What does "Weserübung" mean?

Short answer

"Weserübung" translates as "Weser Exercise": it was the code name for the German operation against Norway and Denmark. The final plan received it on 27 January 1940, and the operation ran from 9 April to 10 June 1940, opening the Norwegian campaign.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

German soldiers in Oslo 9 April 1940

A code name

The final plan was christened "Operation Weserübung" on 27 January 1940. In its English version the name appears as "Weser Exercise." That name designated the operation against Norway and Denmark. Hitler saw in the Altmark incident a clear sign that the Allies were also willing to violate Norwegian neutrality, which reinforced his commitment to invading the country.

From the directive to the landings

On 21 February 1940 command of the operation passed to General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst. On 1 March Hitler issued a new directive demanding the invasion of both Norway and Denmark. The first German ships set sail toward the invasion on 7 April 1940 at 3:00 in the morning. The operations ran from 9 April to 10 June 1940 and opened the Norwegian campaign.

Air support for the "Weser Exercise"

The entire operation was backed by X Air Corps, which brought together around 1,000 aircraft of various types. X Fliegerkorps was commanded by Generalleutnant Hans Ferdinand Geisler and held operational command of all Luftwaffe units taking part in Weserübung. Those units included 102 fighters, 233 bombers, 39 dive bombers and 165 reconnaissance aircraft, including seaplanes.