English Funeral Celebrant Switzerland · Freie Abdankung in English
Compassionate English Funeral Celebrant in Switzerland
When someone you love dies far from home – or when your family simply lives in English – the farewell should not be held in a language half the mourners cannot follow. As your English funeral celebrant in Switzerland, I lead personal, non-religious or spiritual funeral ceremonies in English for English-speaking families across Switzerland – in Zurich, Basel, Bern, Zug, Lucerne and beyond: warm, dignified and centred entirely on the person you have lost.
✓ Non-religious, spiritual or with a blessing · ✓ All over Switzerland · ✓ 25 years of experience
Freie Abdankung
English Funeral Celebrant Switzerland: a funeral that speaks your language
In Switzerland a funeral service is often called an Abdankung. A freie Abdankung is a ceremony led independently of any church – shaped by the life, values and beliefs of the person who has died, not by a fixed liturgy.
I accompany expat and international families, bilingual couples and anyone who would like to say goodbye in English. Together we create a ceremony that tells the story of a life honestly and lovingly – so that everyone in the room, and those joining from abroad, can truly take part.
Many families search for this as a freie Abdankung Englisch – a free, non-church funeral held in English. As I work in both German and English, I can also lead a bilingual funeral ceremony, so that Swiss relatives and English-speaking guests feel equally included.
Funeral celebrant Zurich, Basel & across Switzerland: I lead English funerals in Zurich and Basel, in Bern, Lucerne and Zug – and anywhere else in Switzerland, in a chapel, at a crematorium, at the graveside or in nature.
What I take care of
- An unhurried first conversation – at your home, in Safenwil or by video call
- A personal eulogy written only for the person you have lost
- The whole ceremony in English – or bilingual English and German on request
- Suggestions for music, readings and rituals
- Coordination with the funeral home and the cemetery
- The speech as a keepsake for you to keep
The ceremony
What an English funeral ceremony can look like
Welcome
Music, a candle is lit, a moment of quiet. I welcome everyone and explain what the hour together will hold.
Life story
The heart of the ceremony: a personal eulogy about who this person was – their path, their humour, what they meant to you.
Tributes
Family members or friends can share memories, read a poem or say a few words – in English, German or their own language.
Farewell ritual
A flower, a letter, a moment of silence or a song that belonged to them – a gesture that makes the farewell tangible.
Words of comfort
As a theologian I can include a blessing, a prayer or a secular reading – exactly as it fits the person and your family.
Burial & closing
At the graveside, a communal grave or a place in nature – followed by closing words and music.
There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do this. Some families want a small graveside gathering, others a larger memorial with friends from around the world. I listen first – and then we build the ceremony around what feels true for you.
Good to know
English Funeral Switzerland: what international families should know
Registering the death
A death must be reported to the civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) within two days. Usually the hospital, doctor or funeral home takes care of this.
Burial or cremation
Cemeteries are run by the municipality (Gemeinde). Burial, cremation, urn graves and communal graves are possible – the funeral home helps with the arrangements.
Family abroad
If relatives cannot travel, the ceremony can be streamed or recorded. I write the speech so that it also reaches those listening from afar.
Taking ashes home
Many families hold the farewell here and take the urn back to their home country later. The funeral home can advise on the paperwork.
This information is a general overview and is not legal advice. Rules and fees vary by canton and municipality – please check with your funeral home or the local cemetery administration (Friedhofsverwaltung).
About me
Why these ceremonies matter to me
I am Jan Euskirchen, theologian, funeral celebrant and couples therapist. Before becoming self-employed, I worked for many years as a chaplain. There I learned that in the hardest moments you do not need perfect words – you need someone who is there, who listens and who can hold what is difficult.
When home is in more than one place
For international families, a death often brings an extra layer of loneliness: an unfamiliar system, a foreign language, relatives scattered across countries. I want to take some of that weight off your shoulders – with a calm conversation, clear guidance and a ceremony in which your loved one is remembered in the language you share. More about me
«A good farewell does not make the loss smaller – but it gives love a place to go.»
Fees
What does an English funeral ceremony cost?
The same transparent fixed fees apply as for all my funeral ceremonies, whether held in English, German or both. The first conversation, the personal speech and the ceremony itself are included, as are travel expenses up to 30 km. For families on a low income I offer a reduced rate by arrangement – a dignified farewell should never fail because of money. All prices at a glance (in German)
- Funeral ceremony
- 30 minutes
- CHF 1'500
- Ceremony & burial
- 45 minutes
- CHF 1'650
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions about English funeral ceremonies
Do you hold the entire funeral ceremony in English?
Yes. The welcome, the eulogy, readings and closing words can all be in English. If part of your family speaks German, I am happy to lead a bilingual funeral ceremony so that nobody feels left out.
Do you travel throughout Switzerland?
Yes. I am based in Safenwil (Aargau) and work as an English funeral celebrant Switzerland-wide – in Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Solothurn and across the whole of Switzerland. The travel rules are explained on the prices page.
We are not religious – is a free ceremony right for us?
Yes. As an independent theologian I shape the ceremony entirely around your values: non-religious, spiritual or with a Christian blessing. Many of the families I accompany do not belong to any church.
How quickly can you be reached?
Simply give me a call. If I cannot answer right away, I usually get back to you the same day. A first conversation can be arranged at short notice, also by video call.
Can relatives abroad take part?
Yes. Many families stream or record the ceremony for relatives who cannot travel. We can also include messages or readings sent in by family and friends abroad.
What does an English funeral ceremony cost?
The same fixed fees apply as for all my funeral ceremonies. You will find all details on the prices page. For families on a low income a reduced rate is possible by arrangement.
Contact
You do not have to carry this alone
Get in touch whenever you feel ready – even if you do not yet know what you would like. Call me or write to me at info@dertrauerengel.ch.
Warm regards,
Jan Euskirchen
Theologian · Funeral celebrant · Chaplain