Denmark in World War II and the Holocaust: A Controversial Reality

Introduction: A Unique Occupation Regime

Denmark was occupied by German troops on April 9, 1940, as part of Operation Weserübung. However, the Danish case became unique in the history of Nazi occupation in Europe. Until August 1943, Denmark maintained formal sovereignty, a functioning parliament, a government led by Social Democrat Thorvald Stauning, an army, and even King Christian X. This special status, known as the "model of collaboration" or "policy of appeasement," defined the country's specific position and influenced the fate of Danish Jews.

The "1940-1943 Model": Collaboration and Compromise

The German command was interested in maintaining the Danish economy as a source of agricultural products (meat, butter) and uninterrupted industrial production. Denmark was granted the status of a "model protectorate." In exchange for political loyalty and economic supplies to Germany, Danish authorities retained control over internal affairs. In the first years of occupation, there was no martial law introduced in Denmark, no racial laws in their German version, and the small German administration barely interfered in everyday life.

Interesting fact: According to a widespread but historically unverified legend, King Christian X allegedly wore a yellow star of David in solidarity with the Jews. There was never a real decree on the wearing of stars in Denmark. However, the king did exert private pressure on the government to protect Jewish citizens, and his daily horseback rides through Copenhagen without heavy security became a symbol of Danish calm and dignity.

The Turning Point of 1943: From Collaboration to Resistance

The situation changed sharply in the summer and autumn of 1943. Discontent with the occupation grew, acts of sabotage increased, and German military defeats at Stalingrad and in Africa changed the strategic picture. On August 29, 1943, German authorities presented the Danish government with an ultimatum demanding the death penalty for saboteurs and stricter measures. The government refused and was dissolved. Reich Commissioner Werner Best declared a state of emergency. The Danish fleet was partially sunk by its own crews to prevent it from falling into German hands. A new phase began — the period of open resistance.

The rescue operation for Jews: a collective feat and its reasons
The most famous page in Danish Holocaust history was the rescue of the overwhelming majority of the Jewish population in October 1943. Receiving information from German diplomat Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz about the impending night-time raid on October 1-2, the Danish underground, with the support of many ordinary citizens, organized an unprecedented operation.

For several weeks, about 7,200 Danish Jews and 700 of their non-Jewish relatives were secretly transported by fishing boats across the Great Belt to neutral Sweden, which agreed to accept them. About 470 Jews fell into the hands of the Nazis and were deported to the Theresienstadt ghetto. Interestingly, thanks to constant pressure from Danish authorities and the Red Cross, most of these prisoners survived the war.

Unique Factors of Success:

The absence of deep anti-Semitism: There was no mass Jewishophobia in Danish society. Jews (less than 0.5% of the population) were well integrated, considered Danes of Jewish faith.

Civil disobedience: Thousands of people participated in the operation — from police officers warning of raids to doctors hiding people in hospitals, and simple fishermen risking their lives.

Special status of Denmark: Even in 1943, the Germans acted here more cautiously than on the Eastern Front, trying to avoid open violence and mass unrest that could disrupt economic supplies.

Example: One of the fishing boats, "Eger," commanded by Erik Kroyer, made numerous dangerous trips across the strait in a few nights, transporting hundreds of people. There were dozens of similar stories. Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who saved Jews in Budapest, was later inspired by the Danish example.

Memory Dynamics and Historical Assessments

The historiography of the Danish war period has gone through several stages:

The post-war myth of a "united people-resistor," where the emphasis was on the heroism of the rescue of Jews and the Resistance movement, while downplaying the period of collaboration from 1940 to 1943.

A critical revision in the 1960-80s, when historians began to study compromises and economic collaboration between Danish authorities and businesses with the Nazis.

A modern comprehensive approach that recognizes both sides: pragmatic collaboration that preserved the country from destruction, and mass civil mobilization for the rescue of fellow citizens, made possible precisely due to the preserved structures of society.

Interesting fact: Danish Jews in Theresienstadt continued to receive food and medical supplies from the Danish government and the Red Cross. In 1944, to dispel rumors about death camps, the Nazis even allowed an inspection visit by a delegation of the Danish Red Cross and Danish officials to Theresienstadt, which was previously "cleaned up" and turned into a "model ghetto" for display. Although this visit was a propaganda action, it indirectly contributed to the survival of prisoners.

Conclusion: The Paradox of the Danish Experience

The history of Denmark during the war represents a paradox of pragmatism and humanism. On the one hand, the country went to unprecedented compromises with the occupier, which allowed it to avoid casualties and destruction in the first years. On the other hand, it was the preserved institutions of civil society, a sense of common responsibility, and national solidarity that allowed, at a critical moment, to organize an unprecedentedly effective rescue operation.

The Danish case of the Holocaust is unique not only for the low percentage of victims but also for demonstrating that even under conditions of total occupation and terror, active action by society and the state can be a decisive factor in saving human lives. This experience continues to be studied as an example of how legal culture, social cohesion, and civic courage can stand up to the destruction machine.

Permanent link to this publication: