Should the original will go in the binder?

No. Keep originals somewhere safe — in Germany ideally in official custody at the probate court. The binder only says where they are.

Should I write my passwords in it?

No. Paper is unencrypted and passwords change. Note only where they are stored, for example in a password manager.

The PDF is in German, because it follows German documents (Vorsorgevollmacht, Patientenverfügung). The sections are explained on this page.

Guide · Free template

An emergency binder saves your family days of searching. Download the free template and learn what really belongs in it.

By The Erbnis editorsPublished 16 October 2026Updated 16 October 20266 min read

Seven pages: cover, personal details, contacts, legal documents, finances, digital estate, home and wishes.
Originals such as your will stay elsewhere — the binder says where.
Never write passwords on paper, only where they are kept.
Tell one trusted person where the binder is, and review it yearly.

Emergency binder template (PDF, 7 pages, German)

Free, no sign-up. Print and fill in by hand.

Personal details: ID, tax ID, health insurance, doctor, certificates.
Contacts: trusted people, attorney-in-fact, employer, who looks after children and pets.
Legal documents: where your will, power of attorney and advance directive are.
Finances: accounts, brokerage, crypto (location only), loans, insurance.
Digital estate: where the phone passcode is, main email, password manager, Apple and Google settings.
Home and wishes: tenancy, utilities, car, memberships, funeral wishes.