This article is from the German Genealogy FAQ, by Jim Eggert EggertJ@crosswinds.net with numerous contributions by others.
German cemeteries are not as useful for genealogical purpose as
those in the US. Normally gravesites are leased for 20-25 years,
after which they may be renewed or usually revert to the cemetery
owner (church or town) and are reused. Some gravesites are sold
to a family and used for generations, but even then the site is
reused within the family. Some gravestones of historic importance
are retained for the long term. Gravesites are maintained by the
families. Sometimes cemeteries are converted to parks, but retain
their cemeterial nature. Graves in 20th-century military
cemeteries are not reused, but are maintained by a commission as a
reminder of the honor of soldiers and the horror of war.
 
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