan or photo of your French death certificate. We translate from digital files. However, German authorities typically require you to present the original French document alongside our certified translation. Keep your original safe.
Yes. Our translations are made by court-appointed sworn translators and include all elements German probate courts require: the official certification clause (Beglaubigungsvermerk), the translator's signature and stamp, and registration details. If your translation is ever not accepted, we support you in finding a solution.
Not always, but often. "Nachlassgerichte" and banks handling estate matters typically require an Apostille. Some other authorities may waive this requirement. We recommend asking the specific German institution before submitting your documents. When in doubt, get the Apostille from the relevant French "Cour d'Appel" before ordering the translation.
Yes. Even though multilingual EU certificates include German text headers, German authorities often still require a full certified translation for legal proceedings. We translate the complete document and provide the same official certification as for any other death certificate.
French death certificates often include handwritten notes, especially older documents. Upload the clearest scan or photo you can get. Our translators are experienced with French administrative documents and can usually decipher standard handwriting. If anything is truly illegible, we will contact you before proceeding.
Choose Klarna invoice at checkout and pay after you receive your translation. You can review the finished translation before any payment is due. We also accept credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfer if you prefer to pay upfront.
Related documents you may need
Estate matters often require multiple translated documents. For inheritance proceedings at the "Nachlassgericht", you may also need a marriage certificate translation to establish family relationships, or a birth certificate translation to prove lineage. If the estate involves property transfers or legal documents, we can help with legal document translations as well. All our translations carry the same official certification and are accepted by German authorities.
One less thing to worry about
Dealing with a death is hard enough without fighting bureaucracy. Get your French death certificate translated properly the first time. Court-appointed sworn translators. Official certification. Guaranteed acceptance by German authorities. Upload your document now and see your exact price before you commit.
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