Civil Registration Office (Standesamt)

Germany has no central repository for civil records of births, marriages and deaths. Records of birth, marriage and death are generally kept at the local civil registration office (Standesamt) where the event occurred. Divorce judgements are kept with the the court where the divorce took place. In order to obtain a death certificate, marriage certificate or birth certificate you should contact the local registration office where the person was born, married or died. The local registration office generally requires the full name of the individual as well as his/her specific date of birth, marriage or death, in order to facilitate a quick and easy search. Additionally, you will have to prove a legitimate interest (e.g. that the person predeceased and thus is not an intestate heir).