An Ehrengrab (German - grave of honor) is a distinction granted by certain German, Swiss and Austrian cities to one of their citizens for extraordinary services or achievements in their lifetime. If no descendants or institutions still exist to which it can be granted, it is spent on the grave of the person, with the communities or cities also taking responsibility for the grave and for financing its care. Multiple ehrengrabs are also used to witness to cultural history if, for example, a cemetery is closed and individual burials can only be recovered at public expense.
The basic details of the awarding, financing and care of honorary graves are similarly handled in all German-speaking countries. Berlin and Vienna maintain the largest amount of such sites.
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