Dutch term – Graf

A graf is a grave. In the Netherlands today, burials take place in special cemeteries, often at the outskirts of towns. Before 1827, most people would have been buried in or around the church.

Read how graves are routinely cleared after several decades, and check out these Dutch alternatives to Find a Grave to see if your ancestors’ graves survive.

a coffin covered by flowers is surrounded by a group of mourners in black attire

Burial of Gerrit Jan Hoitink, 1942. Author’s private collection

About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist in the Netherlands. She holds the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists and has a post-graduate diploma in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee. She has been doing genealogy for over 30 years and helps people from across the world find their ancestors in the Netherlands. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

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