Denmark During World War II

Denmark durin g World War II

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From 9 April 1940 to 4 May 1945 Denmark was occupied by German forces. Today we still celebrate the liberation every year on 5 May.

The invasion marked the beginning of a 'peaceful occupation'. That means that Germany would respect Denmark's political independence if Denmark did not resist the occupation. The king and the government chose co-operation instead of resistance, but as you can read here, the relationship between the two countries was not unproblematic.

The economic, social and political development of Denmark pretty much ground to a halt during the occupation, and for the Danish people, a change of their daily lives took place. It was difficult to get groceries and keep warm. Danes were unable to get hold of the coal they needed for heating their houses, and which came from England before the war. Instead they had to use pleat and Danish lignite.

Ration coupons for purchasing groceries were distributed, so that the rich didn't buy all the goods. It was illegal to trade in ration coupon, but many got sold on the black market anyway.

There was a petrol shortage, so there were just a few private cars driving aroung during the occupation. Gas generators were placed on trucks and taxis. Blocks of beech-wood were burned and transformed into gas used to power the vehicles.

The resistance Even though the Danish government had chosen not to resist the occupation, some Danes didn't want to co-operate with the Germans. In 1941 and 1942, a number of resistance groups were founded around the country. The people engaged in the resistance against the German occupation were known as resistance men, and they were part of the resistance movement. These people strove for a free Denmark. Illegal newspapers were printed and sabotage was carried out against railways, factories and military installations. The resistance groups had to work underground and there was a constant danger of being caught and maybe even executed.

In 1943, the Danish Freedom Council was established to lead the struggle for liberation of the country. On the council were members of the most important illegal groups, for instance the communists and the resistance groups. When liberation occured in 1945, some 50.000 people were engaged in the resistance movement.

Jews in Denmark In 1940 there were about 7000 Jews in Denmark. At the beginning of the occupation, the German emissary to Denmark, von Renthe-Fink, recommended that the Danish Jews be left alone. He thought it would create a bad atmosphere between Denmark and Germany. But the Danish government's protective attitude towards the Jews did result in a crisis in the relationship with Germany, and in 1943 Hitler lost his patience. He wanted to deport all Jews in Denmark to the German concentration camps.

The German police, the Gestapo, took action against the Danish Jews the night between 1 and 2 October 1943. Most of the 7000 Danish Jews managed to escape to Sweden, but 481 were arrested and sent to the German concentration camp Theresienstadt. Many Danes got involved in helping the Jews and smuggled them to Swedenon little boats and fishing vessels.