When a body is buried in Germany, it must always be placed in a coffin and buried with it (casket requirement). This is true even for cremations, where the ashes will later be interred in an urn.
The Coffin and Its Purpose
As mentioned earlier, there is a casket requirement in Germany. This means that for any type of burial, whether it is a ground burial or a cremation, the body must be stored in a coffin.
The coffin serves several purposes. It is generally used for transport, storage, and the actual burial of the deceased. Therefore, coffins come in various materials, features, and prices.
Basically, coffins are divided into two models. One is the so-called cremation coffin, which is designed exclusively for cremations and is made of cost-effective materials. The other is the classic coffin for ground burials, which is much sturdier to withstand the pressure in the soil.
Which Materials Are Suitable for a Coffin?
Various materials are suitable for a coffin. Many people automatically associate a coffin with a wooden structure. However, there are several other permissible natural materials.
Wooden Coffin
A coffin can be made from various types of wood. Traditionally, it is made from pine, spruce, oak, mahogany, or cherry wood. Cost-effective models are usually made from spruce and poplar. More expensive models are generally made from mahogany or cherry wood.
Furthermore, a distinction is made between plywood and solid wood in coffin construction. Plywood is primarily used in coffins intended for cremation because it is significantly thinner and less stable than solid wood. For ground burials, solid wood is the right choice, as only this can withstand the pressure in the soil over time.