Die - Leichenschau

The (post-mortem examination) is the formal medical examination of a deceased person to confirm death, determine the cause and manner of death, and establish the time of death. It is a legal requirement in Germany and a critical step before a death certificate can be issued or a funeral can take place. 1. Purpose and Legal Framework

Doctors must distinguish between natural death (from internal illness) and non-natural/unclear death (accident, suicide, or crime). Die Leichenschau

It ensures death is certain by identifying "sure signs of death" (e.g., Totenflecke or Totenstarre ). Die Leichenschau

It contributes to the official mortality statistics used for healthcare planning. 2. Who Performs the Examination? Die Leichenschau