Germany’s military surrender in World War II unfolded over several closely linked dates in May 1945, not on a single day.

Quick Scoop: Key Dates

  • 7 May 1945 – General Alfred Jodl signed the unconditional surrender of all German forces at Allied headquarters in Reims, France. It ordered German troops to stop fighting from 8 May at 23:01.
  • 8 May 1945 – The surrender terms came into effect on all fronts; this date is widely marked as V‑E Day (Victory in Europe) and is often given as the day “Germany surrendered” in WW2.
  • Night of 8–9 May 1945 – A second, formal signing took place in Berlin (Karlshorst), where German high commanders including Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel signed another act of surrender, dated 8 May, particularly to satisfy the Soviet Union.

So, if someone asks “when did Germany surrender in WW2,” the most common short answer is 8 May 1945 , but the first signing was on 7 May and a second major ceremony occurred just after midnight on 9 May (dated 8 May).

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