[citation needed] The nachzehrer was similar to the Slavic vampire in that it was known to be a recently deceased person who returned from the grave to attack family and village acquaintances.
[citation needed] A nachzehrer was thought to be able to drain their victim's life-force remotely.
This could involve devouring their own funeral shrouds and clothing - thought to be a very common sign of a nachzehrer.
[2] The danger was thought to be particularly great if the living had given the deceased some of their own possessions (e.g. as grave goods).
[citation needed] Open eyes or mouths, red lips, and a soft corpse were all seen as signs of a nachzehrer.