{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is a reburial?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"In reburial, the body of the deceased is naturally transformed into nutrient-rich soil. Within a biodegradable cocoon, the body's own microorganisms, with the aid of oxygen and warmth, decompose the tissue into humus within approximately 40 days — entirely without fire or chemical embalming. Reburial is therefore considered a particularly ecological alternative to traditional burial and cremation."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How does a funeral service proceed and how long does it take?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The deceased is placed in a cocoon filled with plant materials such as straw and green waste. Controlled oxygen and moisture levels create internal temperatures of up to 70°C, at which point the natural decomposition process takes place. After approximately 40 days, fertile soil has formed, which is then buried in a cemetery. Memovida guides you through each of these steps."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much does a funeral cost?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"At Memovida, the costs comprise the transformation process and funeral arrangements: The reburial process through our partner MEINE ERDE costs €2,900 incl. VAT, and the \"ERDE\" funeral package from Memovida costs €2,700. Depending on the situation, additional costs may apply for transportation and the burial plot. We would be happy to provide you with a transparent, personalized cost estimate and advise you on pre-planning and payment options."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Where is a funeral allowed in Germany?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Burial law in Germany is a matter for the individual states. Schleswig-Holstein was the first state to permanently enshrine reburial in law as a third form of burial alongside earth burial and cremation in June 2026; the conversion process itself currently takes place exclusively there. The resulting remains may currently be interred in cemeteries in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. If you live in another state, we will organize the necessary transfer, making reburial possible even from outside the state."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What happens to the bones during a reburial?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Within approximately 40 days, the soft tissue completely decomposes into soil. Similar to cremation, bone and tooth fragments remain — these are gently ground in a bone mill and mixed back into the new soil. Inorganic components such as prostheses or surgical metal parts are removed and recycled."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What happens to the resulting soil?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A single burial yields approximately 80 to 120 kg of nutrient-rich soil. In Germany, burial in a cemetery is mandatory; therefore, the soil is interred in a cemetery and can be planted there to create a personalized memorial. Scattering it freely, for example in one's own garden, is not legally permitted. We would be happy to advise you on how to create a dignified and personal memorial."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What criticisms are there of the reburial?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Since reburial is still a relatively new form of burial, it is viewed differently by various groups. Critics point to the limited number of studies to date, ethical concerns, and the currently restricted availability of the practice; some German states, such as Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, currently reject it. The trials were scientifically monitored by, among others, the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Leipzig, which examined over 50 cases and deemed the method safe. We will inform you openly about the opportunities as well as any remaining questions, so that you can make a well-informed decision."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Who can be reburied?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Reburial is generally available to anyone who desires a natural return to the cycle of life. For technical reasons, there are currently limits regarding body weight up to approximately 120 kg and height up to approximately 2 m. Reburial is not possible if a body has been embalmed or chemically preserved, or in rare cases involving certain notifiable infectious diseases. We will discuss with you beforehand whether reburial is possible in your specific case."}}]}