Was Schreibt Man Wenn Man Geld In Eine Trauerkarte Legt

Hallo! Finding yourself in Germany during a time of loss can be difficult, especially when navigating cultural customs. One common practice is offering financial support to the bereaved family. If you're considering this, you might be wondering: "Was schreibt man, wenn man Geld in eine Trauerkarte legt?" (What do you write when you include money in a sympathy card?). Don't worry, this guide will help you express your condolences with sensitivity and grace.

Why Give Money in a Sympathy Card?

In German culture, giving money (Geld) in a sympathy card (Trauerkarte) is a thoughtful and practical gesture. It's understood that funerals and the period of mourning can be financially burdensome. Your contribution can help the family cover expenses such as funeral costs, legal fees, or simply provide a cushion during a difficult time when they might be unable to work. It's seen as a tangible way to show your support and relieve some of the stress they're experiencing.

What to Write: Essential Phrases and Considerations

The key is to be sincere and empathetic. Keep your message brief and focus on expressing your sympathy and offering support. Here are some phrases you can use, combining formality with personal touches:

Beginning Your Message:

Sehr geehrte Familie [Name] (Formal: Dear Family [Name]) – Use this if you know the family only formally.
Liebe Familie [Name] (Less Formal: Dear Family [Name]) – Suitable if you have a closer relationship with the family.
Liebe/r [Name of deceased] (Dear [Name of deceased]) – You can address the deceased directly if you were particularly close to them, though this is less common than addressing the family. Follow with "…wir werden Dich/Sie nie vergessen." (...we will never forget you.)
Mein aufrichtiges Beileid (My sincere condolences) – A classic and widely used expression.
Unser tiefstes Mitgefühl (Our deepest sympathy) – Another formal and respectful option.

Expressing Your Sympathy:

Es tut uns/mir unendlich leid (We/I am incredibly sorry) – Conveys deep sorrow.
Wir sind/Ich bin tief betroffen vom Tod von [Name] (We/I are deeply saddened by the death of [Name]) – Expresses shock and sadness.
In tiefem Mitgefühl denke ich an Sie/euch (With deep sympathy, I am thinking of you) – Shows you are thinking of them during this difficult time.
Ich bin in Gedanken bei Ihnen/euch (I am with you in thoughts) – A simple yet heartfelt expression of support.

Offering Support and Acknowledging Their Loss:

Ich wünsche Ihnen/euch viel Kraft in dieser schweren Zeit (I wish you much strength during this difficult time) – A common and comforting sentiment.
Wir werden [Name] immer in guter Erinnerung behalten (We will always remember [Name] fondly) – Sharing a positive memory of the deceased can be comforting.
Wenn wir etwas für Sie/euch tun können, zögern Sie bitte nicht, uns zu kontaktieren (If there is anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to contact us) – Offers practical assistance.
Bitte nehmen Sie unsere/meine herzliche Anteilnahme entgegen (Please accept our/my heartfelt condolences) – Formal and respectful.

Mentioning the Money (Discreetly and with Intention):

This is the tricky part. It's best to be subtle and avoid directly stating that you're giving money. Instead, focus on offering support:

Als kleine Unterstützung in dieser schweren Zeit möchten wir Ihnen/euch hiermit etwas zukommen lassen (As a small support during this difficult time, we would like to send you something with this) – Very common and polite.
Für die anfallenden Kosten möchten wir Ihnen/euch hiermit einen kleinen Beitrag leisten (We would like to make a small contribution to the costs that arise.) – More direct but still respectful.
Wir hoffen, dass wir Ihnen/euch damit eine kleine Hilfe sein können (We hope that we can be a small help to you with this) – Focuses on the intention of helping.
In dieser schweren Zeit möchten wir Sie/euch gerne etwas unterstützen (In this difficult time, we would like to support you a little) – Simple and heartfelt.

Closing Your Message:

In stiller Trauer (In silent mourning) – Formal and respectful.
Mit tiefstem Mitgefühl (With deepest sympathy) – Another common closing.
In herzlicher Anteilnahme (With heartfelt sympathy) – A warm and sincere closing.
Alles Liebe (All the best/love) – Suitable for closer relationships.
Fühl dich/Fühlt euch gedrückt (Feel hugged) – Only for very close friends and family.

Your Signature:

Sign with your full name if you don't know the family well. Use your first name if you're closer to them. If sending from a group, include everyone's names.

Examples of Complete Messages:

Here are a few examples of how you can combine these phrases:

Example 1 (Formal):

Sehr geehrte Familie [Name],

Mein aufrichtiges Beileid zum Tod von [Name]. Ich bin tief betroffen von Ihrem Verlust. Als kleine Unterstützung in dieser schweren Zeit möchten wir Ihnen hiermit etwas zukommen lassen. Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Kraft in dieser schweren Zeit. In stiller Trauer,

[Your Full Name]

Example 2 (Less Formal):

Liebe Familie [Name],

Es tut uns unendlich leid, vom Tod von [Name] zu hören. Wir sind in Gedanken bei euch. Für die anfallenden Kosten möchten wir euch hiermit einen kleinen Beitrag leisten. Wenn wir etwas für euch tun können, zögert bitte nicht, uns zu kontaktieren. Alles Liebe,

[Your First Name(s)]

Example 3 (Close Relationship):

Liebe/r [Name of bereaved],

Ich bin so traurig über den Verlust von [Name of deceased]. Ich kann es kaum fassen. Ich bin in Gedanken bei dir/euch und wünsche dir/euch ganz viel Kraft. In dieser schweren Zeit möchten wir dich/euch gerne etwas unterstützen. Fühl dich/Fühlt euch gedrückt.

[Your First Name]

Important Considerations:

* Amount of Money: There's no set amount, but consider your relationship with the family and your financial situation. Common amounts range from 20€ to 100€ or more. Don't feel pressured to give more than you can comfortably afford. The thought is what counts. * Presentation: Place the money discreetly inside the card. You can put it in a small, plain envelope if you prefer. * Timing: It's best to send the card as soon as possible after hearing about the death. Aim to send it before the funeral, if possible. * Personalization: While these templates are helpful, try to add a personal touch. Share a fond memory of the deceased or offer a specific offer of help, such as "Ich helfe gerne bei der Kinderbetreuung" (I'm happy to help with childcare). * Religious Considerations: If you are aware of the family's religious beliefs, you can tailor your message accordingly. For example, you might include a religious quote or express your hope that the deceased is at peace. * Alternative to Money: If you're uncomfortable giving money, consider sending flowers (though be mindful of the family's wishes regarding flowers at the funeral) or offering to bring food to the family. A home-cooked meal can be incredibly helpful during a time of mourning. * Do not overdo it: Keep the card message simple and short. It is more important to be there and provide support in other ways.

What NOT to Write:

* Avoid clichés and platitudes that sound insincere. * Don't focus on your own feelings or experiences. This is about the bereaved family. * Do not offer unsolicited advice or try to minimize their grief. * Avoid religious sentiments unless you are certain they align with the family's beliefs. Even then, be respectful and avoid being overly preachy.

Final Thoughts

Expressing condolences and offering financial support can be a meaningful way to show you care. By using these phrases and following these guidelines, you can write a heartfelt message that provides comfort and support to the bereaved family during a difficult time. Remember, sincerity and empathy are the most important things. Viel Glück! (Good luck!).