WWII EXPLAINED · QUICK ANSWER
When Did Berlin Fall in 1945?
The short answer: Berlin’s German garrison surrendered to Soviet forces on May 2, 1945, during the final days of the war in Europe.
What happened?
The Soviet offensive toward Berlin began on April 16, 1945. As Soviet troops fought into the city, Adolf Hitler died by suicide on April 30. Berlin surrendered on May 2, six days before Germany’s surrender took effect across Europe.
Who captured Berlin?
The Soviet Red Army captured Berlin. Polish troops fought alongside Soviet forces in the wider campaign. Berlin’s capture was a decisive symbol of the collapse of Nazi Germany, but the formal German surrender followed separately.
Key dates
| April 16, 1945 | Soviet Berlin offensive begins |
| April 30, 1945 | Adolf Hitler dies |
| May 2, 1945 | Berlin garrison surrenders |
| May 8, 1945 | German surrender takes effect |
The date May 2 refers to the surrender of Berlin’s garrison, not the surrender of all German forces.
Explore the timeline
Place these events in context using the interactive WWII CHRONOS archive.